100 years ago, in 1922, the Baci Perugina, the soft-hearted chocolates created by Luisa Spagnoli: a visionary entrepreneur who distinguished herself in both gastronomy and fashion.
The Baci Perugina were born in Perugia, at the height of the post-war economic recovery.
In the beginning it was Cazzotto
Bacio Perugina, today within the Nestle, it is a praline born by chance or rather, from the waste of some unused almonds.
The chopped hazelnut was thrown into the melted dark chocolate and their union created an irregularly shaped sweet that resembled the shape of a closed fist: a punch, in fact.
Second John Buitoni, CEO of Perugina and president of Buitoni, giving a sweet with that name would be inappropriate. This is how Baci Perugina was born. In the 30s it was Federico Seneca, then artistic director of the brand, who wanted to insert the scrolls of love inside each chocolate, a custom that continues to this day.
Luisa Spagnoli, the creator of Baci Perugina
The businesswoman Luisa Sargentini, known as Luisa Spagnoli after having inherited the surname from her husband Annibale Spagnoli, is the creator of Baci Perugina. In 1907, the two took over a grocery store and started an artisanal production of sugared almonds together with their partner Francesco Buitoni.
This is an exciting story for the good making of Made in Italy:. The two entrepreneurs set up a circular supply chain, exploit local raw materials and use local workers, fifteen in total.
This small village shop would become, despite many obstacles, one of the most honorable businesses in Italy. In 1923, Luisa was left alone to take care of the family business; her sons Mario and Aldo would join her. Hannibal would resign and shortly afterwards divorce his wife.
The end of the conflict also marked the beginning of a new business for Luísa, which was launched in fashion industry, raising Angora rabbits for wool production.
The animals will not be skinned or sheared, but combed to obtain mohair wool: their fashion is ethical. Angora Spagnoli was born in the suburbs of Saint Lucia.
After four years, she will be diagnosed with throat cancer that will kill her at age 58. Luisa's name will support the debut of Italian fashion in White Room do Palazzo Pitti, in Florence, when John Baptist Giorgini organize the first fashion show in Italian history.
Dolce & Gabbana for Baci Perugina
A "Fabbrica dei Baci” is an excellence of Made in Italy: which this year blows out its first hundred candles. And it will be her master chocolate makers who will honor her with a large cake that celebrates the dedication of the workers who made this event possible. Italian dream.
And for the centenary of its foundation, the Dolce & Gabbana created a limited edition (or rather, two): the first that launches the creative essence of the designer duo inspired by the sunny Sicilia and the second will be revealed just for Valentine's Day with an original recipe that will warm hearts.
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