Baci Perugina: A Romantic Story of Chocolate and Love

Baci Perugina began as a love story. Chocolatier Luisa Spagnoli fell in love with Giovanni Buitoni, a founder of the Perugina chocolate company, and he with her. The only cloud in a match made in chocolate heaven? Luisa's husband was the other founder.

The legend of the love notes

According to the legend, Luisa wrapped romantic notes around the chocolates she sent to Giovanni for his inspection. Inspired by their secret love, she made her bite-sized chocolates as delectable as her messages.

What is inside a Baci

• A silky dark-chocolate exterior
• Gianduja inside: a whipped chocolate filling blended with finely chopped hazelnuts
• A whole hazelnut crown on top

Baci today

Nearly 100 years later, Perugina continues the tradition of Luisa's Baci (Italian for "kisses"), love notes and all, alongside an extensive selection of other high-quality chocolate confections. The company is still located just outside Perugia, a hilltop town in central Italy, where the two lovers first met.

Find the iconic treat at your local Eataly.