Founded in 2007, Birrificio del Ducato is the most awarded Italian brewery to date. The story begins with an 8HL brewhouse in Roncole Verdi, a small village in Parma County, birth place of the world’s renowned composer Giuseppe Verdi and the homeland of prestigious food such as Parma ham (Prosciutto) and sparkling wines such as Lambrusco and Malvasia. A land of great heritage, with a history of daily sacrifices and great passion. Holding a BA in Food Science and Technology and past experience as a home brewer, Giovanni Campari is the radical and visionary Brewmaster. Manuel Piccoli is the brewery’s executive entrepreneurial mind with a precise vision for growth and development. Thanks to their skills and commitment, Birrificio del Ducato has grown throughout the years and excelled in national and international contexts. In 2008 Verdi Imperial Stout ranked first in its category at the “European Beer Star” in Germany marking the first time in history an Italian artisan beer has ever won an international contest. In 2009, Nuova Mattina (the American version of New Morning) was listed as one of the world’s top 25 beers in both “Draft” and “The Wine Enthusiast” magazines. In 2010, VIAEMILIA won the silver medal at the “World Beer Cup”, the world’s most renowned beer competition held in the USA every 2 years. In Italy Ducato was crowned “Brewery of the year 2010” and went on winning 4 medals, with VIAEMILIA being awarded a gold at the European Beer Star in Nurnberg, Germany. 2010 sees an increase of productive capacity with the acquisition of a 18HL brewhouse in the nearby town of Fiorenzuola d’Arda. In 2011 Ducato was once again crowned “Brewery of the Year” being the first brewery ever to be awarded twice in a row in Italy. It also won 7 medals at the European Beer Star with Beersel Morning and Sally Brown both receiving a gold award. Each subsequent year Ducato reaps more awards (85 in total, most from international contests) and by 2015 the brewery is exporting 35% of its production in over 18 different countries. In February 2015 Birrificio del Ducato opens the UK’s first Italian craft beer pub: The Italian Job. In late 2015 Ducato’s new 60HL brewhouse in Soragna becomes operational, while the original brewery in Roncole Verdi becomes wholly dedicated to sour and barrel aged beer productions.