Ciocomiti

Ciocomiti operates as an artisanal chocolate producer located in the Trentino region of Italy, leveraging its high-altitude location in the Dolomites for a distinct production process. The company was founded in 2014 by Matteo Fedrizzi and Luca Bondioli. Their business strategy centers on producing premium chocolate products by sourcing high-quality cacao beans from various regions, including Central and South America, Africa, and Asia, and then processing them locally.

A defining characteristic of Ciocomiti's production is the high-altitude aging of its chocolate. Initially conducted at the Tuckett Refuge, this process now takes place at the "Baita Ciocomiti" at an altitude of 2,000 meters. The company asserts that this method, utilizing the atmospheric pressure and natural oxygenation of the mountain air, imparts a unique taste and texture to their products. The production process is artisanal, employing stone grinding techniques for its "Altapietra" line of chocolate bars. The company has received support from Trentino Sviluppo, which provided space in the Malé Innovation Center in 2018. The Financial Times and Sole 24 Ore have recognized Ciocomiti as one of Europe's fastest-growing companies.

The business model is diversified, encompassing direct-to-consumer sales through its physical stores and e-commerce platform, franchising, and business-to-business collaborations. Ciocomiti's distribution network includes its own branded stores in locations like Madonna di Campiglio and Passo Tonale, a presence in the large-scale retail channel (GDO), and partnerships within the Horeca (Hotel/Restaurant/Café) sector. The company also engages in white-label and private-label collaborations with luxury brands in the food and beverage, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. To enhance brand engagement, Ciocomiti is developing an experiential space called "Ciocomiti Experience," set to open in 2025, which will offer visitors an immersive journey into the world of cacao. Their product lineup is extensive, featuring hazelnut cream, chocolate-covered dried apples, chocolate-covered cacao beans, pralines, and special seasonal items. One of their products, the Ciocomitica hazelnut spread, won a silver medal at the International Chocolate Awards.

Keywords: artisanal chocolate, high-altitude chocolate, Trentino food producer, Italian chocolate, bean-to-bar, premium confectionery, specialty foods, food and beverage, gourmet chocolate, direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, food franchising, private label food, Horeca supplier, retail food, experiential retail, chocolate manufacturing, sustainable production, craft chocolate, Dolomiti