Our story
From a little shop on the Navigli in Milan
The steps that shaped our journey to today
Our story began in 1953 in Milan, in a small shop on the Navigli, where every day Balconi would bake delicious snacks and sponge‑cake tarts. Quality, taste, and tradition allowed Balconi to grow, transforming from a small pastry shop into a solid industrial enterprise appreciated in Italy and around the world. Our mission remains the same: to delight every moment of the day. The traditions behind our Italian products have endured across time and continue to look toward the future with the same passion—bringing you the best. Because in everything we do, we put our heart! Tradition lives on through the craftsmanship and knowledge of those who, always, pursue quality and taste. These aren’t just jobs—they’re artistry and skill united by a passion to create a unique tasty delight every day.
1953
The beginning of our sweet journey with the softness of sponge cake
Nerviano, the iconic place where it all started. Here, we have always baked our soft sponge cake—the heart of every snack—created by our Master sponge‑cake baker, who skillfully blends ingredients to ensure softness and flavor.
2013
The family grows with the tasty wafers and biscuits from Albaredo
Our culinary tradition blends with pastry art. Since 1977 in Valdenza, our dough makers passionately prepare shortcrust pastry, following an ancient traditional recipe, passed down through generations. Butter, flour, sugar, eggs, a pinch of salt, and lemon zest guarantee an authentically crumbly pastry.
2017
In Valdenza we honor the pastry tradition with shortcrust dough
Our culinary tradition blends with pastry art. Since 1977 in Valdenza, our dough makers passionately prepare shortcrust pastry, following an ancient traditional recipe, passed down through generations. Butter, flour, sugar, eggs, a pinch of salt, and lemon zest guarantee an authentically crumbly pastry.
2023
Softness of muffins and plumcakes becomes part of our family in San Secondo Parmense
The hero of this story is Peppino Pattini, a man who, after a harrowing wartime experience, found his path back home. During his time as a prisoner under the English, he worked in the camp kitchens. One day, ordered by an officer, he created a sweet leavened cake he’d never seen or tasted before—the Plumkè (the Italian‑ized “plumcake”). After the war, he devoted himself to baking, opening his own bakery in San Secondo Parmense. Peppino’s small bakery has come a long way and today still produces delicious muffins and plumcakes. His legacy still brings a taste of love and passion for pastry art.
2024
The art of naturally leavened goods arrives with the magic of sourdough—for indulgent croissants and festive treats
The heart of our naturally leavened products is our sourdough, alive since 1896, still central to our slow, natural leavening. Preserving tradition means keeping alive an ancient practice that carries with it all the flavor and aroma of times past. Our keepers of the sourdough maintain it with care and patience for over a century.
2025
The flavor of sponge cake enters a new era
In the heart of Castiglione delle Stiviere, the story of Pasticceria Freddi began in 1949. Founded by Luigi Freddi, it grew from a local bakery to a thriving industrial enterprise, renowned in Italy and abroad. The iconic sponge cake—symbol of tradition—was reinvented through modern technology. The bakery remains dedicated to using high-quality raw materials to satisfy a discerning audience. This approach blends innovation with traditional excellence, creating a bridge between the past and future of Italian pastry craft. Freddi continues to uphold its heritage of family passion, proving that evolution is possible while keeping roots strong.
A new chapter, an ageless taste.
2025
THE ENTRY OF MELEGATTI: THE PANDORO, A SYMBOL OF ITALIAN INGENUITY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
It all began in Italy, in a small pastry workshop where, in 1894, Domenico Melegatti created a new festive dessert.
This groundbreaking innovation was patented in 1895, establishing Melegatti as the inventor of the name, shape, and recipe of the famous Christmas cake we now know as Pandoro.
With its unmistakable shape and iconic blue packaging, it has become a symbol of the Italian holiday season.
Today, more than 130 years later, Melegatti continues to innovate and stands as a symbol of Italian craftsmanship, bringing a piece of history to every table.
