La Famiglia Bongiorno
Founder, Family Man, and the Soul of Bongiorno
My story begins with my father Giuseppe, born in Favara (1938) and emigrated to Belgium in ’65. A man of tradition, warmth, and family – values that I continue today with Bongiorno.
In 2009, Bongiorno was born out of love for Italy and the quest for pure, authentic flavors. It started with a limoncello made from real Amalfi lemons. Then came Fragoline di Bongiorno, and finally Don Pepé – our ode to Sicily and to my father, made from the best blood oranges at the foot of Mount Etna.
At Bongiorno, everything revolves around famiglia, flair, and la dolce vita. And you can taste it.
History
The Sicilian Dream
Sicilian Origin
The roots of the Bongiorno family lie in the heart of Sicily, in the charming village of Favara, Agrigento province. On June 19, 1938, Giuseppe “Pepé” Bongiorno is born into a warm family that eventually includes nine children: five sons and four daughters. In Favara, people largely live off what nature provides. Almost everything is prepared at home.
A New Life in Belgium
In 1965, Pepé decides to build his future further. He leaves Sicily behind and moves to Belgium in search of work and new opportunities. There he finds not only a future but also love. In 1969, he marries Ada Aielli, with whom he begins a new chapter in his second homeland.
Our liqueurs are more than flavors, they’re an experience.
The Next Generation
On January 6, 1970, Epiphany Day, Pepé’s happiness knows no bounds. His son, Vincenzo Bongiorno, is born. Vincenzo grows up with the Sicilian values of his parents: hard work, family honor, and above all, enjoying life.
Bongiorno Family
In 1998, the family bids farewell to Pepé. He leaves behind more than memories: his zest for life, dedication, and craftsmanship live on in his family. In 2000, the first grandchild is born: Giosue Giuseppe Bongiorno. Four years later, his little brother Simone follows.
Bongiorno as a Brand
In 2009, Vincenzo takes a big step. He establishes the Bongiorno company, transforming the rich family heritage into a professional brand that focuses on quality, tradition, and taste.
In 2012, the production of the very first Limoncello della Campagna follows, immediately hitting the mark. The success leaves them wanting more, and the range is expanded to include Fragoline di Bosco, among others.
From Liqueur to Lifestyle
In 2016, after 18 months of development, a special liqueur hits the market: Don Pepé, a tribute to his father and to the Sicilian blood orange.
A year later, the brand undergoes a visual transformation: the entire design of the bottles is renewed. In 2018, the assortment also gets an artistic touch through the Art of Bongiorno line, based on traditional Sicilian illustrations.
Growth
2020 is a milestone year. The limoncello is named Product of the Year, a recognition of both quality and character. And it doesn’t stop there; in 2021, Bongiorno launches three new liqueurs: Sambuca, SamNera, and Aperitivo.
Welcome to Bongiorno, welcome to our family.