This company's history begins far away in Zara, Dalmatia, and continues in Italy at Torreglia (Padua) where the family still produce their famous maraschino and other liqueurs like Sangue Morlacco, cherry brandy from marasca cherries and Sambuca. In 1821 Girolamo Luxardo opened the maraschino factory in Zara, after his wife Maria Canevari had begun making the product at home with enthusiastic reactions from friends. After years spent perfecting the product it obtained the privilege of exclusive use by the Emperor of Austria. After destruction of the plant in World War 2 and subsequent events, Giorgio Luxardo (fourth generation) courageously reopened the company at Torreglia, and it is now a world leader in the sweet liqueur sector. Luxardo Spa is also a leader in cake liqueurs and produces grappa and other spirits, jams, fruit syrups and wines (Luxardo De Franchi Castel Venda).