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It is the post-war years, and even in Borgonovo Val Tidone—a small town in the province of Piacenza—the foundations for economic and social recovery are being laid. It is in this climate of reconstruction that the Vetreria di Borgonovo, a producer of glass products for the HORECA sector was born, the result of a unique combination of events and opportunities.
The Vetreria di Borgonovo has a long-standing tradition. Today, thanks to technological advancements and craftsmanship, the company is a benchmark in the production of glassware for the HORECA sector, serving restaurants, hotels, and bars by offering quality and innovation to the industry.
1950s: From Beverage Trade to Glassworks
When Francesco Piccioni and Icilio Cantoni—two of the founders of the glassworks—met, they likely did not foresee what would unfold in just a few years.
It is they who laid the foundations for the company. Where did they start? From the beverage trade. But let’s take a step back.
We are in the 1930s: Francesco Piccioni’s father, Ernesto—who traded leather for shoes in Borgonovo—along with Icilio Cantoni, saw the opportunity to start a small beverage trade business in the town of Val Tidone. They occupied a warehouse and set up their small operation.
The experience in glassware for the HORECA sector started with innovation. Over the years, the company’s growth led to the development of a specialization in the production of glass products for restaurants, hotels, and bars, with custom collections tailored to every need.
In the 1950s, as the company began to expand, the focus shifted towards creating high-quality glass products designed specifically for the hospitality sector. The Vetreria di Borgonovo took its first steps into the production of glassware, making items for everyday use, but soon grew to meet the needs of the growing HORECA market.
How everything began with an ashtray.
The meeting of Piccioni, Cantoni, and Marzini was a convergence of personalities who managed to reinvent themselves in decidedly challenging times. Personalities that can also be reflected in the decision to start a glass business in a town at the foot of gentle hills: in the 20th century, glass production was mainly concentrated in Northern Europe and near the mountains because it was easier to obtain wood, essential for the operation of furnaces.
From Household Items to Glassware for HORECA. The company’s first production, in a 2,000-square-meter facility, focused on creating household items. However, the very first product made in the facility was quite curious: an ashtray. It marked the beginning of a long journey in the world of glassmaking, as the company honed its craft and expanded its product offerings to meet the specific needs of the HORECA industry.
The first 15 years of the company’s life were characterized by completely manual production. Semi-automatic systems began to populate the glassworks over a decade after its founding: in the mid-1960s, the first machine, Pöti, arrived. This technological shift allowed the company to scale its production, further establishing itself as a leader in the glassware sector for restaurants, hotels, and bars.
Looking for Glassware for the HORECA Sector?
📖 Since 1950, Borgonovo has been producing glassware for the HORECA sector, offering a wide range of products designed for restaurants, hotels, and bars. With 75 years of expertise, we provide high-quality glassware tailored to meet the specific needs of the hospitality industry. Our products are crafted with precision and passion, combining innovation with tradition to deliver the best glassware solutions.
Are you looking to enhance your establishment with custom-designed glassware? Contact us today to explore our diverse collection and learn more about our 2025 catalogue. Let us help you create a unique dining experience with our premium glass products.
