SICAM

About SICAM

In 1969, with a vision to build a cornerstone for Tunisian industry, the late founder Hadj Youssef Bayahi established the Société Industrielle des Conserves Alimentaires, or SICAM, in Medjez El Bab. The business was straightforward: transform Tunisia's agricultural bounty, specifically tomatoes, peppers, and fruits, into shelf-stable canned goods like tomato paste, harissa, and jams. From the beginning, the strategy was built on a close, symbiotic relationship with local farmers, treating them as partners to ensure a consistent and high-quality supply. Owned by the Bayahi Group, a major Tunisian conglomerate, SICAM grew steadily to become the undisputed market leader in its home country. The company created a deeply integrated operation, even establishing a subsidiary to manufacture its own metal cans. This control over the supply chain, from the farm to the sealed can, became a key competitive advantage, cementing its products as household staples synonymous with quality across Tunisia. A pivotal moment arrived in May 2020 when Development Partners International (DPI), a pan-African private equity firm, made a significant $56 million investment in the company. This infusion of capital was not an acquisition but a partnership with the Bayahi Group, led by CEO Tahar Bayahi. The goal was to accelerate growth, strengthen its leading domestic position, and significantly develop its international export strategy, leveraging its long-standing expertise for a global stage.