The Italian industry of Chocolate represents a perfect synthesis between historical heritage, technological innovation, and international projection. With exports exceeding 2.8 billion euros in 2024, the sector confirms itself among the most dynamic in the agri-food industry , capable of responding to the growing global demand for quality and sustainability. From the strategies of large industrial groups to bean-to-bar producers and B2B suppliers for high-end pastry, this article offers an updated overview of market leaders, production trends, and the challenges of a supply chain that makes the selection of raw materials its main competitive advantage., capable of responding to the growing global demand for quality and sustainability. From the strategies of large industrial groups to bean-to-bar producers and B2B suppliers for fine pastry, this article offers an updated overview of market leaders, production trends and the challenges of a supply chain that makes the selection of raw materials its main competitive advantage.
The Italian chocolate market shows positive dynamics in the 2024-2025 period. According to data , the cocoa and chocolate sector recorded in 2024 a, the cocoa and chocolate sector recorded a production of 372,665 tons, for a value of 6.607 billion euros (+6%), with an extraordinary growth ofexport (+17.2%) reaching 2.88 billion euros. Standing out as one of the most dynamic sectors of the Italian food industry.
The industrial leaders: Ferrero, IRCA, Novi and the expansion of B2B
Ferrero Group
Based in Sunrise (Piedmont), Ferrero closed the financial year ending 31 August 2024 with a consolidated turnover of €18.4 billion, an increase of 8.9% compared to the previous year. In the 2024-2025 financial year, ending August 31, 2025, revenue grew further by 4.6% to €19.3 billion.
Iconic products such as Ferrero Rocher, Kinder, Nutella and Mon Chéri are distributed in over 170 countries. The company counts beyond 50,000 employeesi and invested €958 million in 2023/2024, representing a global industrial giant with a strong commitment to the sustainability of the cocoa supply chain.
IRCA Group
IRCA, based in Gallarate (Varese), is an international leader in production B2B of chocolate, creams, fruit, pistachios, decorations and ingredients for the professional food sector. Founded in 1919, the company achieved a turnover of almost in 2024-2025 €1.5 billion, with beyond 2,200 employees in the world, of which 800 in Italy.
IRCA operates with 20 production plants distributed between Italy, Europe, the United States and Vietnam, serving over 100 countries. With an annual production of approx 48,000 tons of chocolate, the company is among the top three producers of chocolate and substitutes in Italy. The group includes brands such as Joyice cream, Dobla (premium chocolate decorations), Cesarin, Ravifruit and, from 2025, Domori Professional.
The acquisition of Domori's professional division - more precisely, the exclusive rights to use the Domori brand in the B2B channel - has further strengthened IRCA's position in the super-premium segment, with particular focus on fine cocoa Criollo. IRCA Academy, based in Gallarate, represents a center of excellence for professional training in the confectionery sector, with over 1,000 professionals trained every year.
ICAM
ICAM (Industria Cioccolato e Affini Morbegno) is an Italian company founded in 1946 by Silvio Agostoni with the Vanini family, specializing in chocolate and semi-finished products. In 2024 it reached a record turnover of 324 million euros, up 50% compared to 215-216.5 million in 2023. Commercial development is driven by exports to 76 countries, representing 60% of turnover.
Since the 1970s the family business – now in its third generation – has established direct relationships with growers and cooperatives, purchasing about 80% of the cocoa without intermediaries and opening a branch in Uganda, from which it now imports several tons of raw materials.
When cocoa availability in Ghana and Ivory Coast decreased – causing prices to rise from about 2,500–3,000 USD/t to peaks above 12,000 USD/t at the end of 2024, then stabilizing around 8,000 USD/t in 2025 – the strength of direct relationships and supply diversification allowed ICAM to preserve volumes and contain margin erosion.
Elah Dufour Group – Novi
Novi is one of the most iconic companies in the Italian chocolate landscape. Founded in 1903 a Novi Ligure (Alessandria) as a cooperative of confectionery retailers and wholesalers, it has managed to establish itself over time as a leading producer of chocolate bars, gianduiotti, cremini and other sweet specialties. Today Novi is part of Elah Dufour Group, which has maintained production in Piedmont and continues to enhance the Italian supply chain, with selected raw materials and strict quality controls. The company recorded an estimated turnover between €200 and €225 million in 2024-2025, reflecting the appreciation for its products in the national market even under difficult raw materials market conditions.
Novi is especially famous for Hazelnut chocolate bar (milk chocolate bar with whole Piedmont hazelnuts, symbol of the company), the Novi Cream (spreadable cream with over 45% Italian hazelnuts and without hydrogenated fats or palm oil), the 'Nero Nero' dark chocolate lines with high cocoa percentage (up to 75%), the gianduiotti e traditional cremini from Piedmont, as well as the classic bars of milk, dark, white chocolate and seasonal specialties.
The company has consolidated its position through marketing initiatives connected to Italian tradition, such as the famous campaign with the claim 'Swiss? No, Novi!', which emphasizes the Italian identity of chocolate and its distinctive quality. Novi aims atinternational expansion, with growing presence in Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom), in the United States and in South America, with Christmas lines and premium packaging for the global market.
Venchi S.p.A.
Founded in 1878 in Turin, Venchi is famous for gourmet chocolate gourmet and artisanal gelato. 2024 ended with around €240 million in revenue, with a 20% growth compared to the previous year and an EBITDA around 20%. For 2025, the goal is to reach €290 million in revenues.
The company has a network of 203 stores worldwide, with a retail expansion strategy in international markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East.
Loacker S.p.A.
