The History of Catanias®
Over 80 years of creating sweet moment
In Vilafranca del Penedès, back in 1946, Bombons Cudié was founded from Josep Cudié’s passion for chocolate and the entrepreneurial vision of his wife, Antonia Salleras. Josep, a dedicated pastry chef since the age of 13, began experimenting with artisanal bonbons while working at Joan Trens’ patisserie.
Old Postcard View of Vilafranca del Penedès, Year 1940.
Among his creations, there wads one that stood out: a caramelized almond coated in a unique chocolate blend and a secret ingredient known only to him. He named it Cro-crem, inspired by its contrast between crunchiness and creaminess. When his mentor Joan Trens passed away in 1968, the Cro-crem was renamed Catania, in tribute to the original patisserie located in the house known as “Cal Catani”.
“Caramelized almond coated in a unique chocolate blend and a secret ingredient.”
Antonia, ahead of her time, officially registered the CATANIAS® brand in the 1970s, securing the future of their star product. Through dedication, quality and innovation, Bombons Cudié became a benchmark in Catalan cuisine and pastisserie.
The generational handover came with Oriol Llopart Cudié, Josep i Antonia’s grandson, who joined the family business in 1995. He has since introduced new varieties of Catanias® and modernized the company while preserving its original essence. Nowadays, Bombons Cudié crafts its creations in a 3,000 m² facility, sharing the unique taste of Catanias® with the world.
A flavourful journey
Discover the moments that have marked our history
1933
Josep Cudié begins as an apprentice at Joan Trens’ patisserie at just 13 years old.
1946
Bombons Cudié is founded by Josep and Antonia.
1950
The Cro-crem bonbon gains popularity.
1968
With Joan Trens passing away; Josep Cudié renames Cro-crem to Catania in his honour.
1970
Antonia officially registers the CATANIAS® brand.
1995
Oriol Llopart Cudié joins the family business.
2001
The company moves to a new facility in the Clot de Moja industrial area (1,000 m²).
2014
Antonia and Josep pass away; and Oriol takes full leadership.
2016
Factory expands to 3,000 m² and gains international presence in over 30 countries.
2026
Catanias® is a symbol of quality, tradition and innovation.
Philosophy & Values
What defines us, what we cherish
At Bombons Cudié, we believe that life’s little pleasures are what bring magic to everyday moments. That’s why our philosophy is rooted in balance — between tradition and innovation, between artisanal craftsmanship and evolving taste, between precision and emotion.
We are heirs to a way of doing things that places love for detail and quality at the heart of every step. Each Catania we create is more than a chocolate delicacy: it’s a story, a memory, a tribute to our origins.
RESPONSABILITAT SOCIAL CORPORATIVA
Compromesos amb el que importa
A Bombons Cudié entenem que fer bombons de qualitat també implica tenir cura del món que ens envolta. Des dels nostres inicis, hem cregut en la contribució activa i voluntària al benestar social i ambiental, i per això integrem criteris de responsabilitat en cada decisió que prenem.
Estem compromesos amb la reducció i eliminació del plàstic als nostres envasos, apostant per materials reciclables i sostenibles que protegeixin el producte sense malmetre el planeta.
L’estalvi energètic és una de les nostres prioritats. Treballem per optimitzar els processos de producció, utilitzant tecnologies que redueixen el consum i la petjada ambiental.
Creiem en el valor de la col·laboració amb el territori i promovem accions que aportin valor social: des de la creació de llocs de treball estables fins al suport a iniciatives locals i culturals.