A year without Alberto Bertone: his brother Fabrizio’s tribute and the future of Acqua Sant’Anna

From his connection with Vinadio to business continuity, right through to the role of the younger generations: Alberto Bertone’s legacy as recounted by his brother Fabrizio. One year on from the passing of the founder of Acqua Sant’Anna, the company’s chairman reflects on his personal memories and the human and entrepreneurial lessons that continue to guide him in his decisions today. “A year on from his passing, Alberto remains a presence that continues to guide me every day, both in my personal life and at work. It is difficult to separate the brother from the entrepreneur, because these two aspects were deeply intertwined within him. Alberto was someone who believed in his own instincts, looked beyond the present and turned ideas into concrete projects. He had extraordinary determination and a great ability to engage people, inspiring them with enthusiasm and confidence. The lesson I take with me is precisely this: to have the courage to imagine something new, without losing sight of the people and the values that must underpin it. Today, I feel a responsibility to safeguard what we have built together, but also to continue to make it grow.” You have shared an entrepreneurial journey that has led Acqua Sant’Anna to become one of the leading companies in the sector. What were the decisive moments in this story, and which of Alberto’s qualities made the greatest difference? “The story of Acqua Sant’Anna is one of vision, courage and the ability to innovate. Right from the start, Alberto believed in the potential of high-quality water, making the most of a spring set in the extraordinary natural surroundings of Vinadio, and he was able to build an ambitious industrial project around this insight. Among the decisive factors was the decision to invest in technology and production efficiency, anticipating major changes in the sector. Alberto was not content merely to follow the market; he sought to understand its future developments in advance and to identify new opportunities. His ability to look to the future, combined with a practical entrepreneurial approach, helped to make Sant’Anna a recognisable and competitive brand. It is this attitude of never resting on our laurels that we must continue to nurture”. What were the principles that Alberto would never have compromised on when running the company? And how are these principles actually passed on today to the people who work at Sant’Anna? “Product quality, a focus on the consumer, innovation and the ability to invest in the future were central elements of Alberto’s vision. Added to these was the conviction that a business must be able to evolve continuously, whilst maintaining its own identity. At Acqua Sant’Anna, these principles cannot remain mere declarations of intent, but must be reflected in industrial decisions, production processes, the organisation of work and our day-to-day relationships with our staff. I believe that the most authentic way to pass on a founder’s values is to make them part of the corporate culture, so that they continue to live on even as people and responsibilities change – a commitment that is renewed every day.” How has the company fared in this first year? What were the most significant challenges in ensuring the continuity of the business venture, and which aspects of Alberto’s vision did you take particular care to preserve? “It has been a particularly intense year, both personally and professionally. The loss of Alberto was a painful experience for the family and for all those who shared an important part of the company’s history with him. At the same time, we had a responsibility to ensure stability and continuity for an organisation that involves employees, families, business partners and an entire region. Our priority was to carry on the work with dedication, keeping our objectives firmly in place and ensuring the organisation had the capacity to meet the challenges of the market. For us, continuity means preserving the principles that have made Acqua Sant’Anna what it is today, whilst continuing to innovate and invest. This is how we wish to honour Alberto’s legacy, looking ahead without forgetting our roots”. Over the years, Acqua Sant’Anna has forged a deep bond with Vinadio and the local area. How important was Alberto’s relationship with his staff and the local community? Is there an incident that, in your view, particularly well illustrates this bond? “The bond with Vinadio is an integral part of Acqua Sant’Anna’s identity. Our history began in this area, in a mountainous environment that represents both a resource to be nurtured and a responsibility to be upheld. Choosing to establish a major industrial project here demonstrated that, even in a location far from the main production hubs, it is possible to develop technology, skills and employment. The relationship with people is just as important: a company is not just about facilities and financial results, but about the professionalism, experience and commitment of those who contribute to its growth every day. I believe that the value of Alberto’s work is also measured by his ability to have created a business that engages with the local community and supports its future prospects”. Today, the younger generations of the Bertone family are also part of the company’s journey. What values do you wish to pass on to Filippo and Giuseppe Bertone? And how can a family business preserve its identity whilst leaving room for new ideas and perspectives? “The value of a family business lies in the opportunity to build a project that spans generations, whilst maintaining a long-term vision. But this continuity cannot be taken for granted: it must be based on shared values. Above all, we wish to pass on to the younger generations a respect for the company’s history, for the work of those who built it and for the people who are part of it. At the same time, we want them to be able to develop their own ideas, bring fresh perspectives and contribute to the project’s evolution. Preserving our identity does not mean repeating the choices of the past, but understanding the reasons behind them and translating those principles into appropriate responses to the challenges of tomorrow. This is how a legacy can be transformed into a concrete vision for the future”. On the occasion of Acqua Sant’Anna’s 30th anniversary, the company reaffirmed the central importance of people, quality, technology and innovation. How will these principles guide the company’s upcoming challenges? “The 30th anniversary provided an opportunity to look back on the journey we have undertaken, but above all to reflect on our responsibilities towards the future. Acqua Sant’Anna has grown thanks to its ability to combine product quality with a strong technological and industrial focus. This approach remains fundamental in a market that demands increasing attention to efficiency, sustainability and the evolving needs of consumers. We will therefore continue to invest in process and product innovation, whilst at the same time valuing the skills of our people, who are the true driving force behind all change”. If you had to choose an anecdote, a gesture or a phrase from your brother to tell the younger generations who Alberto Bertone was, which would you choose? “Rather than a single phrase, I would like Alberto to be remembered for his ability to believe in ideas and turn them into reality. His entrepreneurial journey demonstrates just how important determination, curiosity and the courage to explore new paths are. But I believe his most important legacy is also a message for those who will come after us: the results achieved must never become an end in themselves. We must continue to challenge ourselves, work diligently and have faith in the people with whom we share a project. For me, remembering Alberto means this above all: not merely celebrating what he achieved, but ensuring that his ability to look ahead continues to translate into concrete decisions for the company.”