Swiss giant Lindt and about forty artisanal chocolate makers trying to get a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI – guarantees the quality and traceability of the product you buy) for Turin’s famous gianduiotto, a small creamy chocolate, have buried the hatchet, saying they are ready to strike a deal, AFP reports .

“We are convinced that we will soon be able to reach an agreement to promote gianduiotto in Italy and worldwide,” commented Benedict Riccabona, head of Lindt & Sprüngli Italia, as quoted in a press release on Thursday.

Objections from Lindt, which has owned the Italian manufacturer Caffarel since 1997 and claims to be the inventor of gianduiotto, almost led to the failure of the project, which was blocked by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture for several months.

The Lindt subsidiary feared that the creation of the European brand “Gianduiotto de Torino IGP” would prevent it from continuing to use its own brand “Gianduia 1865″. The real Gianduiotto from Turin.”

Lindt also uses powdered milk in its gianduiotto, which the Turin Gianduiotto Committee considers “heresy”. The committee favors a return to the original recipe: from 30 to 45% roasted Piedmont hazelnuts, at least 25% cocoa and sugar.

However, at a meeting held in Turin this week between Caffarel and the companies on the committee, a compromise was reached: Lindt would not be opposed to PGI recognition without joining it, and would be guaranteed to be able to use your own brand, with its own recipe.

“This is a great victory for chocolatiers, for the region and also for Caffarel, because we are convinced that PGI recognition will lead to increased sales of gianduiotto,” Antonio Borra, a lawyer for the IGP committee, told AFP. .

The committee is already working with the Ministry of Agriculture to integrate Lindt’s programs into the PGI process and “guarantee the recognition of its historic brand and the ability to continue using it,” he said.

Once approved by the ministry, the PGI, which aims to raise the profile of gianduiotto and perpetuate the traditions of Turin chocolate, could be recognized by Brussels “before the end of the year”, he explained.

The little chocolate, which takes its name from the carnival figure Gianduja, a symbol of the city of Turin, who threw such coveted chocolates into the crowd that he received the name “Gianduja” from his generous donors, is estimated at 200 million euros a year in sales.

The project is supported by master chocolatiers such as Guido Castagna, chairman of the committee, and Guido Gobino, as well as companies such as Ferrero, Venchi, Domori and Illy.