Iginio Massari Biography: Parents, Net Worth, Wife, Age, Height, Ethnicity, Tv Shows

Iginio Massari is an Italian master pastry chef, chocolatier, educator, and television personality widely regarded as one of the greatest living figures in fine pastry and the “Maestro dei Maestri” of Italian dolci.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Iginio Massari
• Stage Name: Iginio Massari
• Born: August 29, 1942
• Age: 83 years old
• Birthplace: Brescia, Italy
• Nationality: Italian
• Occupation: Pastry Chef, Chocolatier, Educator, Television Personality, Author
• Height: 1.76 m
• Parents: Pietro Massari, Rachele
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Maria Damiani (m. 1968)
• Children: Debora Massari, Nicola Massari
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Iginio Massari was born on August 29, 1942, in Brescia, Italy, to Pietro Massari, a canteen director, and Rachele, a cook, in a family immersed in food service.

At age 14, after early work in a local bakery, he moved to Switzerland for four years to train under masters like Claude Gerber, gaining foundational skills in pastry and chocolate.

He returned to Italy in the late 1950s/early 1960s without formal higher education beyond these apprenticeships, building expertise through practical experience. His ethnicity is Italian, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Iginio Massari began his professional path in Brescia bakeries as a teenager, then honed his craft abroad in Switzerland before returning to Italy.

In 1968, he married Maria Damiani, whom he met while working at Pasticceria Camera in Brescia.

In 1971, he opened Pasticceria Veneto in his hometown, which quickly became renowned for its high-quality pastries, panettoni, and chocolates, growing alongside his family and establishing his signature style rooted in precision, tradition, and innovation.

Over the following decades, Massari expanded his influence by mentoring young talents, competing internationally, and authoring influential books such as Cresci: The Art of Leavened Dough (1999), which became a bible for leavened products.

He co-founded the Accademia dei Maestri Pasticceri Italiani and served as a Relais Desserts councilor, while his creations earned him titles like Italian Chocolate Champion and global recognition.

Television elevated his profile further as a judge on Bake Off Italia – Dolci in forno starting in 2013, where his expertise and charismatic critiques made him a beloved icon.

Iginio Massari continues to lead through his Brescia patisserie, family collaborations (with children Debora handling public relations and Nicola technology), educational initiatives, and media appearances.

His enduring legacy lies in preserving and advancing Italian pastry craftsmanship, inspiring professionals worldwide with his discipline, passion for quality ingredients, and commitment to excellence across generations.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @iginio.massari
• Facebook Handle: Iginio Massari

Personal Life

Iginio Massari has been married to Maria Damiani since 1968, a union spanning over 55 years that he has described as a cornerstone of his life and work; they met at Pasticceria Camera where she worked as a server.

The couple has two children: Debora Massari, who assists in the family business with public relations and communication, and Nicola Massari, who contributes in technological and operational aspects.

Filmography

• Bake Off Italia – Dolci in forno (judge, 2013 onward)
• Various guest appearances on Italian culinary programs

Net Worth

Iginio Massari has an estimated net worth of $5 million, earned through Pasticceria Veneto, book sales including Cresci, judging on Bake Off Italia, international consulting, event appearances, and premium pastry brand collaborations.