Historic South Tyrolean company founded in 1925 in Bolzano, Loacker is mainly known for wafers but also produces chocolate specialties. The company reached a group turnover of €459.4 million in 2024, with over 1,000 employees.
75% of turnover comes from international markets, with 65% developed outside the European Union. The company maintains a strong territorial identity, using high-quality raw materials and renewable energy for production.
The guardians of history: Baratti & Milano, Majani and Gay Odin
Baratti & Milano
Historic Turin brand founded in 1858, Baratti & Milano represents the excellence of Piedmontese confectionery tradition. Part of Elah Dufour Group together with Novi, Baratti is famous for its gianduiotti, , artisanal chocolates and the specialties that have made the history of Turin confectionery. The historic Baratti & Milano café in Piazza Castello in Turin remains an icon of the city and Italian chocolate., artisanal chocolates and the specialties that have made the history of Turin chocolate making. The historic Baratti & Milano café in Piazza Castello in Turin remains an icon of the city and of Italian chocolate.
Majani 1796
One of the oldest chocolate factories in Italy, founded in Bologna in 1796, Majani is appreciated for classic creations such as the Cremino Fiat (created in 1911) and the , as well as a modern line of artisanal chocolate bars. The company represents excellence in the Emilian chocolate tradition., as well as a modern line of handcrafted bars. The company represents an excellence of the Emilian chocolate making tradition.
Gay Odin
Historic Neapolitan chocolate manufacturer founded in 1894, Gay Odin is famous for specialties such as the Vesuvio (volcano-shaped chocolate), the Foresta and artisanal chocolates. The company maintains a strong territorial identity with historic shops in downtown Naples.
The Renaissance of chocolate: artisans and the bean-to-bar movement
In addition to the historic brands, Italy has seen significant growth of producers bean-to-bar artisans, who directly transform cocoa beans into chocolate with high-quality techniques and controlled supply chains. Among these stand out:
- Amedei (Tuscany): famous for high-end chocolate with single-origin cocoa, completely artisanal production;
- Maglio (Piedmont): artisanal production focusing on organic ingredients and fair trade;
- Sabadì (Modica, Sicily): chocolate processed cold according to the Modican tradition;
- Small regional realities like Bitter Chocolate and other local makers who offer unique tasting experiences.
Domori (Turin), founded in 1997 and acquired by the illycaffè group in 2006, while maintaining a high-quality bean-to-bar approach with cocoa varieties Criollo e Trinitario, today operates with an industrial structure. The consumer division has an estimated turnover of around €15-20 million, while the division Domori Professional (acquired by IRCA Group in 2025) serves the B2B channel. Domori represents an Italian excellence in the super-premium segment, internationally recognized for the preservation of Criollo cocoa.
Italy in the world: emerging markets and sustainability challenges
Italy confirms itself among the main European producers of chocolate, after Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The main destination markets for Italian exports are Germany, France, United States, United Kingdom, Spain, and Poland.
The , capable of responding to the growing global demand for quality and sustainability. From the strategies of large industrial groups to bean-to-bar producers and B2B suppliers for high-end pastry, this article offers an updated overview of market leaders, production trends, and the challenges of a supply chain that makes the selection of raw materials its main competitive advantage. of chocolate is particularly appreciated for the quality of raw materials (Piedmont hazelnuts foremost), traditional recipes, and innovation in artisanal specialties. Emerging markets such as Asia, Northern Europe and the Middle East represent new opportunities, in particular for healthy and 'plant-based' products.
Challenges and future prospects
The Italian chocolate sector faces several challenges in the 2024-2025 period:
- volatility of cocoa prices: the significant price increase in 2023-2024 has had a dramatic impact on company margins;
- sustainability of the supply chain: increasing focus on certifications (Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade) and full traceability of the supply chain;
- evolution of consumer preferences: increasing demand for products organic, without added sugars, vegan.
The outlook remains positive, with opportunities linked to product innovation, e-commerce, and exports to high-potential markets.
Conclusions
The resilience of the chocolate industry in Italy, despite the volatility of raw material prices, lies in its ability to oversee every market segment: from mass-market to super-premium. The consolidation of companies like IRCA in the professional channel, the innovation of Novi, and the continuous retail expansion of Venchi demonstrate that international success depends on the ability to tell the story of an authentic product. For the future, total traceability and innovation in formulations (organic, plant-based) will bethe keys to maintaining Italian leadership, offering international partners not only chocolate but a certified experience of excellence.
GIFT Editorial Office (Great Italian Food Trade)
References
- Amedei. (2026). Amedei Tuscany. https://www.amedei.it/
- CAOBISCO. (2026). European Association of Chocolate, Biscuit and Confectionery Industries. https://caobisco.eu/
- Domori. (2026). Domori – Quality Chocolate. https://www.domori.com/
- Ferrero Group. (2026). Our numbers. https://www.ferrero.com/it/it/chi-siamo/i-nostri-numeri
- Elah Dufour Group. (2026). Elah Dufour – Novi and Baratti. https://www.elah-dufour.it/
- IRCA Group. (2026). Who we are. https://www.ircagroup.com/en/inside-irca-group/who-we-are
- Loacker. (2025). Company information. https://www.loacker.it/informazioni-sulla-nostra-azienda/
- Majani. (2025). Majani 1896. https://www.majani.it/
- Italian Food Union. (2025). Chocolate. Italian Food Union. https://www.unioneitalianafood.it/cioccolato/
- Venchi. (2025). Venchi – Chocolate and ice cream since 1878. https://www.venchi.com/
