Perugina chocolate

A journey into the sweet heart of Italy. Discover the history, values and excellence : authentic chocolate, creativity and passion that have thrilled for over a century.

Baci, Rossana Candies and premium cocoa: Italian confectionery icons

In the heart of Perugia, in 1907, one of the most fascinating stories of Italian confectionery came to life: that of Perugina. Born from the entrepreneurial vision of Francesco Buitoni, Leone Ascoli, Francesco Andreani, Annibale Spagnoli, and the extraordinary Luisa Spagnoli, transformed over more than a century from a small workshop into an international icon of Italian chocolate. Luisa Spagnoli, a central and inspiring figure, was a pioneer who combined product innovation, attention to workers’ well-being, and immense creativity. It was her intuition that in 1922 led to the creation of the “Cazzotto,” a unique chocolate later renamed Baci. The famous love notes hidden inside the wrappers, said to have originated from the secret correspondence between Luisa and Giovanni Buitoni, quickly made them a symbol of romance and Italian identity. In the 1930s, Perugina even opened a store on Fifth Avenue in New York, confirming its international vocation.

Over time, the product range has expanded significantly. Today, in addition to the iconic Baci available in many variations – classic dark, extra dark, milk, white, and ruby – we also find the Rossana candies, Rossana candy was born in 1926 as a product of Perugina, inspired by Roxane, the lady loved by Cyrano de Bergerac in the famous comedy by Edmond Rostand. With their creamy milk and almond heart, and gourmet versions such as Rossana pistachio candies, inspired by Sicilian confectionery tradition. Among the most versatile offerings in the kitchen, there is also unsweetened cocoa powder, perfect for homemade desserts or hot drinks, ideal for those seeking an intense and authentic taste. The range is completed by the chocolate bars from the Luisa and Nero lines, the GranBlocco for professional use, and seasonal pralines in gift boxes, perfect for any occasion.

The strength also lies in its ability to innovate while staying true to tradition. The evolution of the packaging, from the first silver paper wrappers with blue writing inspired by Hayez’s paintings to editions signed by Dolce & Gabbana and the latest digital versions with QR codes and audio messages, reflects a continuous commitment to remaining contemporary. It is no coincidence that the brand has received numerous awards for design and communication, and that campaigns such as the 1980s “Tubiamo?” are still remembered as cult moments in Italian advertising.

The brand’s sustainable soul is reflected in its adherence to the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and Rainforest Alliance certification, with an ethical and traceable supply chain that protects cocoa farmers and promotes responsible practices. Wrappers are made from 100% recyclable materials, and factories such as the one in San Sisto also use photovoltaic energy, confirming its commitment to the environment and future generations. The social dimension also remains central, as shown by the historic attention to employee welfare already introduced by Luisa Spagnoli in the early decades of the twentieth century.

Perugina chocolate is not just sweetness, but an integral part of Italian gastronomic culture. It pairs perfectly with a coffee break or can be enjoyed during a tea break with friends and family, becoming a moment of genuine sharing. Its varieties go well with homemade preparations as well as gourmet and professional recipes, thanks to the quality of the raw materials and expertise in cocoa processing. It is not uncommon to find Perugina in the kitchens of pastry chefs and chefs, thanks to the professional line and versatile ingredients such as GranBlocco.

In our in-depth look dedicated to artisan chocolate, it clearly emerges how stands out for its history, authenticity, and symbolic value, confirming itself as one of the most beloved Italian excellences in the world. Its cultural heritage, the bond with the Umbrian territory, and its deeply romantic identity make it a unique case in the field of chocolate-making, capable of evolving without ever losing its essence. Emblematic in this sense is the figure of Luisa Spagnoli, a true forerunner of female empowerment in business, who managed to turn an idea into an empire without neglecting care for people and product quality.

A little-known curiosity concerns the first name given to the Baci: they were called “Cazzotti” because of their irregular shape, but Giovanni Buitoni, realizing the need for a more delicate and universal name, suggested “Baci,” transforming the chocolate into a symbol of love recognized worldwide. This name change, combined with the famous love notes, helped make the product not only iconic but also deeply emotional and narrative.

In the landscape of Italian confectionery, represents the perfect union between tradition and innovation. Its products tell stories of flavor and passion, becoming part of daily life and celebrations, filling moments of pause and festivity with simplicity and warmth. Is not just a brand, but a heritage of culture and collective memory that crosses generations and continues to reinvent itself, without ever losing its deeply Italian identity.

Quality

Nestlé Cocoa Plan – Supply chain ethics and valorisation of producers

Adheres to the Nestlé Cocoa Plan, an international program that promotes cocoa quality, producer well-being and equality of gender in the countries of origin. Through the Cocoa Plan, the company supports the education of children, combats child labor and guarantees a supply chain traceable and responsible. This initiative integrates social value with product quality, making each chocolate a gesture of conscious choice.

Nestlé Cocoa Plan – Supply chain ethics and empowerment of producers

Uses certified cocoa Rainforest Alliance, to guarantee an ethical and sustainable chain. This certification promotes responsible agricultural practices, protects forests and improves the living conditions of farmers. The green frog mark on the packaging indicates that some of the cocoa comes from suppliers who meet rigorous environmental and social standards. A concrete commitment towards good chocolate for those who produce it, for those who enjoy it and for the planet.

FAQ

How many calories does a Bacio Perugina have?

A Bacio classic contains approximately 87 kcal per single 17 gram chocolate. Calories may vary slightly depending on the variant: dark, milk, white or ruby. Despite the gluttony, the Kisses maintain a balanced nutritional profile thanks to the use of whole hazelnuts and high quality chocolate, making them a small pleasure to enjoy with awareness.

Who founded Perugina?

Was founded in 1907 in Perugia by Luisa Spagnoli, Francesco Buitoni, Leone Ascoli, Francesco Andreani and Annibale Spagnoli. Among these, Luisa Spagnoli is remembered as the creative mind behind iconic products such as Baci Perugina. Their vision combined innovation, craftsmanship and a strong focus on quality and worker well-being.

How much does a Perugina Kiss weigh?

A Bacio has an average weight of 17 grams. This format, now iconic, was designed to enclose in a single chocolate a love message, a whole hazelnut and a perfect balance between gianduia and hazelnut grain. The weight makes the Kiss ideal for single consumption, without exceeding.

Where is the Perugina headquarters located?

The historic headquarters is located in San Sisto, a hamlet of Perugia, in Umbria. Here are the production plant, the company museum and the famous Chocolate School. This site is the beating heart of the brand, where tradition, innovation and training coexist to tell the culture of Italian chocolate on a global level.