Acetificio Mengazzoli S.N.C., based in Curtatone, Mantua (Italy), is a family-owned artisan vinegar producer renowned for its innovative interpretations of traditional Italian condiments. With a history dating back to 1962, the company has carved out a distinctive space in the global market for its high-quality balsamic vinegars, organic vinegars, and pioneering solid vinegar product known as Parpaccio.
Company Background
Founded by Giorgio Mengazzoli and now managed by the Mengazzoli family, Acetificio Mengazzoli began as a local vinegar workshop and has expanded into a globally recognized producer with export partners in over 40 countries. Deeply rooted in the Modenese and Mantuan traditions of vinegar making, the company blends heritage with research and creativity, offering a diverse and evolving product range.
The company operates with a sustainability-first philosophy, using renewable energy sources, recyclable packaging, and non-GMO raw materials.
Core Business
Acetificio Mengazzoli specializes in:
- Balsamic Vinegars of Modena IGP and other wine-based vinegars
- Organic Vinegar production
- Gourmet condiments including solid, gel, and flavored vinegars
- Custom vinegar formulations and private label services
Its portfolio includes multiple formats and formulations catering to foodservice, retail, and gourmet culinary professionals.
Product and Service Offerings
Balsamic Vinegars of Modena:
- Senso Line: Senso Rosa, Azzurro, Verde Oliva, Oro—each with unique density, flavor profile, and barrel-aging technique.
- Traditional DOP Vinegars (available upon request)
Organic Vinegars:
- Certified Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- Organic Red and White Wine Vinegar
- Organic Fruit Vinegars (Pomegranate, Raspberry)
Specialty Vinegars:
- Parpaccio: World’s first patented solid vinegar in sliceable disc form
- Balsamic Creams: Sweet and savory glazes
- Flavored Vinegars: Infused with truffle, herbs, fruits, and honey
Condiments:
- Vinegar pearls, jellies, and balsamic glazes for fine dining applications
- Gourmet seasoning salts
Other Services:
- Private Label Manufacturing
- Product R&D and custom packaging solutions
- Clean-label and organic certification compliance support
Specialisation and Core USP
Acetificio Mengazzoli is unique for:
- Parpaccio – Solid Vinegar: A patented, sliceable vinegar disc used in high-end culinary plating.
- Micro-aged Balsamic Techniques: Using wooden barrels of different origins to build complex flavor profiles.
- Organic Leadership: Among Italy’s earliest adopters of organic vinegar processing.
- Low-Impact Production: CO2 emissions mitigation through solar energy systems and eco-friendly logistics.
Financial Insights
As a private SME (small and medium-sized enterprise), detailed financial data is limited. However:
- Estimated annual revenue: €10–15 million (source: industry export estimates)
- Exports constitute over 70% of total revenue.
- Balsamic vinegar and Parpaccio products represent 45% of turnover, followed by organic vinegars at 30%.
Shipment and Export Data
According to trade data from ImportYeti and EU food export registries:
- Export reach: More than 40 countries globally.
- Key markets: Germany, Japan, Canada, United Arab Emirates, France, and USA.
- Popular SKUs: Senso Oro Balsamic Vinegar, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Parpaccio solid vinegar.
- Logistics: Utilizes ambient-controlled warehousing and certified packaging for DOP/IGP shipments.
- HS Codes: 220900, 220420
Target Market
Mengazzoli targets:
- Gourmet retailers and specialty shops
- Luxury HoReCa and fine-dining restaurants
- Organic food distributors and health-focused retailers
- Private-label buyers seeking Italian-certified artisan vinegar
Its Parpaccio product line particularly appeals to molecular gastronomy and high-end chefs seeking innovation.
Capabilities
- Annual production capacity: Over 1.5 million bottles across multiple categories
- BRC and IFS-certified manufacturing
- Dedicated lab for quality control, microbiological testing, and formulation design
- Custom format flexibility: From 100ml sample bottles to 5L foodservice tanks
- In-house R&D: Culinary testing and new product ideation
Certifications and Compliance
- BRC Food Safety Standard
- IFS Certification
- EU Organic Certification
- USDA Organic Certification
- Halal Certification (select products)
- Protected Geographical Indication (IGP)
- DOP Certification for Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena (selected products)
Customer Testimonials
Gourmet retailers in France and Germany have praised Mengazzoli’s Parpaccio as a “culinary revolution”. In 2023, multiple European sommeliers and chefs endorsed the Senso Oro variant for its depth and texture. Clients consistently highlight the brand’s consistency, visual appeal, and storytelling behind each product.
Major Achievements
- Inventor of the world’s first solid vinegar – Parpaccio, granted a European patent in 2019.
- Winner of the ITA Innovation Award at TUTTOFOOD Milan 2022.
- Featured in Michelin-starred kitchens across Italy and France.
- Recognized as Top Artisan Exporter by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in 2021.
- Sustainability Champion under EU Horizon 2020 for SMEs in Food & Beverage sector.
Acetificio Mengazzoli S.N.C. is redefining the global vinegar landscape by merging tradition, organic excellence, and culinary innovation — offering a product range that satisfies both the everyday consumer and the avant-garde chef.
