Strega Alberti Benevento S.p.A. is one of Italy’s most iconic producers of liqueurs and confectionery, headquartered in Benevento, Campania. Founded in 1860 by Giuseppe Alberti, the company has preserved its heritage through more than 160 years of innovation, quality craftsmanship, and global expansion. Best known for its signature herbal liqueur, Liquore Strega, the company continues to operate as a family-run business under the leadership of Giuseppe D'Avino, maintaining a legacy of artisanal excellence and Italian cultural influence.
Core Business and Product Portfolio
Strega Alberti operates across two primary verticals—liqueurs and premium confectionery—each characterized by high-quality ingredients, artisanal methods, and strict adherence to traditional recipes.
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Liqueurs:
- Liquore Strega – A 40% ABV herbal liqueur made from over 70 botanicals, with distinctive yellow coloring from saffron.
- Strega Cream – A lower-proof cream liqueur combining the classic flavor of Strega with velvety dairy notes.
- Liquore Strega al Cioccolato – A rich chocolate liqueur infused with Strega’s herbal base.
- Liquore Strega Riserva – A premium aged variant matured in oak barrels for heightened complexity.
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Confectionery:
- Strega Nougat (Torrone) – Soft and crunchy nougat varieties made with almonds, hazelnuts, and Strega liqueur.
- Croccantino – Handcrafted crunchy caramelized nut bars dipped in dark chocolate.
- Magie & Goccioloni – Artisanal chocolates and pralines with fillings like coffee, hazelnut, and liqueur.
- Caprese Cake with Strega, Panettone with Strega Cream, Pandoro, and Easter Chocolate Eggs—traditional Italian desserts infused with the signature liqueur.
All confectionery products are made at the company’s production facility in Benevento, combining automation with artisanal oversight.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Strega’s unique proposition lies in its ability to integrate tradition and innovation:
- Heritage branding that leverages over 160 years of cultural significance
- Multisensory product experiences, such as the saffron-based yellow liqueur used in both beverages and desserts
- Cross-category product development—blending spirits with confectionery to create a complete portfolio
- A strong association with literary and artistic circles through sponsorships like the Premio Strega, Italy’s most prestigious literary prize
Their liqueur is exported to over 50 countries, known for its versatility in mixology, patisserie, and culinary applications.
Financial and Market Performance
Though privately held, Strega Alberti has demonstrated consistent performance within both domestic and export markets:
- Produces over 4 million bottles of Liquore Strega annually, according to industry estimates
- Confectionery division accounts for approximately 40% of total revenue, highlighting diversification
- Significant export growth in North America, Europe, and Asia, with strategic focus on premium beverage and gourmet food channels
- The company has invested heavily in modernizing production without compromising traditional processes—an approach that has helped increase efficiency by 30% since 2018
Strega products are widely distributed through gourmet retailers, duty-free shops, and high-end HoReCa outlets.
Distribution and International Reach
Strega Alberti’s logistics and distribution model includes:
- Domestic distribution across Italy through regional distributors and direct partnerships with food & beverage outlets
- International export network spanning Europe, North America, and Asia
- Partnerships with premium spirits importers and gourmet distributors
- Strategic collaborations with hotels, luxury bakeries, and mixology venues to expand product applications
The company actively participates in trade fairs such as Vinitaly, SIAL, and ISM Cologne to maintain global visibility.
Target Market
Strega targets both B2C and B2B segments across various demographics:
- Spirit connoisseurs and mixologists seeking herbal and premium liqueurs
- Gourmet food lovers drawn to authentic Italian desserts and confections
- HoReCa clients looking for high-quality, cross-functional ingredients
- Gift and holiday markets through seasonal offerings like panettone and artisanal Easter eggs
The brand also appeals to cultural and heritage consumers who value historic brands with a strong narrative identity.
Capabilities
- In-house research and development to create new flavors and seasonal limited editions
- State-of-the-art bottling and packaging lines, with an annual capacity exceeding 10 million units
- Quality certifications including ISO 22000 and IFS for food safety and traceability
- Sustainability initiatives focusing on packaging reduction, local sourcing, and energy-efficient manufacturing
Strega also maintains an on-site visitor center and museum, enhancing brand engagement through storytelling and experience marketing.
Certifications and Compliance
Strega Alberti adheres to:
- ISO 22000 food safety certification
- IFS (International Featured Standards) for product quality and hygiene
- Compliance with EU PDO/PGI regulations for applicable regional products
- Transparency in labeling and allergen declarations for confectionery and liqueurs
Products are suitable for export to U.S., Canada, EU, and Asian markets, with multilingual packaging and traceability.
Customer Testimonials and Reviews
Consumer feedback highlights:
- High product consistency and premium sensory experience
- Appreciation for the historical narrative and artisan feel
- Widespread praise for the Croccantino and Babà allo Strega, especially in holiday gifting contexts
- Strong loyalty in the Italian diaspora markets for nostalgic and cultural reasons
Social media engagement across Instagram and Facebook has reinforced brand appeal, particularly among gourmet and craft food audiences.
Major Achievements
- Official liqueur sponsor of the Premio Strega, Italy’s top literary award, since 1947
- Recipient of multiple awards for liqueur innovation and confectionery excellence at Italian and European trade shows
- Ranked among Italy’s top 10 historic food & beverage companies by national industry publications
- Successfully launched new cream and chocolate-infused liqueurs, expanding appeal to younger and dessert-focused demographics
- Hosted over 500,000 visitors at the Strega museum and factory in Benevento since opening, contributing to regional tourism
Strega Alberti Benevento S.p.A. represents the enduring power of tradition fused with innovation. With a legacy spanning more than a century and a half, the company continues to define excellence in Italian liqueurs and artisan confectionery on a global stage.
