Nestlé International Travel Retail (NITR) is launching Italian chocolate brand Baci Perugina into global travel retail from September.
NITR said Baci (‘kisses’ in Italian) is recognised for its Italian heritage, quality and taste. The brand sells some 500 million units a year and its products are available in 55 countries.
Baci is introducing four dark chocolate offerings – Baci Original Dark Bag, Baci Original Dark Bijou, Baci Extra Dark Bijou and Baci Original Dark Box – and Baci Milk Bijou.
Baci Perugina chocolates are made with eight natural ingredients, which include 100% cocoa butter and natural vanilla flavouring. They are gluten-free and kosher-certified. The brand participates in Nestlé’s The Cocoa Plan commitment to better farming, better lives and better cocoa.
Nestlé International Travel Retail General Manager Stewart Dryburgh said: “Our value for quality, wholesome and healthy ingredients meets the demand of high-end consumers worldwide who are increasingly mindful of what they eat,” Dryburgh said.
He added: “One of the major requirements for international travel retail – and indeed Nestlé – is that brands have stories to tell. Baci has a great story… each has an ‘irregularity’ that makes it more desirable.”
NITR said Baci Perugina’s history, which is founded on Italian culture, tradition and passion, “encapsulates the very essence of the celebrated ‘Made in Italy With Love’ concept” conveyed by its wrapping, indulgent ingredients and ‘love notes’. The messages, penned by philosophers, authors and contemporary artists, are offered in various international languages.
NITR said the launch continues NITR’s ambition to double the confectionery category to US$10 billion in ten years through its SOUL (Stories, Occasions, Unique, Local) strategy.
Baci Perugina’s distribution in travel retail will be through brand licensee Nestlé Italiana and its local representatives in the market.
