35 locations, 2.7 million pizzas sold, 2.5 million customers served. Today we’re sharing highlights from our interview with Stefania Criveller, General Manager of the CGR Group, and Mario Moretti, CEO of Moretti Forni.
CGR Group is a solid and ever-evolving player in the food service industry: over 370 locations, 30 years of casual dining experience, and 5,000 employees between Italy and France. A successful model built on innovative and sustainable formats.
“Heat is an ingredient” is our mantra. But what will be the key elements of tomorrow’s food service?
Stefania Criveller – General Manager CGR
“I love the word ‘heat’ because it encompasses both passion and quality. Passion for the product and attention to quality are what define a successful brand. And heat should also be felt within the team: when people work with passion, they can overcome any challenge.”
Mario Moretti – CEO, Moretti Forni
“I completely agree. The future of the food service will be increasingly focused on quality. When a customer finds quality, they stay loyal. Our role is to export this Italian quality worldwide, using technologies that allow our culinary tradition to be perfectly replicated anywhere. Delivering quality in Italy is natural, bringing it to the world is the real challenge. That’s our mission.”
Sustainability and Social Responsibility: A True Commitment
Pizzikotto is a pioneer brand in sustainability. What is your vision on it?
Stefania Criveller – General Manager, CGR Group
“For us, sustainability is real and fully integrated into our growth strategy. It’s not just a matter of image but a core value. We aim to generate returns for investors and provide stability for our staff, but always in a responsible way. That’s why we were among the first to introduce an inclusive concept of social sustainability. We support initiatives like Massimo Bottura’s Tortellante, whose products are also on our menus. It’s a vision that touches every aspect: environmental, economic, and social.”
Does this philosophy align with Moretti Forni’s vision of sustainability?
Mario Moretti – CEO of Moretti Forni
“Absolutely. We believe that the new sustainability begins with inclusivity. Every company should be committed not only to improving the environment but also to enhancing people’s well-being. For us, this means developing technologies that simplify work and empower everyone to perform at their best. This is a core value we aim to share with our partners.”
Training and innovation: the role of CGR Academy and MorettiLAB
The CGR Academy is a cornerstone of training within the group. How is this project structured?
Stefania Criveller – General Manager CGR
“Training is essential, especially in a sector with high turnover like food service. In addition to classroom courses, we provide on-site training and use digital tools. We also train our staff on how to use equipment, such as that from Moretti Forni. With 101 different nationalities among our employees, we also help them improve their communication skills in Italian. But it’s not just about teaching—we’re constantly engaging with them to simplify and optimise workflows.”
The MorettiLAB is also a key reference point for training at Moretti Forni, acting as a true baking academy. How do you support your partners?
Mario Moretti – CEO of Moretti Forni
“Just this past December, we hosted the Pizzikotto team for a three-day full immersion. Training is essential because having advanced technology is not enough—you need to know how to use it to its fullest. Product replicability is crucial for a chain, and we guarantee top-tier service, available seven days a week, because we know how critical this is for our clients. Training and service are what truly make the difference.”
Customer support: the key for the success of restaurant chains
How important is efficient support service for major foodservice brands?
Mario Moretti – CEO of Moretti Forni
“It’s essential for everyone—from large chains to small businesses. Working with structured organisations means we must meet very high service standards and specific needs. And we are always ready.”
