The lucky charm sweet loved by queens
The History
The Antica Fabbrica del Dolce Nuorese is one of the oldest Italian confectionery brands.
Its origins date back to 1885, when Battista Guiso founded in Nuoro a small pastry laboratory, starting the production of the local sweet.
He perfected its recipe and patented it, tying its name to its city forever: the Aranciata Nuorese was born.
Intuiting the potential of some industry fairs, he won several important national and international awards and was one of the first Sardinian entrepreneurs to actively export.
His fame reached its top in 1901, when Margaret of Savoy, Queen Mother of the then Kingdom of Italy, who had an especially sweet tooth for the product made in Nuoro, nominated Mr Guiso official supplier or the Royal Household, granting him the opportunity to show the royal crest next to his shop banner.
The Heritage
In 1970 the young and talented pastry chef Michele Bonamici bought the company and with it the secret formula of the old recipe to make the delicacy from Nuoro.
After his premature loss in 1977, his wife Luisa (portrayed here wearing Nuoro traditional costume) took over.
Whimsical and tireless, she oversaw the company with firm affability.
Together with Antonia, her husband’s beloved sister (below in a portrait by the painter Francesca Devoto), she expanded the circle of the devoted customers.
An exceptional dedication allowed them to arrive once again to a Royal Household, this time the English one.
During an official trip to Italy of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1985, Francesco Cossiga, historical customer and then President of the Italian Republic Senate, received them offering as a first gift the famous Aranciata Nuorese.
Lady Diana, who appreciated its perfume and the fine taste of this unusual sweet, will keep on ordering it for several years.
The Evolution
Since 1995 the secret recipe guardian has been Giannicola Pala, who married Gianfranca, Michele’s daughter. An authentic artisan, he takes care of every detail, from the quality of the raw materials to the choice of the matters composing every tool, maintaining the antique rhythms, sequences and gestures.
The bubbly Gianfranca, always informed of the industry trends, has the exciting task to build the future of the tradition and remains a solid advisor for her husband.
As of now the company is engaged in the bio certification process as well as in revamping the commercial strategy: a sharper digital presence is expected to support a gradual and targeted growth in Italy and abroad.