A heritage born in Xixona and flourished in Barcelona
THE history of Planelles Donat dates back to 1850, when the first members of the Planelles familycoming from xixonastarted selling nougat on the street during Barcelona’s Christmas markets. Over time, this craft business It was consolidated and moved to fixed locations such as Plaza Cucurulla and Portal de l’Àngel, where it still operates today. iconic stores.
Origin and evolution of the family
THE Saga of Planelles and Donats It is also linked to the history of traditional nougat trade. In 1954, the two families joined their paths and their businesses after a marriage between the members of each lineage. Since then, successive generations They have kept alive the tradition of manufacturing and selling high quality artisanal products.
Currently, of the seven members of the sixth generationthree chose to continue the family businesseven when leaving other professions to immerse themselves in them toronería tradition.
Traditional crafts and products
Planelles Donat so elaborate classic nougats from Xixona (soft) and Alicante (hard), produced in a xixonenco cooperative founded by his ancestors, as a variety of his own products made in his workshop located on Calle Montsió, next to Portal de l’Àngel.
Expansion into orxata and ice cream
In addition to nougat, the family introduced other delicacies such as orxate and the artisanal ice cream. The summer offer of drinks and ice cream It has become an essential complement to the traditional winter trade and is part of the charm it offers to the local and visiting public.
Recognitions and urban roots
The importance of Planelles Donat in the commercial and cultural life of Barcelona has been officially recognized: in 2014, the Barcelona City Council declared its establishment as one of the “emblematic establishments” for its historical roots and its loyalty to craft tradition. In addition, recently, on the occasion of the Valencian Countryside Festival, the Xixona Town Hall granted the gold badge from the city to the company in recognition of its trajectory linked to its place of origin.
Tradition in difficult times
Throughout its history, Planelles Donat went through difficult times, such as Civil war wave Covid-19 pandemicwhich caused the temporary closure of their stores. However, each time the family regained its activity, demonstrating a rare resilience in century-old family businesses.
A journey between generations and flavors
The story of Planelles Donat It is that of a company that has been able to adapt without renouncing its artisan roots. Beyond a simple company, it represents a bridge between 19th century nougat tradition and the daily life of Barcelona, feeling the pulse of the city and its inhabitants for almost two centuries.
Visiting its stores not only offers the opportunity to taste typical Christmas productsbut also to understand the evolution of a family and a profession that has left its mark on the world. urban and cultural fabric from Barcelona.
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