Pio Brun

40 years as an entrepreneur and a lifetime dedicated to the world of chocolate, master chocolatier and teacher

Pio Brun was born in 1933 in Oviedo, the son of Emilio Brun, owner of the La Avilesina confectionery (Santullano), and América Granda. He soon began to help out in the workshop, developing an early and logical vocation; logical because he was the heir to a long dynasty of master confectioners (father, grandfather, great-grandfather) and early because he was still a child.

His natural curiosity and restlessness led him to work (sometimes without pay) in some of the leading workshops in Oviedo, where he soaked up the knowledge of the best masters of the time.

In 1967, he moved to Gijón to take up a job offer from the now defunct Confitería Bombonera. where he teamed up with other young people like himself, who are now important figures in the world of confectionery, such as Sebastián del Pozo and David de Pedro, and masters from whom he continues to learn, such as Felipe Cachón.

In 1974, together with his wife Gloria Rivero and his eldest daughter, he decided to start his own business, choosing to specialise in one of the most delicate areas of the profession: artisan chocolate making. Obrador Pio Brun was born, dedicated exclusively to wholesale.

In 1981, his son-in-law Rogelio Laviada joined the team, gradually learning the ropes of this complicated but fascinating profession from his father-in-law.

Over time, his young daughters, Ángeles and Eva Brun, also joined the business, thus forming a family-run company with the competent help of several employees, of course.

Upon retirement, Pio and his wife Gloria were succeeded in the management of the business by their daughters and son-in-law, forming the current OBRADOR PIO BRUN, C.B.

In April 2005, Pio's great dream came true: to have his own chocolate shop. The company founded a shop in the centre of Gijón dedicated exclusively to the retail sale of artisan chocolates and all kinds of chocolate products: BOMBONERÍA GLORIA.

I would like this short biography to serve as a tribute to the man who, as a professional and as a person, was a role model for all of us who had the privilege of being by his side, in my case for thirty years. Pio Brun passed away on 21 March of this sad year, 2008, but I am sure that his spirit is here, among those he loved and among those who loved him so much.

I am his son-in-law.