Alessandro Melotti: growing up at Dulcop, building the future

Some companies become part of a family's story.

For Alessandro Melotti, Dulcop has always been more than a workplace. As a child, he grew up surrounded by the company, spending time in both the offices and the production department while watching his parents, Paola and Athos, at work. In the 1960s, they saw the potential of soap bubbles, transforming a business that began in the confectionery industry into an internationally recognised company in the toys industry.

Today, together with his brother Andrea, Alessandro represents the second generation of the Melotti family leading Dulcop International.

In this interview, Alessandro reflects on a journey shaped by responsibility, daily challenges and long-term vision. From the new production facility to international growth and product innovation, he shares how Dulcop continues to evolve while remaining true to the values that have guided the company for almost ninety years.

From the company's beginnings to leading the business

Dulcop is first and foremost a family story. How did your journey with the company begin, and what do you remember about your early years surrounded by soap bubbles?

My brother and I spent a lot of time at the company from a very young age, sometimes getting into a little harmless mischief. I grew up in this environment and started by helping with a variety of activities across the offices. That experience gave me the opportunity to understand every part of the business before gradually specialising in finance and administration.

Today, you and your brother Andrea represent the second generation leading the company. How have your roles evolved over the years, and what does it mean to work together?

Our responsibilities have naturally developed over time. I mainly oversee finance and administration, while Andrea focuses on production and operations. In reality, however, there are no rigid boundaries. We often step outside our respective areas whenever the business requires it. We each bring different strengths to the table, and that complementary approach has always been one of our greatest assets.

The challenges that shaped the company

Every entrepreneurial journey comes with challenges. Looking back, what has been the most difficult one for you personally?

Challenges are simply part of being an entrepreneur. There have been many, and there will always be more. Rather than identifying one specific moment, I believe the real challenge is learning to face each one with determination and never giving up.

Was there a particularly bold decision that changed the company's future?

I don't believe there was a single defining decision. The achievements of a company are almost always the result of many choices—both large and small—made consistently over time.

A new headquarters, a long-term investment

The move to the new production facility has been one of the most significant milestones in Dulcop's recent history. What has this transformation meant from both an organisational and a human perspective?

From my perspective, which is mainly financial, it was an extremely demanding project. We prepared for it over many years and, although the journey wasn't always easy, today we can confidently say it represents one of the most important investments in our company's future.

Beyond production, what does the new headquarters represent for Dulcop today?

It represents our determination to look ahead. It is the foundation on which we will build the company's growth over the coming decades.

Looking towards 2027

International markets continue to face economic uncertainty, rising costs and changing consumer habits. What is your financial outlook for 2027?

With realism, responsibility and commitment. Markets are constantly evolving, and businesses must be ready to adapt without ever losing sight of their long-term objectives.

What will be Dulcop's strategic priorities to ensure sustainable growth and strengthen its international competitiveness?

We will continue investing in product development, expanding into new markets and evaluating every opportunity capable of creating long-term value for the company.

Innovation and new opportunities

Recently, Dulcop has introduced new product lines such as Pets and Indoor, creating new occasions to enjoy soap bubbles. How did these ideas come about?

Innovation is essential, but on its own it is not enough. It must always go hand in hand with product quality, excellent service and genuine attention to our customers. These remain the foundations of everything we do.

How important is it today to innovate not only products but also the way people experience play?

It is fundamental. Not every idea becomes reality, but constantly looking for new opportunities is part of our job. In our industry, the greatest challenge is often not creating an innovation, but helping customers and consumers understand its value. Innovation means introducing something people have never experienced before.

Looking ahead

How would you like Dulcop to be recognised ten years from now?

I hope the company will continue to be recognised for its reliability, product quality, innovative mindset and resilience in adapting to market changes.

After spending almost your entire life surrounded by soap bubbles, what still motivates you every morning?

The challenge. Every day brings something new to solve, improve or achieve. That is what continues to inspire me to move forward.

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