Sweet Pleasure with a Green Vision
Interview with Silvano Papa, Managing Partner of Dolceamaro Srl
Manufacturing high-quality confections requires a balance between tradition and modern technology. Dolceamaro Srl, based in central Italy, has mastered this symbiosis for over 50 years and is considered a pioneer in the industry. In a conversation with Wirtschaftsforum, CEO Silvano Papa explains how the internationally oriented company writes its success story with its versatile and gluten-free product range.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Papa, you lead a company with over 50 years of tradition. What makes Dolceamaro so special?
Silvano Papa: Dolceamaro combines the rich tradition of Italian craftsmanship with innovative, modern approaches. Our products are known for excellent taste, highest quality, and carefully selected ingredients. We are particularly proud of our ability to merge traditional recipes with modern technologies to create unique confections that are appreciated both on domestic and international markets.
Wirtschaftsforum: What product categories are you focusing on?
Silvano Papa: We offer a versatile range of confections that appeal to both traditional and modern tastes. Our main products include chocolates in various forms, fine dragées, and our traditional Italian Confetti, which are particularly valued at weddings and special occasions.
Our assortment is complemented by our Cuorenero line, which impresses with stylish donuts, fine macarons, and artfully decorated cupcakes - ideal delicacies for every special moment. A major component of our products are almonds, which we carefully select and use in many recipes. This variety, combined with the highest quality standards and a clear focus on gluten-free ingredients, makes our products unique and ensures widespread customer satisfaction.
Wirtschaftsforum: How is Dolceamaro positioned internationally?
Silvano Papa: Currently, we export about 55% of our products to over 30 countries worldwide. Our main export markets are in Central Europe and North America. Especially in these regions, there is a high demand for sustainable and gluten-free products, which further boosts our international growth.
Wirtschaftsforum: What special challenges have you had to overcome in recent years?
Silvano Papa: Like many other companies, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed immense challenges to us. Nevertheless, we have been able to continue our production without major interruptions and have even been able to advance new product developments during this time. The currently sharply rising energy costs are another hurdle that we are addressing with our sustainable measures.
Wirtschaftsforum: What specific sustainability measures are you implementing?
Silvano Papa: We produce about 20% of our energy needs ourselves through the use of photovoltaic systems and energy-saving technology in our production facilities. We also make sure to keep our supply chains as regional as possible to reduce transport routes. Another focus is on reducing packaging materials and introducing recyclable alternatives. Additionally, we have planted over 600,000 trees in the past few years to offset CO2 emissions and make a positive contribution to the environment. These measures not only help us reduce costs but also strengthen our position as an environmentally conscious company.
Wirtschaftsforum: How important is the research and development sector for Dolceamaro?
Silvano Papa: Research and development are at the core of our business strategy and the key to our success. We are committed to continuous innovation to enhance both the quality of our products and their sustainability. We are continually investing in the latest technologies, such as improving our production processes through the use of energy-efficient machines and automated systems. A specific example is developing new recipes that not only improve the taste of our products but also avoid the use of additives, offering as natural a product as possible. Additionally, we are experimenting with alternative raw materials, such as biodegradable packaging or sustainable sweeteners, to further reduce our ecological footprint.
Wirtschaftsforum: Where do you see the company in the next five years?
Silvano Papa: Our goal is to become one of the leading providers in the global confectionery industry and to impress worldwide with the quality of our products and our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Resource-efficient and environmentally friendly production processes are our focus. Our vision is to establish Dolceamaro as a brand that combines pleasure, tradition, and environmental awareness. With sustainable measures and further development of our product range, we want to shape the confectionery industry, expand existing markets, and open new ones to meet the needs of a global clientele.