The history of chocolate in Italy has deep roots, and Venchi is undoubtedly one of the brands that best embodies this tradition. An ambassador of Piedmontese confectionery art in Italy and around the world for 147 years, Venchi has always managed to blend tradition and innovation to create simply irresistible creations.
The origins of a myth
It all began with Silviano Venchi, a young farmer’s son who, only 14, left his family to move to Turin and learn the art of confectionery. With determination and entrepreneurial spirit, at the age of 20, he invested his savings in two cauldrons and opened his first workshop in 1878. Here, he began to experiment with chocolate, concocting creations that would become legendary. Among them are the famous Nougatine, pralines with chopped and caramelised Piedmontese hazelnuts covered in dark chocolate. A recipe that has remained unchanged over time and is still today a symbol of Venchi’s quality and creativity.
A troubled history
The small workshop quickly grew into a company that was appreciated throughout Italy and became a supplier to the Royal House. Silviano died in 1922 without children, and the fortunes of the company passed into the hands of Gerardo Gobbi. In the 1930s, Venchi, which had become Venchi Unica, produced mini-gianduiotti and ‘Praletta’, filled tablets. The company continued to grow until the 1970s when there were over 300 outlets in Italy. In 1978, however, the company went bankrupt due to financial troubles, but two years later, the Cuneo confectioner Pietro Cussino acquired the brand as compensation for a debt.
An unstoppable success
The real leap came in 1998 when Giovanni Mantelli (Cussino’s grandson) took over the brand together with Daniele Ferrero and Niccolò Cangioli with the aim of taking it to the top of the global market. In 2007, the first Cioccogelaterie – ice cream and chocolate parlours – were opened, transforming the way of experiencing chocolate. It is no longer just pralines and chocolate bars but an all-around experience that includes ice cream, spreadable creams, hot chocolate, and much more. The same year, Chocoviar was created: a three-layer praline with vegan ingredients covered in chocolate caviar, which became a best seller.
Innovating and experimenitng
Venchi is not just tradition. The company is always looking for new combinations and surprising flavours. From gourmet chocolates with unusual ingredients to savoury chocolate recipes, each creation is a unique sensory experience. Venchi also offers workshops and tastings to enthusiasts in its exclusive boutiques, such as the one in the heart of Milan, offering an immersive journey through history, taste and innovation.
Venchi today: a global icon
Today, Venchi is an international group headquartered in Milan, with a production plant in Castelletto Stura (CN). It has 180 Cioccogelaterie (ice cream parlours also selling chocolate) in 70 countries, with a presence in the world’s major capitals and offices in New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. With over 1000 employees and hundreds of millions in turnover, the company continues to expand, maintaining its vocation for quality and creativity.
Congratulations to those who bring Made in Italy chocolate to the world!
Learn about other outstanding companies from Piedmont.