Iconic Italian chocolates Baci Perugina are coming to duty-free

Nestlé is to introduce Baci Perugina, the iconic Italian chocolate brand recognised worldwide for its Italian heritage, quality and taste, with a new range of high-end products available to duty-free customers.

The fine chocolate recipe, first crafted by Luisa Spagnoli in 1922 in the medieval Italian city of Perugina, has gone on to inspire an expansive and luxurious product line offering a number of variations on the original dark Baci (meaning “kisses” in Italian).

The unforgettable ‘kiss’ with an irresistible Italian taste is currently enjoyed in 55 countries, selling some 500 million units a year and Nestlé International Travel Retail General Manager Stewart Dryburgh believes it is Baci’s association with love that makes the brand ideal for gifting within global travel retail.

“Over the past 96 years, Baci Perugina chocolates have travelled to all parts of the world, bringing with them the best of Italian values, tradition, customs and culture,” he says.

Appealing to discerning, gift-buying customers and capitalising on the ever-growing dark and premium chocolate trend, four decadently dark offerings: Baci Original Dark Bag, Baci Original Dark Bijou, Baci Extra Dark Bijou and Baci Original Dark Box are accompanied by the smooth and sumptuous Baci Milk Bijou – making it easier than ever before for travellers to share unforgettable moments with friends and loved ones with the special gift that says, “I love you the Italian way”.

Baci Perugina chocolates are made with only eight, all-natural ingredients (including 100% cocoa butter and natural vanilla flavouring) and are gluten-free and kosher-certified. Additionally, as part of its pledge for superior, quality ingredients in all its products, Baci Perugina participates in the Nestlé initiative, The Cocoa Plan, to continue the global corporation’s long-term commitment in making a real difference through better farming, better lives and better cocoa.

“Our value for quality, wholesome and healthy ingredients meets the demand of high-end consumers worldwide who are increasingly mindful of what they eat,” continues Dryburgh. “With the introduction of these five new products, which are perfect for global travel retail we look forward to working further with the industry to delight the palates of even more consumers across the globe. One of the major requirements for ITR – and indeed Nestle – is that brands have stories to tell. Baci has a great story and, quite uniquely, everyone is different – each has an ‘irregularity’ that makes it more desirable.”

Baci Perugina’s history, founded on Italian culture, tradition and passion, encapsulates the very essence of the celebrated ‘Made in Italy With Love’ concept conveyed by its star-studded wrapping, indulgent ingredients and the ‘love notes’ (romantic messages penned by philosophers, classical authors, contemporary artists) offered in various International languages that have become synonymous with the brand.

Baci Perugina will be available from September this year.