Sperlari candies

For over 180 years, has accompanied the sweetest moments of Italians with authentic recipes and selected ingredients, making every taste an experience of taste and tradition.

Nougat, Gelees and Galatine: Italian sweets

In the heart of Cremona, back in 1836, a young visionary named Enea Sperlari opened a small artisanal shop with the intention of honoring two of the most renowned local gastronomic traditions: nougat and mostarda. Thus began a sweet and authentic story that spans nearly two centuries of innovation, quality, and Italian passion. The shop, located on Via Solferino, quickly became a landmark for citizens and artists, including the famous Giuseppe Verdi, who visited not only to enjoy the house specialties but also to play a rare Viennese piano hidden under the counter. The harmony between flavors and musical notes remains to this day one of the most fascinating traits of Sperlari’s identity, a union of art, tradition, and taste. Over the years, the small business grew into a company with national and international reach, without ever losing its original soul. After various stages and ownership changes, since 2017 has been part of the Katjes International group, maintaining its strong Italian roots and aiming for a revival that embraces modernity, as demonstrated by the recent collaboration with Mina, the iconic voice of Cremona, for the campaign “Sweet Stories, Plus Yours.”

Among the specialties that have made this historic brand famous are undoubtedly the Candies, a symbol of confectionery excellence that has managed to innovate while staying true to quality. Since the 1950s, the “gift box” packaging has revolutionized the way these little delights are presented: a simple gesture like giving candies acquired a new elegance, comparable to that of the finest chocolates. Today, the range spans from classic flavors to more modern variations, offering a multisensory experience suitable for all ages. An example of this balance between tradition and innovation is the Galatine Milk Candies, made with real Italian powdered milk, gluten-free and free from artificial colorings, perfect for those seeking a genuine and delicate taste.

No less iconic is the Nougat, whose recipe is deeply rooted in Cremonese tradition. Soft or crunchy, with almonds or hazelnuts, it is the undisputed star of Italian festivities. But it is not just a Christmas sweet: over the years, has made nougat a pleasure to enjoy all year round, including it in new product lines such as chocolate-covered nougat bites or fruit-based variations. This ongoing ability to adapt demonstrates the company’s dynamic and innovative approach, which has never ceased to evolve.

Within the wide range of offerings, the Gran Gelees deserve a special mention. These soft fruit candies with a sugar coating have been loved for generations of consumers thanks to their intense and natural flavor. They represent a perfect example of how simplicity can be transformed into excellence when combined with carefully selected raw materials and meticulous production processes.

Sperlari’s bond with innovation goes beyond the product itself. Packaging design has always been a distinctive feature of the brand, starting as early as the 1950s with the vision of designer Erberto Carboni. His stylistic choices, such as dense stripes and top-down product photography, transformed packaging into a true tool of visual communication, able to convey brand identity even before tasting. This aesthetic sensibility has been preserved in the recent 2025 rebranding, which renewed the logo and the brand’s image while maintaining its connection with Cremona’s history and territory.

From a production perspective, continues to rely on a fully Italian supply chain. All of its products are manufactured in the four plants of Cremona, Gordona, San Pietro in Casale, and Silvi Marina. This localization is not accidental but reflects a corporate philosophy that values the territory, the quality of raw materials, and the work of local communities. Sustainability is another fundamental pillar of the brand: was the first Italian company to completely eliminate animal gelatin from its candies, replacing it with plant-based pectin, a choice that improved not only the nutritional quality of the products but also their environmental impact.

In this regard, the company has also invested in eco-friendly packaging solutions, introducing FSC-certified compostable bags, as well as green technologies such as cogeneration and trigeneration, capable of reducing CO2 emissions by up to 97%. This commitment has been recognized nationally and internationally thanks to certifications like ISO 14001 and the recent inclusion in the Register of Historic Brands of National Interest, alongside related brands such as Saila and Galatine.

Among the most fascinating curiosities surrounding the brand’s history is the famous piano hidden under the counter of the historic Cremona shop, still visitable today. This instrument, built between 1833 and 1855, was often played by Giuseppe Verdi during his visits. A detail that tells more than a thousand words about Sperlari’s link with Italian culture, combining taste and art, past and present.

In the context of everyday cuisine, remains a familiar and reassuring presence, capable of evoking authentic emotions with each product. Whether it is a sweet break during the day, a refined gift for the holidays, or a nostalgic ingredient on Italian tables, every creation represents a journey into tradition revisited with modern eyes. In a changing world, the brand continues to tell sweet stories intertwined with those of Italian families, keeping alive a passion that spans generations.

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Quality

FAQ

When was Sperlari founded?

It was founded in 1836 by Enea Sperlari in Cremona. With over 185 years of history, it is one of the oldest and most iconic confectionery companies in Italy, famous for the nougat, the mustard and its famous candy.

Where are Sperlari products produced?

All products are 100% Made in Italy and are made in the four Italian factories located in Cremona, Gordona (SO), San Pietro in Casale (BO) and Silvi Marina (TE). Each site is specialized and directly controlled to ensure quality and traceability.

Is Sperlari a sustainable brand?

Yes, has undertaken a concrete path of environmental sustainability. Among the initiatives: candy without animal gelatin, compostable packaging FSC certified, a cogeneration plant that reduces CO₂ emissions by 97%, and the adoption of trigeneration for energy saving. A virtuous model in the food industry.

Why did Sperlari collaborate with Mina?

In 2025, chose Mina as the face of the campaign “Sweet stories, plus yours”, a rebranding that celebrates the Cremonese tradition with a modern language. Mina's iconic voice interprets an exclusive jingle to strengthen the brand's bond with l’italianity, the passion and the collective memory linked to its historic products.