“Indulge your senses” is La Universal’s invitation. For over 135 years, La Universal has sweetened Ecuadorian lives. This is where the story of Ecuadorian sweets began. Today we stand at the grounds of Terrenos La Universal in Quito. But to truly understand its significance, we must journey back to 1889.
Imagine Guayaquil in the late 19th century. Two Italian brothers, Juan and Emilio Segale, partnered with Domingo Norero. Together they founded what would become Universal Sweet Industries. It became La Universal.
La Universal was a pioneer. In 1911 it became the first company to produce sweets in Ecuador. This marked the beginning of a legacy. A legacy of flavor, innovation, and sweet memories.
But La Universal’s path wasn’t without its challenges. In 1926, a fire devastated the factory. It was a major setback. But the company’s spirit remained unbroken. They rebuilt. La Universal established a new factory on Eloy Alfaro and Gómez Rendón streets. This new location became the heart of their operations.
From there, La Universal soared. The company successfully launched iconic chocolate brands. Manicho, Huevitos, and Cocoa became household names. In 1927, La Universal began exporting its products throughout Latin America. Emilio Segale led this expansion.
The 1990s brought economic turmoil. La Universal declared bankruptcy. It seemed the company would disappear from the market. However, in 2005, Isabel Noboa stepped in. She bought the company. Noboa renamed it Universal Sweet Industries. She brought back all its beloved brands. Yet, commercially, the company retained its well-known name: La Universal.
In 2018, La Universal became part of BIA BRANDS. It is a multi-Latino food holding company. This marked a new chapter in La Universal’s story. The company continues to produce treats with 100% Ecuadorian cacao.
La Universal prides itself on quality and flavor. Each bite offers a taste of Ecuadorian heritage. It is a taste of joy. As you stand here at Terrenos La Universal, remember its history. Think of the generations who have enjoyed these sweets. From its humble beginnings to its current global presence, La Universal remains a source of pride for Ecuadorians. Its sweets continue to bring moments of happiness to people around the world. La Universal is more than just a candy company. It is a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the enduring power of a sweet idea.