Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Babbi, your company has a long family tradition. How has the firm developed over the years?

Andrea Babbi: The company was founded in 1952 by my great-grandfather Attilio Babbi, who had previously worked as a sales representative for confectionery. He began with the production of ice cream cones after one of the companies he represented was destroyed after World War II. High-quality ingredients for ice cream making quickly followed. At the end of the 1950s, we expanded our range to include exquisite patisserie specialties, which remain a central part of our business today. Today we continue the family tradition and combine proven craftsmanship with modern technology.

Wirtschaftsforum: How does Babbi differ from other providers on the market?

Andrea Babbi: Our DNA consists of two pillars: first-class ingredients for ice cream and pastry production as well as exclusive confectionery specialties for upscale retail. Our products are not mass-produced, but stand for the highest quality. For example, we only use the best raw materials such as Sicilian pistachios and hazelnuts from Piedmont. Additionally, our focus on innovation is strong: with our brand "Babbi Home Bakery," we recently started bringing high-quality baking ingredients to the consumer market. Furthermore, we place a strong emphasis on training: our Babbi Academy offers professional training worldwide to pass on the art of artisan gelato and patisserie.

Wirtschaftsforum: What training programs does the Babbi Academy offer and how do participants benefit from them?

Andrea Babbi: Annually, we offer over 40 hands-on training sessions – from beginner courses to professional training. Besides our main academy in Italy, we operate training facilities in Germany and Spain to support customers and partners directly on-site. This involves not just technique but also trends, innovative recipes, and efficient production processes. With this knowledge, we enhance the quality of our products, encourage creative impulses in the industry, and strengthen our brand globally.

Wirtschaftsforum: Which international markets are particularly important for Babbi?

Andrea Babbi: Our main market remains Italy, but internationalization is progressing rapidly. We are now active in around 70 countries, with focuses in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Japan. We are particularly proud of our partnerships with premium department stores such as KaDeWe in Berlin, Oberpollinger in Munich, or Isetan in Japan. While our ice cream ingredients business is already highly internationalized, we are further expanding our confectionery line with a selective strategy. In doing so, we place great importance on positioning our brand specifically in high-quality delicatessens and exclusive boutiques in order to strengthen our premium image worldwide.

European Business Forum: The past years have been economically challenging. How has Babbi mastered them?

Andrea Babbi: Flexibility was the key. During the pandemic, we strengthened our digital sales channels, diversified our business, and refocused on our core competencies. Despite rising raw material prices, particularly for pistachios, hazelnuts, and cocoa, we were able to maintain our quality and production security thanks to long-term partnerships with suppliers. Additionally, we are seeing a growing demand for high-quality products — people are once again placing more value on quality over quantity, especially in our premium segment.

Wirtschaftsforum: What are Babbi's medium to long-term future plans?

Andrea Babbi: Our goal is to consistently drive our international expansion forward and open up new markets. In Germany, we have already established our own branch in Augsburg, while in Spain, we ensure even more efficient customer supply with a logistics center. At the same time, we are continuously investing in the development of new products and innovative recipes to further refine our assortment and more specifically meet our customers' needs. Sustainability remains a core theme of our business strategy: We are constantly optimizing our production processes, increasingly focusing on environmentally friendly packaging, and ensuring that we source our raw materials responsibly. Our long-term goal is to establish Babbi as a synonym for exclusive confectionery and premium ice cream ingredients worldwide, thereby solidifying our position as a leading provider in this segment.