In Italy, the century-old Perugina candy is synonymous with the art of Italian confectionary and a guarantee of creativity, quality and innovation. Since 1922, its best-loved product has been Baci, a dark chocolate and hazelnut praline that contains love notes or scrolls inscribed with messages of affection.
For Valentine’s Day in 1922, Perugina co-founder Luisa Spagnoli wrapped the chocolates in a ‘love note.’ Named Baci, the Italian word for kisses, it soon became a favorite among the young lovers browsing the Perugina sweetshop. The company came to the United States and introduced its candy at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. So popular were the treats, that same year it opened a store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The chocolates were immediately popular and were set apart from other candy by its hazelnut flavor and the Italian virtues of timeless romance, creative expression and irresistible charm.
Baci expanded the collection of the love notes that appear inside the wrapping of each chocolate and the messages have since been translated into different languages. The sayings now include quotes from classical authors, philosophers and contemporary artists.
Nearly 100 years later, Baci are still exclusively produced in Perugia, Italy and are exclusively distributed here in the United States by Colavita USA. The recipe is unchanged and unmatched – silky dark chocolate enveloping a heart of gianduia, dotted with chopped hazelnuts and crowned with a whole hazelnut. Each Baci remains hugged by a note that reflects sentiments of love, affection and friendship.
Perugina offers a wide variety of chocolate products to give to your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. From the Perugina Rossana with its unmistakable filling of exquisite rum, almond and milk-flavored cream, to the renowned dark chocolate Luisa bar. Perugina has transformed Perugia into the “Land of Chocolate” and if you visit the region of Umbria, stop by its factory – it is the sweetest tour in Italy! Locally, Perugina products are available in the U.S. through www.colavitastore.com, so order some today and enjoy some Baci with your sweetheart.
