Sanzio Evangelisti, export director of Mazzetti d’Altavilla distilled products, understands that a global marketplace wants tradition with a twist.

Mazzetti d’Altavilla looks back on over a century and a half of production in Italy and is proud to be run by the sixth and seventh generations of the Mazzetti family. In 1846, Filippo Mazzetti founded his first distillery in Montemagno for the production of grappa.

At that point, the family had not yet discovered the power of using grape skins in its fermentation processes. Within a few generations, the company had expanded its distilleries and was selecting the finest grapes grown in the soil of volcanic ash. Over the next century, Mazzetti continued to grow and flourish while perfecting its distilling processes, producing an unmatched grappa appreciated the world over.

Most recently, in the 1990s, the company’s efforts to ramp up marketing in Asia and North America increased the visibility of the drink. “The family has played an outsized role in making grappa a beloved drink everywhere,” says Sanzio Evangelisti, export director of Mazzetti d’Altavilla srl.

In all, the company employs 30 to 32 people year-round and twice as many in the harvest season in autumn. It brings in 15 million EUR in revenue, based on 40 to 45% exports.

With over 150 years of experience producing grappa, Mazzetti d’Altavilla is a top name in the Italian beverage market.

Mazzetti produces two main branded grappa products: Antica Grapperia Mazzetti, which finds a place on the shelves of supermarkets and chain stores, and Mazzetti Altavilla, a higher-end product available in specialty stores. Grappa forms the largest bulk of its production, at 50%, and the company has different types of grappa on offer.

“We are getting ready to launch a new line of reserve grappa,” Mr. Evangelisti mentions. 30% of the export market is composed by the Brandies, and serve as the company’s entrance to many markets. The rest of the company’s distilled spirits are given over to other liquors, including classic Italian liquors such as limoncello, amaro and amaretto, as well as new lines of blended drinks. “The consumer marketplace is definitely moving towards a lovely range of liquors,” Mr. Evangelisti says.

Mazzetti sells its grappa and distilled beverages through traditional market channels and emerging ones. Wine stores and specialty markets are an important partner for the firm. It also pursues an exciting and modern marketing platform including its now-famous distillery events, which it has been hosting for 12 years.

The company’s distilled brandy products are composed of grapes grown in Italy’s rich volcanic ash.

Here, the company invites potential customers from around the world to a stunning and sophisticated theatrical performance or art exhibition right in Italy’s alluring Piedmont region.

“In this way, our brand is connected with this type of customer,” Mr. Evangelisti attests. The company also reaches customers through direct contact with importers and exclusive contract arrangements. Mazzetti presents itself regularly at the trade fairs Vinitaly Verona, Vin Expo Bordeaux and Prowein Dusseldorf. “Our image is excellent on the global market,” Mr. Evangelisti says.

Mazzetti has already conquered its home market and is looking to find new ways to serve its global clientele. “We have the know-how and the ability to create a great, quality product; now we want to meet consumers with what they really desire,” Mr. Evangelisti says.

Mazzetti’s newer lines of reserve products are the next generation of grappa beverages for upscale consumers.

This is an ongoing project for the company, which is also addressing global concerns through its constantly improving approach to environmental friendliness. Most recently, the company has introduced a new energy system that allows its production facilities to be warmed using waste products produced at the distillery.

Mazzetti has set high standards for its distilled products, and so have its customers. Tradition and modernity create grape expectations, and Mazzetti meets them every time.