The start of a success story
In the late 1920s, Olimpio Pacitti emigrated to Belgium from Italy. Together with his wife, Angelina Faccenda, he established the business in 1931. Its name, Le Vesuve, refers to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano in the Naples region from which they both came.
Investing in automation
Investments were soon made in automation for the production of cones, flat waffles filled with cream, cigarettes and fans.
The second generation
After the Second World War, their children Elvira and Valentino joined the business.
Relocation to the outskirts of Ghent
1960: as the years pass, the premises in Ghent undergo several extensions.
1962: the business is incorporated as a private company for the first time.
1971: the second generation are appointed as the new managers.
1980: first deliveries to the ice cream industry.
“The business continues to expand the product range. Products for ice cream consumption are added such as cups, spoons and napkins, as well as raw materials for ice cream making.”
Biscuiterie Le Vesuve today: more than just ice cream biscuits
1998: Albertino Hebbelinck, as Elvira Pacitti’s son a member of the third generation, takes over the management of business, now a private limited company officially known as Biscuiterie Le Vesuve BVBA.
The business continues to expand the product range. Products for ice cream consumption are added such as cups, spoons and napkins, as well as raw materials for ice cream making.
The Ghent site’s days are now numbered as logistics quickly becomes a very big problem, with large trucks having to be loaded and unloaded on the street on the edge of the city centre, the need for storage off-premises, issues with neighbours, and so on.
2007: Eva Eeman, Albertino’s partner, joins the business as joint manager and quality coordinator.
2010: Comeos food certification for SMEs – higher level.
2011: exclusive importer for Belux of the world-famous Fabbri brand.
2013: a new site is found in the Boskouter industrial park in Zottegem, where the company’s longstanding tradition of quality products and reliable service attracts increasing numbers of satisfied customers.
2016-2018: numerous production investments.
2018: BRC AA certification obtained
2022: expansion with 2 new production lines