Andrea Grondona

I’m Andrea Grondona, 34 years old. I represent the 7th generation of my Family Company

Mr. Andrea Grondona, you are one of the members of the Henokiens Association, could you please present yourself to our readers?

I’m Andrea Grondona, 34 years old. I represent the 7th generation of my Family Company. I’m a board member, active in the Company sin e 2013 mainly involved in developing the domestic and foreign markets project. After a period spent abroad (in UK), I returned to the company in 2013 and immediately took care of the management of some foreign markets. I am also dealing with the strategy and the development of some products sold abroad.

Can you present your company and its activities?

The Biscottificio Grondona S.p.a. is an historic factory specializing in the specific production of shortbread and naturally leavened dough (sourdough only). In recent years we have also had a good development abroad (32 foreign markets). Our size is a medium size family-run. We propose the following products: biscuits, cakes, “pandolci”, donuts and panettoni, traditionally from Genoa.

Which have been the outstanding events for your company in the recent years?

2014: new award in London for “Pandolcini 200g” (won 1 star Great Taste Award).
2015: additional refrigerator section for the processing of chocolate and suitable to produce covered biscuits and baci di dama.
2018: new product Baci Di Dama 90g won a special award in London Great Taste (1 star 2018).
2018: increase the production of special sourdough cake with raisins called “Ciambellone” (won 1 star 2018 in London too).
2020: Celebration of Bi-centenary event. 1820 – 2020.

Could you give us some indications about your major projects in a medium or long term?

Development of the knowledge of our award winning products in the world. As the Baci di Dama 90g box, the Ciambellone 2500g and the Pandolcini 200g.

How can you explain the longevity of your company?

The Longevity of our company is given by a mix of essential values for our family: Territory, Tradition and Identity. 3 Values that can be summarized in one word: Consistency.

Could you say that this extraordinary longevity is an asset in your customer relations?

Yes, it is one of the most important resources for our company and a guarantee for our customers.

Do the traditional values guiding the firm constitute an advantage as regards research and innovation?

Yes, especially in the continuous search for the finest raw materials in world markets. In addition to the technological innovation.

Which are the most important traps that your company must avoid in order not to lose its independence?

Chasing uncontrollable excessive development from our family that would force us to lower the price and consequently to compromise on quality.

Did over the centuries the strong will of your family to keep its independence require very difficult decisions?

One of the most difficult choices of all was not accepting compromises on our historical recipes. Not following dangerous price logics, not following the fashions of the moment but, on the contrary, by tracing the way. This has been done by keeping alive the values of the family tradition over time.

Is the transmission of the firm to a family member governed by clearly establish rules?

Yes, it is.

Is the new generation already working in the firm?

Yes, three young family members, Me, Francesco and Massimiliano.