Pernigotti facts for kids

Pernigotti is a famous Italian company that makes delicious chocolates, nougats, and ice creams. They are especially known for their high-quality Gianduiotto, which is a special chocolate-hazelnut candy.

Pernigotti is one of Italy's oldest and most traditional candy makers. It started in 1860 in a town called Novi Ligure in Piedmont. For many years, the Pernigotti family owned the company. Today, it is owned by JP Morgan Asset Management, and Invitalia also has a share. Many Italians say that Pernigotti is as important to chocolate as Ferrari is to cars!

The Sweet Story of Pernigotti

Pernigotti began in 1860 as a small grocery shop. The Pernigotti family owned it for five generations. Their products became very well known for their quality. In 1882, King Umberto I of Italy gave the company a special honor. He allowed them to use the royal coat of arms on their factory sign. This showed how much their quality was respected.

How Pernigotti Made Nougat Better

Around 1914, during World War I, the Italian government stopped the use of sugar for sweets. This could have been a big problem for nougat production. But Francesco Pernigotti had a smart idea. He used more honey instead of sugar. This made a new kind of nougat with a unique texture. It was a great improvement for the company.

In 1919, Francesco's son, Paolo Pernigotti, took over the company.

Rebuilding After War

After World War II, Pernigotti's main factory was destroyed. The company then moved its main office to a new factory. This new factory is still in central Novi Ligure today.

Some of Pernigotti's most famous products include Gianduiotto, which they started making in 1927. Other popular treats are Cremino, Pepitas, and Nocciolato.

Changes in Ownership

In 1980, the company faced some tough times. In 1981, they sold a part of their business called Sperlari to an American company.

In 1995, Stefano Pernigotti, who was the last family member to own the company, decided to sell Pernigotti. The Averna family, famous for their drinks, bought the company.

Later, on July 11, 2013, the Averna family sold Pernigotti to a Turkish company called Toksöz. This group works in sweets, medicine, and energy.

In 2019, Pernigotti sold its "Ice & Pastry" part to Optima Group. This included the "Pernigotti Maestri Gelatieri Italiani" brand.

In 2022, the Toksöz group sold all of Pernigotti to JP Morgan Asset Management. Then, in July 2023, Invitalia also bought a 25% share in the company.

What Pernigotti Makes

Pernigotti makes many different sweet things. They produce various chocolate products, tasty nougats, and special Easter eggs. They also make "semilavorati" for ice cream. These are basic cream mixes used to create delicious ice cream.

Production Challenges and Return

In 2018, there were concerns that Pernigotti might close its main factory in Novi Ligure. This was because the company had lost money for several years. There were talks about moving production to Turkey or outsourcing it within Italy. This situation showed how difficult it can be for companies facing problems in Italy.

However, since JP Morgan Asset Management took over in 2022, production has started again. The company is now making its products at the historic Novi Ligure plant once more.

See also

In Spanish: Pernigotti para niños