Founded in Milan 170 years ago and still today its headquarters and factory have remained in the same city. An exceptional anniversary that of Branca, a family business, now in its fifth generation, which is present in 160 countries worldwide with its products, first and foremost Fernet-Branca (which in Argentina is really a cult). Just recently it won fourth place overall, making it the first Italian brand, with a growth of 10% in the Shanken’s Impact Databank international ranking dedicated to the Top 100 brands of spirits worldwide that have experienced the fastest growth.
A little history
It was in 1845 that Bernardino Branca and his three children began their adventure with Fernet-Branca, the result of their creativity and resourcefulness: a product with roots and herbs from four continents whose secret formula, still guarded by the Branca family, gave life to an elixir with such beneficial qualities as to have been sold for a long time (until 1950) in pharmacies. The decision to immediately invest in research, together with that of following the emigration of Italians in Europe and overseas, especially in the US and in South America, were the two great insights of the Branca family, which marked the beginning of a unique history, characterised by attention to innovation while respecting traditions, as recalled in the company’s motto “Novare Serbando” (renew while preserving).
The company developed based on this leitmotif and today has a product portfolio that also includes Brancamenta, Stravecchio Branca, Coffee Borghetti, Candolini Grappa, Grappa Sensèa, Punt e Mes, Carpano Classico and White, Antica Formula, Sambuca Borghetti, the premium spirit Magnamater, Sernova vodka, Villa Branca Chianti Classico wines, Bellarco spumante and the latest addition, Carpano Dry.
“This anniversary – says Chairman and CEO Niccolò Branca – marks a historic milestone for our company, but also for made in Italy: the history of Branca shows how focus on quality and innovation, along with preservation of traditions, can make Italian companies great, helping them overcome difficult times without losing their roots and values. We in Branca have always put particular focus on research, quality of raw materials, attention to ethical standards and respect for the environment. And above all attention to people, to all workers, that are a fundamental part of the company and each day determine its success”.
For the anniversary, the Ministry of Economic Development has issued a stamp belonging to the thematic series “The excellence of the manufacturing and economic system” dedicated to Branca and the book “On the wings of excellence” has been published by Rizzoli: a portrait of the company, from its famous products to its historical posters and the stages of its history, from its foundation in Milan to its international expansion that has marked its development since the nineteenth century.
