Conscio Group today announces the simultaneous acquisition of Studio F2 S.r.l. (Castellucchio, Province of Mantova) and Metralab S.r.l. (Cadorago, Province of Como), two established, ACCREDIA-accredited food testing laboratories in Lombardia. Effective 28 March 2026, the two laboratories mark Conscio’s first direct presence in Italy.
Italy is the third-largest food and beverage market in Europe, with producers operating across tightly regulated categories — dairy, cured meats, olive oil, wine, fresh produce and DOC/DOP products — subject to increasingly stringent EU contaminant monitoring obligations. The Italian food testing market is projected to grow at approximately 11.8% per year through 2030, with pesticide residue and mycotoxin monitoring among the fastest-growing analytical categories.
Studio F2, founded in 1990 in Castellucchio (Province of Mantova), provides chemical and microbiological testing across dairy, meat and processed food matrices alongside HACCP, shelf-life and BRC-IFS consultancy, from a purpose-built zero-CO₂ facility. Metralab, founded in 2001 in Cadorago (Province of Como), covers a broad scope across food and cosmetic matrices, including microbiology, molecular diagnostics and chemical analysis. Both hold ACCREDIA accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025.
A key benefit of the acquisition is the immediate analytical collaboration with LVA — Conscio’s Vienna-based food laboratory and one of Central Europe’s leading specialists in pesticide multi-residue analysis and mycotoxin testing. Clients of Studio F2 and Metralab can access LVA’s capabilities directly through their existing local relationship, with no additional provider to qualify. All local customer service, teams and service conditions remain unchanged.
Stephan Holl, CEO of Conscio Group, commented:
Italy represents one of Europe’s most significant food testing markets, and one where Conscio has until now had no direct presence. With Studio F2 and Metralab we gain two technically strong, locally trusted laboratories in the heart of Northern Italy’s agri-food region. The immediate value for their clients lies in the connection to LVA in Vienna, whose pesticide multi-residue and mycotoxin capabilities rank among the strongest in Central Europe. Beyond analytical testing, LVA also provides certification services for IFS standards — a combination that is particularly relevant for Italian food producers operating in international supply chains. Our approach is straightforward: we preserve what works locally and strengthen it through the broader Conscio network.
About Studio F2 S.r.l.
ACCREDIA-accredited food testing laboratory in Castellucchio (Province of Mantova, Lombardia), recognised by the Regione Lombardia Assessorato al Welfare. Founded in 1990 by specialists in the dairy and meat supply chains, Studio F2 provides chemical and microbiological testing, HACCP consultancy, shelf-life studies and food safety training from a purpose-built zero-CO₂ facility.
About Metralab S.r.l.
ACCREDIA-accredited analytical laboratory in Cadorago (Province of Como, Lombardia), founded in 2001 and registered under Regione Lombardia DGS 1408/04 for food self-monitoring. Metralab provides chemical, microbiological and molecular biology testing across food, environmental and cosmetic matrices, including pesticide residues, mycotoxins, allergens, heavy metals and GMO analysis.
