Gioia Group currently operates 32 Cioccolatitaliani stores in Italy alongside 10 international outlets | Photo credit: Cioccolatitaliani

Bucharest-based Sphera Group has attained non-exclusive franchising rights to Italian ice cream, chocolate and coffee chain Cioccolatitaliani from parent company Gioia Group. 
 

In a press release, Sphera Group said it plans to initially franchise Cioccolatitaliani in Italy, opening its first licensed site in early 2025 before adding a further 20 stores by 2029.  

The franchise group, which already operates 18 licensed KFC restaurants in Italy, is also considering launching Cioccolatitaliani in Romania. 

“The acquisition of Cioccolatitaliani franchising rights aligns with Sphera Group’s growth strategy, allowing us to expand into a new consumer segment and develop in a healthy manner by adding a profitable brand to our portfolio. This strategic move strengthens our leading market position and better positions us by responding to a new category of customer needs, while meeting our investors’ expectations for further development and profitability boost,” said Călin Ionescu, CEO, Sphera Group.   
 

Cioccolatitaliani was founded in 2009 by the Ferrieri family. In January 2023, the chain became part of the newly launched restaurant platform Gioia Group alongside fast-food chain Bun Burgers. 

Gioia Group currently operates 32 Cioccolatitaliani stores in Italy alongside 10 outlets across six international markets. The chain served over 4.5 million cups of coffee in 2023. 

Sphera Group operates more than 100 licensed KFC stores in Romania alongside 45 licensed Pizza Hut and Taco Bell outlets. The franchise group posted RON 740m ($162.2m) sales in the first half of 2024.