Italicus is a super-premium, bergamot-infused apéritif launched in 2016 by mixologist and Italian spirits expert Giuseppe Gallo, who founded the brand with the ambition of reviving the historic Italian rosolio category for a new generation of consumers and bartenders. Made at 20% ABV using botanicals including Sicilian citrus and Calabrian bergamot oranges, along with lavender, gentian and yellow rose, the drink is distilled at a family-owned distillery near Turin.
Under the 2020 deal, Pernod Ricard and Gallo each held a 50% stake in the brand, with Gallo continuing to lead Italicus as CEO. As the brand approaches its 10th anniversary, Gallo has now stepped down from his operational role, marking what he described as the start of "a new era" for Italicus under full Pernod Ricard ownership.
Over the past decade, Italicus has grown into an internationally recognized name in the aperitivo category, selling more than 3 million bottles and expanding distribution to 47 countries, alongside consistent double-digit growth and listings in bars, restaurants and hotels worldwide. Built on a modern interpretation of Italian heritage, the brand has positioned itself at the premium end of the on-trade, with its distinctive bergamot-led flavor profile and bottle design helping it stand out in an increasingly competitive aperitivo market.
"Ten years on, with more than three million bottles sold worldwide, distribution across 47 countries, consistent double-digit growth year after year, and listings in many of the world's finest bars, restaurants, and hotels, the time has come for me to step down from my operational role and allow the brand to become fully acquired and integrated within the Pernod Ricard organisation as it enters its next chapter," Gallo said.
Francesco Ottaviano, Pernod Ricard's vice-president of apéritifs and gins, said the company was built on apéritifs and welcomed Italicus' full integration into the group. "Italicus is a celebration of Italian art and poetry in liquid form. Today, it's a must-have for the perfect Spritz, thanks to its signature bergamotto," he said.
Ottaviano noted that the apéritif category is being driven by the growing popularity of the Spritz occasion, with consumers increasingly favoring lighter, lower-ABV drinks for early evening or late afternoon occasions regardless of traditional mealtimes.
In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Gallo reflected on the journey from launching the brand as what he called "a bartender's dream" to building an international business. "Since launching Italicus in 2016, we have pushed the boundaries of innovation in the aperitivo category, challenged industry conventions, and shown that building a truly iconic brand takes patience, vision, and unwavering commitment," he said.
"I am incredibly proud that what started as a bartender's dream has become the project of my life," Gallo added. "We created a unique modern Italian brand, built from the very top end of the on-trade, that has achieved what few brands ever do."
He also thanked those who believed in Italicus' vision from the start, as well as everyone who joined the brand's journey, including Pernod Ricard for supporting its growth over the past few years. According to Gallo, Italicus has received more than 50 international awards and gold medals over the past decade.
While stepping back from Italicus, Gallo said his focus on entrepreneurship and drinks innovation remains unchanged. Through his company Italspirits, he will now turn his attention to developing his other Italian aperitivo brand, Savoia, including its newest creation, Savoia Vino Aperitivo, which reimagines vermouth for a new generation of consumers. He said he would continue working with teams at Italspirits across Europe and ABV Ventures in the US to build on the relationships and experience gained over the past decade.
