Mera & Longhi: 130 years of artisanal sweetness awarded in Varese

Context

In brief

• Mera & Longhi awarded for 130 years of activity in Varese
• Award given by the Bosina Family
• Company founded in 1896 by Pietro Mera

Key facts

• What: Award for 130 years of activity
• When: May 3, 2026
• Where: Varese
• Who: Bosina Family
• Amount: Not specified

On Sunday, May 3, 2026, as part of the celebrations for the patron saint Victor, the city of Varese once again honors its deepest roots. Among the most anticipated moments of the official ceremony is the recognition of Mera & Longhi, a historic company that for almost thirteen decades has represented the excellence of Bosina confectionery art. The award, given by the Bosina Family, recognizes not only the entrepreneurial value of a business capable of surviving two world wars and the changes of the global market, but also the indissoluble link with the social fabric of Varese.

A story that began in via San Martino It all started in 1896, when Pietro Mera opened a small biscuit factory with a craft workshop in the back of via San Martino. It was here that, handcrafted according to tradition, the first candies were born that would conquer generations of Varese residents. In the 1920s, with the move to via Maspero and the entry of partner Longhi, the company experienced a period of great expansion, reaching over a hundred employees and diversifying production into confetti and licorice.

Pioneers of figurines and 'Rabarbaro' Few know that Mera & Longhi was among the first companies in Italy to realize the potential of footballer figurines. Between 1928 and 1929, long before it became a national trend, the company included images of the 'Sports Aces' in their packages, creating collections that are now true treasures for collectors. But the real turning point came in 1935 with the creation of the 'Rabarbaro Chinese Melsa'. Protected by an elegant gold-brown wrapper, this digestive candy, born from an intuition of the founders during a trip to Tuscany, is still produced today following the traditional rituals of ancient China, from which the company directly imports the selected raw material.

Resilience and innovation The history of Mera & Longhi is also made of bold choices. In the post-war period, a famous agreement with the Swiss giant Lindt defined the fields of action: the Swiss focused on chocolate, while the Varese maintained absolute primacy over candies. In the 1970s, the company also had the merit of betting on beneficial candies (such as those with sage-lemon or juniper), anticipating the modern attention to natural and phytotherapeutic products.

The present in Casale Litta Today, the company, which moved production to Casale Litta in 1984, is led by Emilio Mera, representative of the new generation that continues the work started by his father Aquilino. Under his guidance, tradition has opened up to innovation with the development of sugar-free lines, the use of stevia and new products such as the liqueur 'Rabarbarone'.

Operational details

• ## Implications for cross-border workers

The story of Mera & Longhi not only represents an example of artisanal excellence but also a model of resilience and innovation that can inspire many cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy. The company, with its ability to adapt to market changes and maintain a strong connection with the territory, offers an example of how it is possible to reconcile tradition and innovation.

Comparison with other companies

Mera & Longhi stands out for its longevity and ability to maintain a high level of quality in its products. Unlike many other companies that have had to close their doors due to global competition, Mera & Longhi has managed to survive and thrive thanks to its attention to quality and tradition. This is an example of how local companies can compete with large international giants while maintaining a unique and recognizable identity.

Future scenarios

With the advent of new technologies and the evolution of consumer tastes, Mera & Longhi will need to continue to innovate to maintain its leadership position in the confectionery sector. The company could explore new product lines, such as organic candies or low-sugar products, to meet the needs of an increasingly health- and wellness-conscious market. Additionally, it could consider expanding into foreign markets, leveraging its reputation for artisanal excellence to win new customers abroad.

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Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers who commute to Ticino and live in Italy, the story of Mera & Longhi offers an example of how to balance work and private life. The company, with its headquarters in Casale Litta, is easily accessible for cross-border workers living in the Varese area and working in Switzerland. Moreover, its focus on quality and tradition can be a reference point for those seeking a stimulating and rewarding work environment.

Procedure to visit the company

If you are a cross-border worker interested in visiting the Mera & Longhi headquarters in Casale Litta, you can follow these steps: 1. Contact the company to book a guided tour. 2. Check the opening hours and available days for visits. 3. Plan your trip to arrive punctually for the visit. 4. During the visit, don't forget to taste the company's products and make purchases to bring home a piece of Varese's confectionery tradition.

Useful tools

To best plan your visit to Mera & Longhi, you can use the route calculator to calculate travel time and transportation costs. Additionally, you can consult the event calendar to discover other interesting activities in the Varese area.

Source: varesenews.it