A century of passion for quality, now more than ever oriented towards social and environmental well-being.
Bolzano, April 5, 2025 - Loacker, the renowned South Tyrolean confectionery brand, is celebrating its centenary this year, an extraordinary milestone marking 100 years of success, innovation and love of quality. Founded in 1925 thanks to the vision of Alfons Loacker, the company has won the hearts and palates of millions of consumers around the world. This year, Loacker is also taking an important step towards an even more responsible future by officially registering as a Benefit Corporation. The announcement was made by CEO Ulrich Zuenelli to citizens and local stakeholders this morning, 5 April, during the company's birthday celebrations in Bolzano.
From its small pastry laboratory in Bolzano, Loacker has grown while maintaining its passion for quality and craftsmanship. Today, by becoming a Benefit Corporation, the company is taking a further step towards a more inclusive and sustainable economy, with the aim of combining economic success with social and environmental benefits.
"Our mission does not end with the products we offer, but extends to the responsibility we have towards people and the environment," explains Ulrich Zuenelli. "Becoming a Benefit Corporation is a natural choice for us because sustainability is at the heart of our values. By integrating social and environmental goals with economic ones, we create value for all stakeholders: from our employees to consumers and the planet. We are a company that takes responsibility, operates sustainably, puts nature and people at the centre and thinks not only of today's generations but also of future generations.
Loacker as a Benefit Corporation: A Commitment to the Future
Being a Benefit Corporation means that Loacker is actively committed to creating positive impacts and reducing negative impacts on society and the environment. "This formal step, which includes the integration of Benefit Corporation clauses in the company's articles of association, allows us to set clear and measurable targets for our positive impact," adds Ulrich Zuenelli. "In fact, we will present our Impact Report every year, documenting the progress we have made".
As required by its transformation into a Benefit Corporation, Loacker will publish its first Impact Report, an important document that describes the influence and impact of the company's policies on communities and the environment, with concrete and measurable goals and indicators. The process of becoming a Benefit Corporation and the drafting of the report were carried out with the strategic advice of InVento Innovation Lab, while the graphic design of the report was entrusted to the South Tyrolean studio Mugeles.
But Loacker's journey does not end there: the company is aiming to become a B Corp - a global recognition that demonstrates compliance with the highest social, environmental and ethical standards. The certification process, which will take several years, is expected to be completed by 2027.
The New R&D Technology Center: The Heart of Sustainable Innovation
In line with its commitment to innovation, Loacker is also investing in a new Technological Research and Development Centre, an ambitious project that will further strengthen the company's competitiveness and innovation capacity. The centre will house a research and development laboratory, a creative kitchen, the associated laboratory-scale technical centre and a multifunctional scale-up hall for the semi-industrial launch of innovations.
"Our Technology Centre will be a fundamental reference point for our future growth," says Andreas Loacker, Managing Director Innovation. "Not only will it be an innovation hub for the development of new products, but it will also help to strengthen our commitment to sustainability, combining technological progress with environmental responsibility. Construction of an underpass linking the new centre to the main building will begin in the spring and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Construction of the technology centre will begin immediately afterwards, with the aim of completing it by 2027".
By becoming a Benefit Corporation and working towards B Corp certification, Loacker is reaffirming its commitment to a sustainable future and strengthening its credibility and trust with consumers. The company will become part of a global network of companies working together for positive and lasting change.
