Lindt & Sprüngli And Italian Artisans Close To Chocolate Truce
The long-standing chocolate dispute between Swiss giant Lindt & Sprüngli and Italian artisan chocolatiers is nearing a resolution.
A potential deal, brokered by Italy’s Piedmont Region, will pave the way for a protected status for the iconic ‘Gianduiotto’ of Turin, while permitting Lindt & Sprüngli to continue its version, according to media reports.
Gianduiotto is a small melt-in-the-mouth confectionery, comprising a creamy mixture of grilled Piedmont hazelnuts, cocoa and sugar.
‘Gianduiotto of Turin’
Lindt & Sprüngli, which has owned Italian producer Caffarel since 1997, has blocked a move by a group of around 40 chocolatiers, as well as companies, such as Ferrero, Venchi, and Domori, to seek the creation of a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for the confection in the EU.
However, Lindt has now indicated that a deal may soon be reached with the group of chocolatiers that will allow for the creation of a PGI ‘Gianduiotto of Turin’.
The compromise being discussed will permit the creation of the PGI, but with Lindt’s subsidiary not joining but being allowed to continue with its brand (Gianduia 1865. L’autentico Gianduiotto di Torino) and recipe.
Original Recipe
The dispute centred around the recipe, with those seeking the PGI demanding a return to the original recipe of 30-45% roasted hazelnuts from Piedmont, at least 25% cocoa, plus sugar, while Lindt’s Caffarel adds powdered milk and uses fewer hazelnuts.
The granting of PGI status is expected to raise the profile of the chocolate and increase sales, which already generates around €200 million.
Piedmont Governor, Alberto Cirio, emphasised that PGI recognition aims to safeguard confectionery excellence as a shared heritage of Piedmont rather than serving as a commercial brand.
Positive consent from Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture is anticipated within 30 days, with final approval by the European Commission is expected by the end of the year.
ESM
Related news
Expansion and existing shops push Action sales 20 % higher
Sales at Dutch non-food discounter Action continue to rise substantially:…
Read more >In Italy, after May, the annual inflation was 0.8 percent in June as well
In line with the preliminary estimate, consumer prices in Italy…
Read more >Italian cured meat business Trinità acquired by local investor
Fondo Italiano d’Investimento said it will aim to consolidate Trinità’s…
Read more >Related news
Valeo Foods Completes Acquisition Of Appalaches Nature
Valeo Foods Group has completed the acquisition of Appalaches Nature,…
Read more >Carrefour grows in France and Brazil, lags behind in rest of Europe
Carrefour says it is rather pleased with its financial results…
Read more >Food and beverage innovation plunges nearly 50% since 2007: Mintel
The market research firm said about a quarter of items…
Read more >