Pasta Fidli is a social enterprise in Central Bohemia, Czechia, that provides employment to people with disabilities or those at risk of social exclusion. With the help of EU funds, the company has increased the number of its employees and expanded its pasta production and distribution capacity.
- 13 April 2021
'Employment is the best protection against social exclusion. Pasta Fidli offers people with disabilities the chance to work and integrate into everyday life. We do not need large spaces; our 100m2 facility features production, storage and office spaces.'
New employees, new machines
The company acquired new machines and equipment to produce new varieties of stuffed pasta and gnocchi. Two new employees were hired to support the expanded production. The company bought a refrigerated van to increase its distribution services throughout Czechia.
The funds were crucial for the company to remain operational during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many restaurants, shops and hotels had to close.
The company also used the funding to train its staff, helping them to acquire professional skills in the field of gastronomy and improve their computer skills to support the administrative side of the business. In doing so, the company is helping its employees improve their qualifications and increase their employability.
Adjusting operations to personnel needs
Production has been adapted to the needs of employees. They enjoy flexible working hours and psychological support. Pasta Fidli’s longest-serving employees are proof of the fact that people with disabilities can overcome their limitations, acquire work habits, manage professional lives and make a contribution to society.
Pasta Fidli was founded in 2012 by Helena Cyrnerová and her daughter Gabriela. They wanted to help people with disabilities succeed in commercial activities and produce quality products. About 75 % of its staff are disabled and 51% of all profits generated are reinvested in the development of the company.
The company started producing fresh, basic varieties of pasta such as spaghetti, tagliatelle, and penne in 2014. Later, ravioli, gnocchi, dumplings and pesto were added to the product line. Today, the company produces 11 types of pasta and has a broad portfolio of customers, from private customers to highly ranked restaurants, hotels, and retailers.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Expansion of fresh pasta production - Pasta Fidli” is EUR 88 287, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 75 044 through the Integrated Regional Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “boosting the creation of social enterprises”.