"This is how our great-grandfather invented Tenerelli." The story of the Mucci family from Andria who has been producing sugared almonds for 130 years

by Mariateresa Totaro

A symbol of good luck and prosperity. To be given to guests and visitors, to be enjoyed with family to celebrate the most beautiful moments. The confetto - sugared almond - is a small treasure trove of taste and happiness. In Andria, one of the oldest factories in Italy still produces it just like in the past. Not too long ago, in Andria, future brides were honored with the "Petresciata": a rain of sugared almonds, a symbol of fertility and good luck, which was dropped on the heads of girls by their boyfriends during the Carnival period. Future mothers-in-law, on the other hand, gave them a basket full of all kinds of sugared almonds.

As tradition dictates, whether it's a birth, a baptism, a wedding, or a graduation, there's no celebration without sugared almonds. Small treasures of almonds, chocolate, and sugar that today come in a thousand flavors and consistencies. Especially in the town of northern Bari, Andria, where over a hundred years ago one of the most important artisanal companies in the sector was born. If you mention the word "sugared almond" in Puglia, in fact, it's inevitable to think of the Mucci family. It was in 1894 when Nicola Mucci began producing sugared almonds, candies, and chocolate in his city. Today, production is no longer in the original historic headquarters, which has been moved to a facility in Trani, but the Confetti Museum "Giovanni Mucci", also recognized by the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities, still stands. A few days ago, an important recognition has cemented the prestige of the factory: both the museum and the confectionery have been awarded the title of Historic Shop heritage of Puglia by the region.

Four generations

Mr. Giovanni, son of Nicola, managed the company for decades before passing the reins to his children and grandchildren. Today, the fourth generation of Mucci manages the confectionery: siblings Cristian, Loredana, and Manuela, and their cousin Cristina. Each with different roles, they continue the long family tradition and introduce innovations in the references every year, now numbering in the hundreds. "It was in 1920 when my great-grandfather - explains Cristian Mucci - created the so-called Mandorla Imperial, a new sugared almond made with the prized peeled almond "Fra Giulio", known as "Avola di Puglia", covered with a layer of white chocolate and lightly sugared. The product immediately achieved enormous success and was the prelude to the birth of Tenerelli, the sugared almonds for which we are still recognized throughout Italy and beyond."

"Tenerelli Mucci®" are small delicacies. Sugared almonds softer than traditional ones and therefore easier to eat. Inside, there are various fillings based on almonds from Toritto (Ba) or hazelnuts from Piedmont Igp, covered with white, dark, or milk chocolate and a light layer of colored jam. Tenerelli are produced in different colors and flavors. There are also the so-called Dragées, filled with liqueurs and spirits, such as limoncello, rum, sambuca, tangerine liqueur, Irish cream. But also with grappa and chili or those with vodka and peach.

Increasingly used for celebrations or for the so-called "confettata" at the end of weddings, Tenerelli, like all other Mucci products, are made only with natural flavors and colorings and are all gluten-free, preservative-free, and GMO-free. The company has also obtained vegan and lactose-free certifications for some types. And for those who need to limit their sugar intake, there are also Dragées without added sugars, sweetened with maltitol. "We have also obtained Halal certification, naturally excluding the sugared almonds with liquor filling, for Muslim people, and also Kosher certification for observant Jewish people. We have always believed that sugared almonds, symbols of celebration and joy, should be enjoyed by everyone, without exception. That's why our commitment to meeting the needs and tastes of all."

During the year, 80 quintals of almonds from Toritto (BA), 55 quintals of "Nocciole Piemonte IGP", 30 of "Pizzuta di Avola" almonds, and over 470 quintals of chocolate are used. "Our production is still done as it used to be. Even the packaging is handmade by people who have been working with us for over twenty years. There are no robots or industrial machines. Each package is made with maniacal care... I'm not saying we check each sugared almond one by one, but almost. For us, they are like children, and it fills us with pride to know that they will be the protagonists of our customers' moments of happiness." In addition to the classics, Tenerelli, and Dragées, Mucci still produces the famous Marzipan Fruttini: miniature fruits such as pear, cherry, lemon, peach that pastry chefs still hand-paint just as they did in the past. On the innovation front, however, the company has recently launched Limoncello Crystals on the market. "These are - explains Cristian Mucci - the evolution of Dragées. They are small sugared almonds made with liquid syrup that can be stored in the freezer. This way, when you eat the crystals, they break in your mouth releasing the liquor filling. A fresh sugared almond, perfect for summer."