Fassi S.p.A. was founded in Turin in 1936 thanks to the dedication and entrepreneurial skills of its founder, Lorenzo Torassa. Initially established as a pharmaceutical company, its shift toward highly specialized production in the confectionery sector was a natural evolution driven by the growing success of the iconic green tin of Mental in the sweets market. This success endured over the years despite significant challenges, such as the bombing that destroyed the factory during World War II, which led to the company’s relocation to the Vallecrosia operational and production site, where it remained until 2011.

The company’s positive trajectory solidified under the leadership of Roberto Torassa, Lorenzo’s son, who guided the company to conquer new and increasingly diverse market sectors.

Indeed, while the flagship product remains the Mental line—famous licorice candies available in sugar and sugar-free variants—the company has significantly expanded its production to meet the demands of an increasingly discerning and diverse consumer base.

Innovative products like the Mental Spray Breath Freshener, launched in 2011, stand out, along with Flormenta and Flornera—sugar-free mint candies and pure licorice sticks packaged in aluminum tins featuring an internal mirror. These tins have quickly become a must-have accessory for women who simply cannot resist Mental’s unique taste. A meticulous selection of raw materials, constant investments in new technologies, and ongoing training have always supported the historic Mental brand, ensuring it stays in step with the times. Evidence of this is the continuous restyling of packaging, designed to be ever more appealing and to capture increasingly varied customer targets.

The company’s primary market is undoubtedly domestic, supplying both large-scale retailers and local distributors requiring greater customization. In recent years, thanks to smart brand promotion strategies, Fassi S.p.A. has also made strides abroad, gaining clients in Europe (France, Malta, Sweden), Asia (China), Africa (Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt), Central America (Santo Domingo, Venezuela), the United States, and Australia.

To better meet the logistical needs of its clients and adapt to the continuous technological development of its machinery, in 2011, the company relocated to a new, modern production site in Chiusanico (IM). This state-of-the-art industrial warehouse covers an area of 5,000 square meters, designed to ensure maximum respect for and harmony with the surrounding environment.

A strong connection to the local territory is just one of Fassi’s many strengths, along with the enhancement of human resources, constant attention to customers, and the ability to quickly adapt to market evolution, all while keeping a sharp eye on industry innovations.

A Family Aroma

From this established expertise come Black Mental, the “drinkable licorice,” and Milk Mental, the “milk and mint liqueur,” infused with the unmistakable “family aromas” of the Fassi Group: the extract of pure Calabrian licorice, regarded as the best in the world, used in Mental candies, and the essence of Lattementa, the unique mint-filled candy. The careful selection of flavors, combined with relentless innovation, has brought these precious liqueurs to the table, perfect for moments of freshness you can’t resist. Their unique taste and rich, fragrant aroma make Black Mental and Milk Mental natural beverages that retain the refreshing, digestive, and thirst-quenching properties of licorice root and Piedmontese mint. With a low alcohol content (20° for Black Mental and 15° for Milk Mental), they are best served chilled to delight from the very first sip.

Black Mental and Milk Mental: young, fresh liqueurs ideal for after-dinner enjoyment—try them and never let them go!