Merger between Pernigotti and Walcor, a new Italian confectionery hub is born

Cremona, 1 July 2025 – A new confectionery hub is born. Walcor of Pozzaglio e Uniti (Cremona), in Lombardy, and Pernigotti of Novi Ligure (Alessandria), in Piedmont, have merged their historic brands. Now, with an industrial merger by incorporation , they are a single entity with an annual turnover of approximately 70 million and over 340 employees (both permanent and seasonal), and a solid export presence in almost 50 countries . Production activities will continue in the Novi and Pozzaglio ed Uniti plants. The operation, supported by the reference shareholders - including institutional investors assisted by Jp Morgan Asset Management and Invitalia - unites two historic brands, guaranteeing continuity and projecting the Group towards new opportunities. This strategic merger aims to simplify the structure, expand the commercial offering and improve operational efficiency, promoting more agile management and rapid decisions. This strategic merger aims to simplify the structure, expand the commercial offering and improve operational efficiency, promoting more agile management and rapid decision-making.

The board of directors of Pernigotti has appointed Francesco Pastore as the new CEO. With proven experience in the food & beverage sector, he will lead the Group in this phase of growth. Luigi Mastrobuono has been confirmed as chairman of the board of directors. "This merger is the demonstration of our vision in supporting and relaunching Italian excellence - underlines Mastrobuono -. Now, united, Pernigotti and Walcor represent a successful model of the Fund for the safeguard of Historic Brands . The arrival of Francesco Pastore is a fundamental step for our future".

"I am honored to lead Pernigotti in this historic moment - adds the CEO -. The merger with Walcor is more than an operation: it is the creation of a confectionery hub that combines tradition and innovation. My commitment will be to enhance synergies, expand our global presence and inspire our team to reach new goals. Together we will build a successful future".

An Easter egg produced by the Cremona company Walcor

Walcor was founded in 1954 in Cremona, in a small laboratory on Via Marmolada where it produced ig raffioni (sgranfignòn, in the local dialect), typical sweets with a heart of whole cherry in alcohol wrapped in a rough chocolate shell. In the 70s and 80s, graffioni were abandoned to dedicate themselves entirely to Easter eggs, chocolate coins and Christmas figures to be sold in supermarkets. The company's growing success led Walcor to the new and larger factory in Boschetto, just outside Cremona. The 90s were the turning point: Walcor was the first company to produce Easter eggs with surprises inside linked to established brands (Giochi Preziosi, Sailor Moon, Spiderman, I Cavalieri dello Zodiaco): the factory of over 80 thousand square meters was born in Pozzaglio e Uniti. In 2020 Walcor obtained the title of “Historical Brand”, as a manufacturing excellence of Made in Italy, two years later it became a joint stock company and JP Morgan Asset Management and Invitalia entered into the company. Today the merger operation with Pernigotti, famous for its Gianduiotti chocolates.