Compagnia dei Caraibi announces the passing of its founder: Dario "Tigre" Baracco

Compagnia dei Caraibi has announced with deep sorrow the passing of its founder, Dario Baracco, known to everyone in the industry as “Tigre”.

An indispensable reference point for the Italian spirits and beverage sector, Dario Baracco represented a unique bridge between the ancient Piedmontese winemaking tradition, ethical entrepreneurship and the modern evolution of excellent mixology.

Origins in the Roero

Tigre’s story has its roots at the beginning of the twentieth century. The fifth heir to a family of wine producers and merchants in the Roero, his bond with the raw material began in childhood. The family’s commercial vocation began with his great-great-grandfather Tumalin Bartolomé Baracco de Baracho in Castellinaldo and continued in Turin, where the historic recipe for Vermouth "Riserva Carlo Alberto" was created. After his first youthful experiences in journalism (at Gazzetta d'Alba and Condé Nast), Tigre gathered and renewed that centuries-old family saga.

A pioneer of sustainability

His pivotal spiritual journey to India marked a profound turning point in his personal path and in his conception of work, translating into a vision capable of permeating everyday life. Living and dreaming of the Damanhur Community, just a short distance from the headquarters of Compagnia dei Caraibi, enabled him to weave the private and professional dimensions into a single, broader vision of life.

As early as 1974, he anticipated by decades the concepts of sustainability and natural nutrition, founding Compagnia della buona terra. In 1993, during a trip to Cuba, he discovered the excellence of local distillates, and in 1995 he founded Compagnia de Bebidas e Licores (later renamed Compagnia dei Caraibi in 2001 in Vidracco), beginning the import of historic rums such as Legendario and opening the way in Italy for the market of premium international and specialist spirits.

The company’s growth

Under his spiritual and entrepreneurial guidance, Compagnia dei Caraibi became not only a distributor, but also a true brand builder and cultural promoter. Dario Baracco also led the revival and rebirth of historic signature recipes – such as Vermouth Riserva Carlo Alberto, Amaro Mandragola, Salvia&Limone liqueur and Bitter Rouge! – enhancing the area’s alchemical and artisanal tradition.

With an explorer’s outlook and a sensitivity to quality, Dario forged the path along which Compagnia dei Caraibi – now led by Edelberto “Iguana” Baracco – has built the company’s contemporary model, becoming today a Società Benefit, B Corp and a leader in the national and international beverage sector.

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.