In partnership with the ECS+COHO Expo 2025, 24-26 November at the JW Marriott in Berlin, World Coffee Portal presents an exclusive series of interviews with influential voices in Europe’s coffee and hospitality industries
Founded in 1878 by Silviano Venchi, Milan-based Venchi stands tall as a leading name in the world of premium chocolate and gelato. Current CEO Daniele Ferrero relaunched the business in 1998 following its bankruptcy a decade earlier and has since shaped Venchi into a globally recognised brand with 180 Cioccogelateries – ice cream and chocolate parlours – across dozens of markets globally.
With 250 chocolate recipes and 90 flavours of gelato, Venchi’s boutique outlets can be found in the world’s most high-profile cities, from London to Dubai, New York and Tokyo.
How do you approach store design at Venchi?
At Venchi, we’ve redefined retail with our Chocogelateria concept – not simply a store, but a place of wonder, joy and authentic Italian taste. We design our stores to be immersive, multisensory experiences that awaken the senses and create meaningful connections. The scent of freshly made gelato and flowing chocolate, the vibrant colours of our products and the rich textures of our displays all work together to celebrate the essence of Italian craftsmanship.
Each store is meticulously designed by Italian architects in Tuscany, making every location a unique space. Whether in Milan, Shanghai, or New York, stepping into a Venchi store means stepping into Italy – a warm gathering place where people come together to share moments of indulgence.
Our gelato grid façade, with its array of colourful cones, catches the eye and sparks curiosity. Inside, soft, warm lighting enhances the welcoming atmosphere, highlighting the full spectrum of our chocolate offering – from our iconic and best-selling Chocoviar to the timeless Cremino and Gianduiotto, all the way to our extensive collection of chocolate bars — while palladium accents add a luminous and elegant touch.
Our goal is to make every visit not just a shopping trip, but a journey which makes our customers feel like they are part of something unique and authentic.
How do product and packaging design shape consumer perceptions?
The significance of product and packaging design cannot be overstated. We recognise that a well-crafted design plays a crucial role in shaping consumer perception and enhancing their overall experience. Over the years, we have dedicated attention and resources to developing unique collections that align seamlessly with our brand identity and market positioning.
“Chocolate and gelato are no longer seen as mere indulgences, but as part of a lifestyle experience that fuses taste with design, heritage and innovation”
Every package and gift box draws inspiration from Italian art, bringing the colours of Italy to life. This commitment to design is evident in several packaging innovations that have quickly become bestsellers, such as our iconic Mini Books – the charming little metal tins that house our chocolates.
Every year, collections are released to celebrate daily treats, special occasions and various international holidays. Chocolate becomes a perfect gift to surprise and delight.
Venchi also collaborates with internationally renowned artists, capable of capturing and expressing the soul of the brand, as well as with talented students from prestigious academies and universities. This is how we conceive packaging at Venchi: it must be visually captivating, to inspire and engage, but also functional, designed to protect and preserve the best of nature – our product.
What do partnerships with lifestyle and design-led brands say about the cultural status of cocoa and gelato?
Partnerships have led to a significant shift in how our society views cocoa and gelato. These collaborations reflect their growing status as not just food items but as integral elements of modern culture. Chocolate and gelato are no longer seen as mere indulgences, but as part of a lifestyle experience that fuses taste with design, heritage and innovation.
For us, working with like-minded brands is essential to reinforce shared values such as craftsmanship, Made in Italy and authenticity. These values ensure the partnership feels authentic and helps us to boost brand awareness across both digital and physical touchpoints. Moreover, such collaborations allow us to express the rich tradition of Italian craftsmanship with a creative, contemporary twist, making chocolate and gelato relevant and exciting in today’s culture while highlighting their status as modern, luxury experiences.
Join Venchi at ECS+COHO Expo 2025, 24-26 November, JW Marriott Berlin.
Since 2008, the Allegra European Coffee Symposium (ECS) has been a beacon of thought leadership, fostering meaningful dialogue and progressive ideas within the European coffee and hospitality landscape.
In 2025, ECS and COHO Expo – The Coffee Hospitality Expo – join forces with the World Coffee Portal to present a new interview series designed to inspire, challenge, and connect the brightest minds in our industry.
As the sector faces rapid technological, environmental, economic, and cultural shifts, this collaboration is united by a shared mission: to drive transformation through connection and the power of knowledge.
This interview is proudly presented by ECS+COHO Expo 2025, taking place 24-26 November at the JW Marriott Berlin.
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Europe’s premier coffee and hospitality gathering.
