Disaronno Group completes Amaro Averna acquisition
Campari Group’s sale of Amaro Averna and Zedda Piras to Disaronno Group has been completed six months after the deal was first announced.
Disaronno Group recently rebranded from Illva Saronno in a bid to reinforce the company’s global positioning.
The firm first announced it had agreed to buy the two Italian liqueur brands from Campari Group in a €100 million (US$117.2m) deal in December 2025.
Founded in 1886, amaro brand Averna is produced in Caltanissetta, Sicily, with a recipe that “remains a closely guarded secret”.
At the time of the deal announcement, Disaronno Group called it ‘one of the most iconic amaros’, which is noted for its strong global presence where 70% of its net sales are international – primarily in the US, Germany and Austria.
Zedda Piras, meanwhile, is made in Sardinia using local myrtle berries and leaves. The after-dinner drink is mainly sold in its home market of Italy.
The transaction closed last week (28 May) through the transfer of ownership of the newly formed Italian company Meridia, which is based in Sassari, a city in Sardinia.
All 11 employees from the brands’ two production sites have been transferred to Meridia.
Marco Ferrari, CEO of Disaronno Group, said: “This acquisition is an important milestone in our growth strategy. It allows us to strengthen our international portfolio and reinforces our presence in key markets – the United States, Germany and Italy – through Amaro Averna.
“For Zedda Piras, our priority is to consolidate and grow its footprint in the Italian market.”
Ferrari has previously expressed to The Spirits Business that the company is open to acquisitions. The firm has also picked up American whiskey maker Sagamore Spirit and Engine Gin in recent years.
Meanwhile Campari Group has been lightening its portfolio, selling off its Cinzano vermouth to Caffo Group 1915 for €100m last summer.
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