B2B Rivenditori
The story of Roberto Catinari: a master of artisanal chocolate
Roberto Catinari was born in 1937 in Bardalone, a small village in the Pistoia mountains. His encounter with chocolate occurred as a child: after the war, he was captivated by the chocolate bars the Allies distributed to children, an experience that changed his life.
At 17, he left for Switzerland, where he worked in a pastry shop and learned the secrets of a refined and meticulous tradition. But it was during a competition in Zurich that he created a bold work—shaped like a grape press, made entirely of chocolate—and won the gold medal, demonstrating his creativity and superior technique from a young age.
In 1974, he returned to Tuscany with the dream of producing the highest-quality chocolate in Italy. The following year, he opened his historic shop in Agliana (Pistoia), giving birth to what would become Tuscany's famous "Chocolate Valley," inspiring many other master chocolatiers in the area.
Catinari stands out for its constant pursuit of excellence: it is one of the very few in Italy still producing the famous liqueur- or wine-filled "sugar-crusted" chocolates (typically Vin Santo, Brunello, or Chianti), a complex artisanal process learned in Switzerland and now almost extinct elsewhere.
His artisanal company, started in a small room in 1982, grew rapidly. Roberto created over 130 varieties of pralines, hand-decorated Easter eggs, artistic chocolate bars, and chocolate sculptures: each piece is a work of elegance and imagination.
In 2012 he was named Knight of the Republic for his contribution to Italian chocolate, and received numerous national and international awards for bringing the artisanal quality of Agliana to the world.
Roberto was a role model for those who believed in the art of chocolate: generous, humble, and impeccably professional. Until his late teens, he continued to oversee the laboratory he founded, leaving a legacy of rigor, emotion, and pure craftsmanship.
Alessandro – Master Chocolatier for over 35 years, Alessandro is the beating heart of the Catinari laboratory. Roberto Catinari's longtime right-hand man, he has experienced every stage of our chocolate factory's evolution, personally contributing to defining the style, technique, and excellence that distinguish us. His passion for chocolate has remained undiminished over time, fueled by a relentless pursuit of perfection and a profound respect for artisanal tradition. Alessandro is more than just an expert: he is a custodian of knowledge, techniques, and recipes passed down with dedication, and an example of how love for the world, with the same energy and curiosity as ever, continues to guide production with attention to detail and a constant focus on absolute quality.
Katiuscia is a very calm and thoughtful woman. Thanks to her calm nature, she devotes herself with great attention to detail and the finishing touches of the chocolate molds. She pays attention to every detail in her creations, from the design to the final finish: she is truly skilled at her work. She also boasts many years of experience and a steady hand, qualities that make her a strong asset to our team.
Cinzia is a straightforward woman: if she has something to say, she doesn't beat around the bush, she tells you straight away. Her direct and decisive nature is also an asset in her work, where promptness and clarity are required. Her expert hands are essential both for coating the chocolates and for creating each individual praline. She is a woman with a strong, authentic character. A solid and determined presence, she gives strength to our workshop.
Rosa is one of those women who, as soon as you meet her, immediately exudes calm and serenity. Always ready with a joke or a witty retort, she brings lightness and good humor to the workshop. But behind the smile lies a true professional: for years, she has worked with great precision, taking care of every detail to ensure each praline is perfect, shiny, and bursting with flavor. She has a balanced and confident hand, even when making delicate wine-flavored chocolates.
Fabiana has always been an important point of reference for Roberto. She works in direct sales, in close contact with customers, and takes great care of the store. She is extremely meticulous in managing orders and preparing packages, especially during the Christmas season. She has refined taste in choosing ribbons, papers, and the details that make each package special. She is also a key figure within the company.
Barbara. Barbara is a fighter: nothing and no one can stop her. Challenges that many might consider daunting are, to her, simply obstacles to be overcome with determination. She's tireless, always ready to do whatever it takes, never backing down. She's incredibly good at connecting with customers, always welcoming them with a smile and able to answer any questions about the world of chocolate. She's also a true professional at wrapping the classic gold trays: precision, speed, and elegance like few others.
