Accokeek, MD – The Ambassador of Italy to the United States, H.E. Marco Peronaci, hosted a special event at Villa Firenze, the Ambassador's official residence, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Beretta. The event brought together representatives from business, government, and the Italian-American community to commemorate five centuries of Beretta family heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation, while recognizing the company's longstanding relationship with the United States and the enduring ties between Italy and America.
Founded in 1526 in Gardone Val Trompia, Italy, by Bartolomeo Beretta, the company began manufacturing gun barrels and grew over five centuries into an international group with a broad portfolio of businesses and capabilities. Through generations of family leadership, Beretta has continued to build on its founding values while adapting to new technologies, markets, and opportunities.
The United States has played an important role in that evolution. In 1977, Ugo Gussalli Beretta established Beretta USA in Accokeek, Maryland, laying the foundation for the company's long-term commitment to the American market. A pivotal milestone followed in 1985, when Beretta was selected to provide the M9 pistol to the U.S. Armed Forces, accelerating investment in American manufacturing and research and development. Beretta subsequently expanded its U.S. operations, including the establishment of its manufacturing campus in Gallatin, Tennessee. To this day Beretta remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the U.S. Military and Law Enforcement agencies and communities.
"Reaching 500 years is both an extraordinary milestone and a responsibility. As Beretta celebrates this anniversary alongside the United States' 250th anniversary, we are reminded of the enduring value of heritage, innovation, and the relationships that connect our two countries," said Franco Gussalli Beretta, President and CEO of Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta. "The United States has been an important part of our journey, not simply as a market, but as a place where we have invested, developed local capabilities, and built lasting relationships. We remain committed to building on that legacy for generations to come."
Founded by Ugo Gussalli Beretta in 1995, Beretta Holding has continued to expand its international presence under the leadership of CEO Pietro Gussalli Beretta. Its presence in the United States extends well beyond Beretta USA, encompassing a growing portfolio of companies, including Benelli USA, Burris, Norma Precision, and other specialized businesses across firearms, optics, optronics, and ammunition. Together, these companies represent a significant U.S. workforce, with approximately 700 employees across the Group's American operations. Since 2020, the Group has invested more than $150 million in the United States, including approximately $30 million in local investments during 2026, excluding its additional investment in Sturm, Ruger & Co.
"These figures represent more than the growth of the business, they reflect the people, the expertise, and capabilities we continue to develop across the United States," said Carlo Gussalli Beretta, PB Selection Business Development Manager and Digital Project and Innovation Manager of Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta. "We are proud of the businesses and teams that have become a part of Beretta Holding, and we remain focused on supporting their growth and building opportunities for the future."
During the evening, Beretta also showcased a range of interactive displays designed to immerse guests in the brand's 500 Years heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship. The exhibition featured one-of-a-kind firearms highlighting the company's cutting-edge approach to design, materials, and technical features, alongside a selection of special collaborations created in celebration of Beretta's 500th anniversary.
Highlights included the Beretta x Steiner anniversary binoculars, a commemorative medallion created by the Italian State Mint, Beretta x Oakley eyewear, Beretta x Venini Murano glass vases, the Garmin MARQ Commander x Beretta Limited Edition watch, limited-edition Damiani jewellery as well as the 500 Years Lo Sparviere Franciacorta Extra Brut sparkling wine. The display also featured Beretta x Santoni boots, bringing together Italian craftsmanship, innovation, design, and heritage across a distinctive range of luxury and lifestyle categories.
"500 years of tradition, creativity, innovation, and pushing forward. To celebrate Beretta's 500 years in Washington DC is to celebrate the beauty and quality of our Made in Italy, and the craft passed on from one generation to the next. Beretta has a longstanding presence in the United States and is another important actor of the relationship between Italy and the United States," said the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Marco Peronaci.
As part of the evening, Beretta presented a photographic book celebrating its 500 years heritage by renowned Italian photographer Massimo Sestini that was also on display during the event, documenting the company's history, craftsmanship, and legacy.
The celebration at Villa Firenze offered a fitting setting for Beretta's historic milestone, bringing together five centuries of Italian heritage with a relationship with the United States that has become an important part of the company's modern history. As Beretta enters its sixth century, the company remains focused on honoring its heritage while continuing to invest in people, capabilities, and innovation to support its future in the United States and around the world.
About Beretta
Established in 1526, Beretta is the world's longest-standing industrial dynasty, with a legacy spanning 16 generations of continuous family ownership. For 500 years, firearms bearing the Beretta name have been trusted and used around the world. Beretta USA Corp. was established in 1977 and quickly became the provider of the most widely deployed sidearm in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta USA is part of Beretta Holding Group, which includes over 50 global subsidiaries and 20 renowned brands. Beretta manufactures, distributes, and markets a complete range of firearms, accessories, and apparel. The company also owns and operates six Beretta Gallery retail stores worldwide.
For more information, visit www.Beretta.com, www.pietroberetta.com.
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