Our story
The monks at the Abbazia di Santo Spirito (Abbey of the Holy Spirit) in Caltanissetta originally developed the secret recipe in the early 19th century. As in the past, today’s amaro perfectly captures the unique aromas and flavours of Sicily thanks to its blend of Mediterranean herbs and its signature bittersweet taste.
A family tradition
In 1868, Frà Girolamo, a monk, gifted the recipe to Salvatore Averna, a textile merchant, as a token of gratitude for his unwavering dedication to the local community. Salvatore first produced the amaro for guests at Villa Xiboli, the Averna family’s summer residence. In the early 1900s, Salvatore Averna passed on the recipe and production process to his son, Francesco, who began showcasing the product at Italian and international fairs.
The royal patent
The product’s popularity and prestige in Italy reached such heights that, in 1895, King Umberto I honoured Francesco Averna with a gold medal, emblazoned with the symbol of the House of Savoy, during his visit. In 1912, Victor Emmanuel III granted Averna the right to affix the royal crest on the label of their liquor bearing the inscription “Brevetto della Real Casa” (Patent of the Royal House).
Anna Maria Averna
The 1920s posed significant challenges for Amaro Averna, yet they also represented a critical turning point. After Francesco Averna’s passing during the interwar period, his wife Anna Maria acquired the company. She took the helm and guided the business forward with the help of her sons, Salvatore, Paolo, Emilio, and Michele, expanding the brand’s reach and successfully entering the U.S. market. In 1958, Averna became a joint-stock company operating under the name Fratelli Averna S.p.A.
Averna today
By 1978, Averna had firmly established itself as a leader in the Italian market. The company gained worldwide recognition during the 1990s by expanding its distribution network to reach overseas markets, including the United States.
Averna, the Sicilian amaro
Since its founding in 1868, Amaro Averna has embodied a long-standing art form deeply rooted in Sicily’s rich culinary heritage. Its recipe has been passed down through generations, evoking the distinctive flavours and aromas of Sicily and becoming an Italian after-dinner staple.
Our roots run deep, and our original recipe remains a timeless way to end a meal in true Sicilian style.
