A small local dairy that grew into an international powerhouse, this is the story of Sammontana, a brand that embodies the very essence of “gelato all’italiana”. For millions, the name instantly recalls the beloved Barattolino, the signature tub found in freezers across Italy and far beyond. But behind this success lies a story of family, innovation, and passion that began nearly eighty years ago in Tuscany.
The story starts in 1946 in Empoli, Tuscany. Romeo Bagnoli, then a toll collector, decided to open a small dairy shop named Sammontana, inspired by a nearby farm in Montelupo Fiorentino from which he sourced fresh milk. The turning point came when Romeo’s eldest son, Renzo, began experimenting with ice cream production, transforming the family dairy into a bar and gelateria.
As Renzo’s granddaughter, Sibilla Bagnoli, recalled in 2023, “In 1946, the family dairy became a bar-gelateria. Things went well, and my grandfather Renzo thought of investing in machines to grow. He learned that American ice cream machines brought by soldiers during the war were available nearby. He bought them and began to produce, but his gelato was creamier, more refined. That’s when the slogan ‘gelati all’italiana’ was born, to distinguish it from American ice cream”.
Renzo was soon joined by his brothers Sergio and Loriano, the latter of whom sadly passed away on November 3, 2023. Together, they propelled Sammontana forward through innovation and vision. During Italy’s postwar economic boom, with refrigerators becoming common in homes, they introduced the now-iconic Barattolino, a symbol of Italian domestic life and craftsmanship. Over the decades, Sammontana evolved from a regional favorite to a national brand, and eventually an international leader in the frozen dessert industry. Today, it produces not only gelato but also a wide range of frozen pastries and savory products. The company’s enduring strength lies in its family management model. In a 2021 interview with inToscana, CEO Leonardo Bagnoli emphasized the importance of staying true to their roots: “Heart. We compete with multinationals that may have more resources and money, but every day we show that passion makes the difference. We innovate while continuing a tradition that’s lasted over 70 years. Keeping the business in the family means knowing each other personally, speaking honestly, and sharing emotions”.
In 2024, Sammontana SpA Società Benefit, part of the Sammontana Italia Group, achieved a significant milestone by earning B Corp certification from B Lab Italia. This certification recognizes companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Now headquartered on Via Tosco Romagnola in Empoli, Sammontana Italia Group stands among Italy’s leading producers and distributors of frozen goods. The company employs around 2,000 people across six Italian plants and two international facilities, one in the United States and one in France.
