Giuseppe Gallo , founder and current CEO of Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, a super-premium bergamot-flavored aperitif launched in 2016 by Gallo himself, a mixologist and expert in Italian spirits, has passed away, no one knows whether slamming the door or not. With an alcohol content of 20%, the aperitif is made with botanicals such as Sicilian citrus fruits and Calabrian bergamot, and distilled with lavender, gentian, and yellow rose at a family-run distillery near Turin.

The brand's manager and founder, therefore, stepped down as CEO after the brand was fully acquired by the Pernod Ricard group. The renowned French brand had invested in Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto in March 2020 with the aim of establishing it as "one of the most successful aperitif brands in the world" (see EFA News ). Under the agreement signed in 2020, Pernod Ricard and Gallo each held 50% of the brand. Financial details of the recent agreement to acquire the remaining shares were not disclosed.

Now, as Italicus prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary, Gallo has stepped down, ushering in a "new era" for the brand under the full ownership of Pernod Ricard. "Ten years later," says Gallo , "with over three million bottles sold worldwide, distribution in 47 countries, consistent double-digit growth year after year, and a presence in the world's finest bars, restaurants, and hotels, the time has come for me to step down from my operational role and allow the brand to be fully acquired and integrated into the Pernod Ricard organization as it embarks on its next chapter."

In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Gallo recounted the journey: "Since launching Italicus in 2016, we've pushed the boundaries of innovation in the aperitif category, challenged industry conventions, and demonstrated that building a truly iconic brand requires patience, vision, and consistent commitment."

The former CEO also thanked those who believed in Italicus' vision from the beginning, as well as everyone who has joined the brand's journey. "I would also like to thank Pernod Ricard for believing in Italicus and supporting its growth over the past few years," Gallo added. "I wish them every success in continuing to develop the brand, while preserving the quality, authenticity, creativity, and long-term vision that have made Italicus one of the leading modern Italian spirits brands in the world."

Through his company, Italspirits, Gallo will continue to develop his Italian aperitif brand, Savoia, and his latest creation, Savoia Vino Aperitivo, designed to reinterpret vermouth for a new generation of consumers. "Together with the extraordinary teams at Italspirits in Europe and ABV Ventures in the United States," Gallo explains, "I look forward to leveraging the relationships, knowledge, and experience we've gained over the past decade to continue creating Italian art and poetry in liquid form, sharing our passion, culture, and craftsmanship with the world. I will continue to follow the philosophy that has guided my entrepreneurial career: 'Always innovate, never replicate.' Innovation has always been at the heart of everything I do, and I remain as passionate as ever about challenging convention and creating brands that inspire the global beverage industry."

Francesco Ottaviano , Vice President of Pernod Ricard's Aperitifs and Gin Division, commented: "Pernod Ricard was born and developed thanks to aperitifs; it's in our name and in our DNA. Now that Italicus is an integral part of the Pernod Ricard family, we are thrilled to continue sharing its story with an even wider audience, celebrating its heritage and reaching new consumers around the world."

"Italicus," Ottaviano continued, "is a celebration of Italian art and poetry in liquid form. Today, it's an essential ingredient for the perfect Spritz, thanks to its distinctive bergamot." Ottaviano noted that the aperitif category is experiencing strong growth, driven by the growing popularity of the Spritz moment, a phenomenon he attributed to evolving consumer preferences.

"Although the aperitivo has long been a beloved pre-meal ritual in France and Italy," Ottaviano concludes, "today's consumers are choosing lighter, more refreshing, low-alcohol drinks to enjoy in the late afternoon or early evening, regardless of mealtime. Italicus will continue to play an important role in this evolution."