Imperium Holding has been a pioneer and stands as world leader in premium tea production and packaging, serving luxury tea brands across five continents since 1979. This partnership will enable the company to reinforce its leadership in eco-friendly and innovative packaging solutions, especially via its subsidiary SITI, known for sustainable, stitched tea bag production. Thanks to its innovative model that combines manual and automated production, SITI offers a fully integrated and scalable solution.
This investment brings significant socio-economic benefits to the country, where Imperium Holding already employs over 1,200 people. This €25 million investment aligns with Proparco’s 2023-2027 strategy, directly answering to targets 1 and 3: invest in a sustainable and resilient economy and contribute to the reduction of social inequality. This operation is projected to create an additional 933 jobs, strengthening local economic development. Additionally, the investment will support Imperium Holding in enhancing its governance standards such as promoting gender diversity in leadership. This partnership is built on a shared vision of long-term value creation and a commitment to sustainable, responsible practices.
“Supporting Imperium Holding’s expansion allows us to further advance key goals in supporting sustainable economic development, environmental impact, and social inclusion,” stated Frédérique Masi, Regional Director for North Africa at Proparco. “The group’s established leadership, strong market position, and substantial regional and international impact make it an exemplary partner as we work to promote inclusive, resilient economies. Collaborating with Imperium Holding, enables us to foster greater opportunities for communities and contribute to lasting, positive change across the region.”
Youssef Shelbaya, Investment Manager at IFU, stated that “This is an opportunity where the commercial returns and the developmental impact go hand in hand, which we always seek to achieve through our investments at IFU. Imperium has managed to cultivate its position as a market leader within an attractive niche in the tea sector, and we are pleased to support the group’s expansionary vision of doubling the company’s production capacity while continuing to deliver on key long-term environmental and social goals."
Ameel Somani, Director at Si also noted “We are pleased to partner with the El Baroudi family, and build on a 45-year legacy alongside an outstanding next generation management team. This marks our second partnership with Proparco and IFU – two exceptional and long-term orientated institutions, with shared vision and values. As the market leading luxury tea manufacturer, and a significant contributor to the Moroccan economy, Imperium Holding presents a very unique investment and impact opportunity."
“We are proud and excited to embark on this new chapter of growth with partners like Proparco, IFU and Si, who share our vision of creating long-term value based on sustainable and responsible practices that benefit the entire community.” stated the management of Imperium Holding. “This investment will allow us to expand our production capabilities and further our integration strategy, enabling us to continue offering our clients the most flexible, distinctive, and sustainable tea packing solutions. It strengthens our position as a reliable and innovative partner for premium tea brands, providing them with a unique competitive advantage in an increasingly dynamic market.”
This investment marks a pivotal moment in the premium tea sector, highlighting the rising importance of environmental, social, and governance practices. Through this partnership, Imperium Holding, Proparco, IFU, and Si set a new benchmark for responsibility and impact-driven growth within the industry.