Giuseppe Gallo, a bartender based in London, realized the vast untapped potential of exploring different liqueurs beyond the typical Aperol and Campari cocktails. Inspired by his grandmother’s bergamot-based spirit, he embarked on a mission to revive forgotten aperitivos from the past. In 2016, he introduced rosolio di bergamottoItalicus, a modern twist on a classic family recipe, incorporating bergamot from Calabria and Sicilian citrus. This innovative approach to aperitivos has propelled Italicus to become one of the hottest ingredients for spritzes this summer.
Over the past eight years, Giuseppe Gallo has meticulously grown his aperitivo empire, with an annual revenue of $15 million, a significant increase from just $1 million five years ago. While Italicus may still have a long way to go to compete with the likes of Aperol and Campari, Gallo remains focused on expanding the spritz category by developing new liqueurs that offer unique flavor profiles while maintaining organic and natural ingredients. His dedication to innovation while honoring the traditions of Italian culture sets Italicus apart in the market.
With a strategic approach to market penetration, Gallo has established a stronghold in key cities around the world before expanding further. Italicus currently sells in 40 countries and is experiencing double-digit growth in most markets, with the U.S. being a significant driver of sales. Despite the challenges of introducing lesser-known liqueurs to consumers, Gallo’s commitment to quality has enabled Italicus to command prices between $30 and $45 per bottle, offering a premium alternative to existing brands.
As Gallo continues to explore new markets and expand his portfolio of liqueurs, he remains focused on staying true to his vision of blending tradition with modernity. By introducing products like Savoia Americano to compete with red-style aperitivos and tapping into emerging cocktail trends, Gallo aims to capture a wider audience while solidifying Italicus’ position as a leader in the aperitivo industry. His partnership with Pernod Ricard has provided strategic support for expanding globally while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of his brands.
Looking ahead, Giuseppe Gallo envisions further expansion into untapped markets in Asia, South America, and Canada, with plans to introduce more carefully crafted liqueurs under the ItalSpirits umbrella. His keen eye for market trends and willingness to adapt to consumer preferences set the stage for continued success in the competitive spirits industry. Gallo’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and respect for tradition ensures that Italicus and Savoia will remain at the forefront of the aperitivo renaissance for years to come.