Majani celebrates 230 years of history through investment, sustainability and exports

Majani celebrates its 230 years of history in 2026, an anniversary that is not only a milestone, but also a new starting point for Italy’s longest-standing chocolate company.

Founded in Bologna in 1796, the company has lived through more than two centuries of history and profound changes in tastes and society, while preserving its connection with the local area, quality and Italian expertise. This continuity extends from loyalty to its recipes to the choice of raw materials and a production model that still starts with cocoa beans and follows every stage of processing in-house.

The figures

In 2025, Majani achieved 14,8 million in revenue, up 12,9%, with an Ebitda of 12,9%, a result affected by the rise in cocoa costs. Net financial debt is positive at 2,1 million euros, while net equity amounts to 12,5 million euros.

The company is wholly controlled by Vmm Finanziaria, the family’s holding company. The Group’s consolidated financial statements as at 31 December 2025 show net equity of 35,6 million euros and positive net financial debt of 22,2 million euros. Majani currently has 54 employees, 78% of whom are women, rising to approximately 100 during peak seasons. Its products are exported to more than 50 countries, with exports accounting for approximately 10% of revenue. The company is also Fssc 22000 and Halal certified, confirming the standards adopted for food safety and production.

Investment for development

In recent years, Majani’s growth has been accompanied by targeted investment to strengthen production capacity and develop new sales channels, while maintaining its positioning. In an evolving chocolate market, where new consumption occasions are emerging alongside traditional products—from snacks and self-consumption to wellness-related offerings—Majani continues to focus on its identity, product quality and the heritage of its brand.

The development strategy focuses particularly on exports and travel retail, with a presence in Italian airports and international markets such as Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. These are complemented by hospitality and tailor-made solutions, supported by production flexibility and a dedicated design department capable of developing customised projects for the B2b and high-end gifting sectors.

This path is also supported by the recent investment of approximately 3 million euros to expand the Crespellano plant, which will grow from the current 7.600 to 9.860 sq m, strengthening production capacity and creating new conditions for the company’s development.

Production quality

In the premium chocolate sector, Majani brings with it more than 230 years of history and an approach to quality that begins with the production process. The company starts with cocoa beans, which are roasted in-house, and follows all the different stages of processing through to the finished product: a process that requires time, expertise and knowledge of the trade, now maintained by only a small number of companies.

The same care goes into the choice of raw materials and suppliers. Whenever possible, Majani gives preference to Italian ingredients and local businesses, particularly for hazelnuts, almonds and sugar, for which it has signed a multi-year contract with a major company in the Bologna area. In recent years, it has also increased its use of fair-trade and environmentally sustainable suppliers for cocoa, contributing to a more responsible supply chain.

Sustainability

Over the past five years, the company has invested approximately 3 million euros in energy efficiency, plant innovation and safety, through measures including solar panels, improved plant performance and a new CO2 cooling system replacing freon. In 2025, an energy audit was also carried out and, with the plant expansion planned for 2027, a new photovoltaic system is scheduled.

On the environmental front, Majani is also working on the circular economy, making use of plant waste to produce biogas and progressively reducing plastic in packaging in favour of paper wherever possible. Traceability and origin-monitoring systems have been introduced for raw materials, with the aim of promoting sourcing from zero-deforestation supply chains, in line with EU Regulation 2023/1115. Particular attention is paid to cocoa, through greater traceability and partnerships for a more ethical and regenerative supply chain.

The comment

“We would like Majani, Italy’s first chocolate company, to still be recognised as a benchmark for high-quality chocolate in another 20 or 30 years,” comments Vittoria Mezzadri Majani, the company’s brand manager and the ninth generation of the family, “capable of evolving without losing the characteristics that have made it recognisable. Our ambition is not simply to grow, but to continue to be relevant, desirable and authentic. The 230 years are a new starting point: looking to tomorrow in order to continue building the future together with the new generations and those yet to come.”

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.