Alberto Balocco, president and chief executive of the renowned Balocco company famous for panettone, cookies and pastries, died this Friday while cycling with a friend in the mountainous Pragelato area in Piedmont, in the north of Italy. Local media reported that the incident occurred during a thunderstorm that swept across the region, a weather event that can be perilous for cyclists on high-altitude routes.
The head of the family business was found along the path toward the Assietta shelter in the Susa Valley with his companion, a 55-year-old man named Davide Vigo. The accident ended in tragedy for two seasoned recreational cyclists who had chosen the rugged landscape as a spot to ride together, even as the storm raged around them. Balocco was 56 years old and the heir to a business founded by his grandfather in 1927, a company that currently employs close to 500 people across its facilities and operations.
According to reports from Italian news outlets, a driver discovered the bodies and alerted emergency services. La Repubblica noted that despite efforts from medical teams, the cyclists could not be saved due to the severity of the injuries and the harsh weather conditions, which included lightning and heavy rain that affected the region. The unfortunate tragedy underscores the dangerous realities that can accompany outdoor sport in alpine settings, especially when sudden storms surge over remote routes where rescuers may face challenging terrain.
Dario Tallone, mayor of Fossano where the Balocco factory is located, described the news as dramatic for the entire community. He reflected on Balocco as a major local figure and noted that Alberto Balocco had carried forward the family legacy with a sense of responsibility and pride. Alberto Cirio, president of the Piedmont region, expressed deep condolences, emphasizing Balocco’s status as a prominent businessman who helped bring the region’s traditions into homes across Italy. The sentiment echoed in official circles and among many residents who view Balocco as a symbol of regional industry and family enterprise. In reflecting on Balocco’s influence, observers highlighted how the company’s long history—built on generations of pastry making and a commitment to quality—has helped shape local economic and cultural life for decades.
The Balocco company, known for its festive confectionery offerings such as panettone and other seasonal pastries, has long stood as a cornerstone of Italian culinary craft. The loss of its leader comes at a moment when the region is mindful of weather variability and the risks that come with outdoor recreation. While the family business continues to operate, the departure of Alberto Balocco marks a significant moment for employees, suppliers, and customers who associated the Balocco name with reliability, tradition, and a distinctive taste that resonated with households throughout Italy and beyond. The tragedy is being mourned by colleagues and community members who recall Balocco not only as the head of a business empire but as a person who helped keep the doors open to innovation while honoring a century-old culinary heritage. Reports from regional authorities and media outlets indicate that the investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing, with authorities reviewing weather records and eyewitness accounts to determine how best to prevent similar losses in the future. In the wake of the event, local officials have called for reflection on safety measures for outdoor activities in mountainous terrain and the importance of preparedness when storms threaten mountain routes. The Balocco family and the company have not released further statements at this time, and the community continues to come to terms with the sudden passing of a man whose leadership left a lasting imprint on both business and culture in Piedmont and across Italy.