Head out west on the A11 autostrada from Florence, exit at Montecatini Terme and drive south to Monsummano. Eventually you’ll see a yellow building on your right. You’ve arrived at Slitti Cioccolato e Caffé. For chocolate lovers, a trip to this modest store is worth the effort. Enter this store and you’ll find an assortment of decadent chocolate treats that have gotten the attention of many food critics throughout the world.
The story of Andrea Slitti is impressive. At the age of 10 in 1969, Andrea along with his brother Daniele worked in his father’s coffee company, Caffè Slitti. Twenty years later, he decided to become a chocolate maker. He was passionate about creating a high-quality product. He made a line of chocolate products that made an immediate impression on his customers. His focus and hard work paid off. In 1994, he became the first non-Frenchman to win the prestigious Grand Prix de la Chocolaterie de Paris.
Keeping the store family-owned-and-operated is important to Andrea. He is assisted by his wife, Palmira, his brother, Daniele, and Daniele’s wife, Lara. His parents, Luciano and Marina, and a staff of 18 also assist in the business.
The Slitti chocolate product line includes:
Solid milk, white and dark chocolate bars
Milk, white, and dark chocolate disks filled with almonds, hazelnuts, puffed rice, or raisins
Chocolate/hazelnut spreads
Chocolate-covered coffee beans
Chocolate-covered hazelnuts
Chocolate-covered almonds
Chocolate-covered raisins
Chocolate buttons
Milk chocolate-covered almonds and puffed rice bars
Cognac chocolate
Solid chocolate bars shaped like keys, wrenches, spoons, and other utensils
Hot chocolate mix in plain, cinnamon and chili pepper
Assorted pralines
Various creations for the holidays, especially during Christmas and Easter seasons