THE STORY OF GIUSEPPE AND VITAVIGOR
Each and every one of us has an ambition, something we want more than anything else in life. But to make this come true, you need determination. Giuseppe Bigiogera had determination. He dreamt of making something that was only for Milan, something the people of Milan could be proud of. And he succeeded.
1958-1968
EVERYTHING BEGINS FROM HERE: GIUSEPPE AND “EL SUPER GRISSIN DE MILAN”
To discover the origins of Vitavigor you have to go back to the end of the 50s, to a Milan in full fervor. In the Bicocca area, at the time surrounded by fields, where one could find the first large factories of an industrial Milan – Falck, Pirelli, Breda, Marelli… – the historic bakery of our family’s tradition rose. This is where Giuseppe Bigiogera worked. His bakery was successful, Giuseppe was talented, but he wanted more. Among the tests and experiments he made in the back room of his bakery in Via Ponale, one in particular suggested the way forward: Milan needed its breadsticks. Tastier, crispier breadsticks… “El super Grissin de Milan”. It was 1958 and Vitavigor was born, a brand that still bares its stamp of vitality and energy, inspired by the Latin words “Vita-vitae, Vigor-vigoris”, or “life and strength”. Originally a point of arrival, Milan soon became a point of departure: Vitavigor vans started delivering to the region of Lombardy, Tuscany and soon all over Italy.
1969
THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ADVENTURE: THE NEW VITAVIGOR FACTORY
Following the success of the products and in order to satisfy the growing demand, a new factory was inaugurated just outside Milan (the current headquarters of Cinisello Balsamo). The new plants stem directly from the most advanced European technologies: after a trip to Norway, G. Bigiogera chooses the ovens – already used by the Plasmon factory in Milan – that allow him to overcome the old system that used pans for production.
One by one, his sons Annalisa, Mario and Paolo followed into his footsteps: the whole family started to support the growth and modernization of the company.
THE 70’s
THE REVOLUTION OF THE RETAIL INDUSTRY: THE COMMERCIAL GROWTH
At the beginning of the 70’s Esselunga, a large grocery shops chain, becomes the first large retailer, and from there a business partnership begins that still lasts today. Then, in the 80’s GS, Standa, Pam follow… The advent of these large retailers also brings a change in the company’s management, leading to a reduction in the number of sales representatives and encouraging cost optimization aligning the company with the modern changes in distribution.
THE 70’s AND THE 80’s
TOWARDS NEW HORIZONS: THE FIRST FOREIGN CUSTOMERS
Joes Poll (https://www.jos-poell.com/), our business partner in the Netherlands represents the first step of the company trading abroad. Internationalization is an important commercial area in which the company strongly believes in, and which is developed through an internal foreign sales office connecting with business partners across the world. After the Netherlands, the second most historical customer is Australia, followed closely by Japan and Canada. The presence abroad of Vitavigor is constantly strengthened by participation in international fairs: SIAL, ANUGA, and in Australia, Japan, China.
THE 80’s
THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS
After a busy period in the 70’s during which Vitavigor expanded, the 80’s allow the company to focus in order to extend and refine its offer: new products are created, such as the Five Cereals Soffietti. Important milestones during these years were:
• Products dedicated to foreign markets pass from one to six, becoming one complete line.
• Special attention is given to recipes, which become a fundamental aspect of Vitavigor’s philosophy: animal fats are replaced with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which becomes the only condiment used in our products.
• The elimination of all animal fats allows our products to become Kosher.
• Certification is obtained for the organic Vitavigor-branded products, which have a strong success in foreign markets.
THE 90’s
ENLARGEMENT AND INNOVATION OF THE PRODUCTION LINES
The 90’s are characterized by the focus on the production process through expansion and technological innovation:
• implementation of the second production line;
• expansion of the finished products warehouse;
• packaging automation;
• computerization of the dough room;
• construction of a second two-floor warehouse.
2000
CATCHING UP WITH THE TIMES
At the beginning of the new millennium, to consolidate its corporate stability, Vitavigor is transformed into an SRL (limited liability company). The Quality Control office, already present since 1997, also becomes official, following the entry into force of the HACCP regulations on food safety. Innovation in the company continues, now with regards to the traceability of the raw materials used in the production. In 2009 IFS and BRC certifications are obtained.
TODAY
Vitavigor is a company in constant motion, striving to be at the forefront of change, thanks to the passion and commitment that distinguish all those who participate in it. The future is a constant challenge, both in international markets – consolidating the presence in the countries where it is already present and looking at new markets. In Italy, meeting the needs of the large retailers and seeking leadership positions in the variety of distribution channels (e.g. catering). Values of tradition and the awareness of our origins are the foundations on which growth rests solidly.
