Two family confectionery businesses separated by 105 years of history and a border between Italy and the Netherlands ended up merging into one of the biggest sweet makers most shoppers have never heard of by name.
Two family businesses, a century apart
Perfetti was founded in 1946 by brothers Ambrogio and Egidio Perfetti near Milan, Italy, and grew into one of Italy's best-known confectionery makers, eventually creating Mentos. Van Melle, a Dutch confectioner, had a much longer history, dating back to 1841, and built its own international presence through brands like Fruittella and Frisk. The two companies operated independently for well over a century before their paths finally crossed.
A merger that created a giant
In March 2001, Perfetti acquired Van Melle, and the combined business took the name Perfetti Van Melle. At the time, the merger created the world's third-largest confectionery company by some measures — a scale most shoppers wouldn't guess from a name that rarely appears on the wrappers of its own products.
Building the brand portfolio
Mentos remained the group's flagship, but the portfolio grew significantly through acquisition and expansion. In 2006, Perfetti Van Melle bought the Spanish lollipop maker Chupa Chups, adding one of the most recognisable lolly brands in the world. Airheads, Alpenliebe, Big Babol, Smint and Happydent rounded out a portfolio that today sells into more than 150 countries — while the company itself has remained privately owned by the Perfetti family throughout.
Frequently asked questions
When was Perfetti Van Melle formed?
Perfetti Van Melle was created in March 2001, when the Italian company Perfetti (founded in 1946 by brothers Ambrogio and Egidio Perfetti near Milan) merged with the Dutch confectioner Van Melle (founded in 1841), forming what was then the world's third-largest confectionery company.
What brands does Perfetti Van Melle own?
Its global portfolio includes Mentos, Chupa Chups (acquired in 2006), Airheads, Fruittella, Alpenliebe, Big Babol, Smint and Happydent, sold across more than 150 countries.
Is Perfetti Van Melle a public company?
No — it remains a privately held, family-owned business controlled by the Perfetti family, which is unusual for a confectionery company of its global scale.