# Collecchio > Italian comune **Wikidata**: [Q100779](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q100779) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collecchio) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/collecchio ## Summary Collecchio is an Italian comune located in the Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna, notable for its historical and cultural significance as the birthplace of Parmalat, a major dairy company that became infamous for its financial collapse in 2003. The town is also recognized for its agricultural heritage and regional influence in the Parma province. ## Key Facts - **Location**: Collecchio is a comune in the Province of Parma, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. - **Coordinates**: Latitude 44.752694, Longitude 10.215694. - **Population**: Approximately 14,559 to 14,684 residents. - **Notable Entity Founded**: Parmalat, the global dairy company, was founded in Collecchio in 1961. - **Parmalat's Founding**: Founded by Calisto Tanzi; became defunct in 2003 due to financial fraud and bankruptcy. - **Notable Settlements in Collecchio**: Lemignano, Madregolo, San Martino Sinzano, Pontescodogna, Ozzano Taro. - **Cultural Site**: The Museum of Tomato (Museo del Pomodoro) is located in Collecchio, established in 2010. - **Religious Site**: Chiesa di Madregolo, built in 1634. - **Frazioni (Subdivided Communities)**: Ozzano Taro, Oppiano, Lemignano, Madregolo, San Martino Sinzano, Pontescodogna, and Gaiano. - **Official Website**: [comune.collecchio.pr.it](https://www.comune.collecchio.pr.it) ## FAQs ### What is the significance of Collecchio in Italian geography and history? Collecchio is a comune in the Province of Parma, Emilia-Romagna, and is historically significant as the birthplace of Parmalat, a major Italian dairy company that experienced a high-profile collapse in 2003. It is also home to several notable local sites, including the Museum of Tomato and the Chiesa di Madregolo. ### What role did Collecchio play in the Parmalat scandal? Collecchio is the headquarters of Parmalat, which was founded there in 1961. The company became infamous for its financial collapse in 2003, which was one of the largest corporate bankruptcies in history, involving fraud and leading to the conviction of its founder, Calisto Tanzi. ### What are some notable landmarks or institutions in Collecchio? Collecchio is home to the Chiesa di Madregolo, built in 1634, and the Museum of Tomato, which opened in 2010. The town also includes several small communities or frazioni such as Ozzano Taro, Lemignano, Oppiano, and San Martino Sinzano. ## Why It Matters Collecchio holds cultural, historical, and economic importance in the Emilia-Romania region of Italy. It is the birthplace of Parmalat, a company whose history reflects both entrepreneurial ambition and corporate overreach. The town’s agricultural and historical identity, including its connection to Parmalat and the regional pride associated with the “Made in Italy” branding, underscores its role in the Italian economic landscape. The Parmalat scandal also placed Collecchio on the global stage, highlighting issues of corporate governance and financial transparency. ## Notable For - **Birthplace of Parmalat**: Parmalat, a globally known dairy company, was founded here in 1961. - **Parmalat Scandal**: Parmalat’s 2003 bankruptcy was one of the largest corporate collapses in history, involving fraud. - **Museum of Tomato**: A unique cultural institution established in 2010. - **Historical Church**: Chiesa di Madregolo, dating to 1634. - **Regional Settlements**: Includes frazioni like Ozzano Taro, Lemignano, Oppiano, Madregolo, San Martino Sinzano, and Pontescodogna. - **Agricultural Heritage**: Part of the fertile Emilia-Romagna region, known for its dairy and agricultural production. ## Body ### Geography and Location Collecchio is a comune located in the Province of Parma within the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. It lies at the geographic coordinates of latitude 44.752694 and longitude 10.215694. The town is part of a historically and agriculturally rich area known for its dairy production and cultural heritage. ### Demographics The population of Collecchio is estimated between 14,559 and 14,684 residents. This demographic profile reflects its status as a mid-sized comune in northern Italy, with a stable population that contributes to the local economy and culture. ### Parmalat and Economic Significance Collecchio is globally recognized as the birthplace of Parmalat, an Italian dairy company founded in 1961 by Calisto Tanzi. Parmalat became one of the largest dairy producers in the world before its collapse in December 2003, which was marked by widespread financial fraud. The scandal led to the conviction of its founder and prompted reforms in corporate governance and financial transparency. Parmalat was headquartered in Collecchio until its acquisition by Lactalis, a French agribusiness giant. ### Cultural and Historical Sites - **Chiesa di Madregolo**: A church dating back to 1634, located in Collecchio. It is a significant historical and religious landmark. - **Museum of Tomato (Museo del Pomodoro)**: Established on September 25, 2010, this museum celebrates the cultural and agricultural importance of tomatoes in the region. It is one of several cultural institutions in the town. ### Settlements and Frazioni Collecchio includes several frazioni (subdivisions or smaller communities), each contributing to the town’s identity: - **Ozzano Taro**: A frazione in Collecchio. - **Lemignano**: A human settlement within the comune. - **Oppiano**: A human settlement in Italy, located in Collecchio. - **Madregolo**: A settlement in Collecchio, home to the Chiesa di Madregolo. - **San Martino Sinzano**: A human settlement in Collecchio. - **Pontescodogna**: A human settlement in Collecchio. - **Gaiano**: A settlement in Parma, closely associated with Collecchio. ### Digital Presence and Administration The official website for the comune is [comune.collecchio.pr.it](https://www.comune.collecchio.pr.it). It serves as a hub for local government information, cultural events, and civic engagement. The town has a Wikipedia article and is referenced in over 51 language versions of the site, indicating its regional and cultural relevance. ### Related Entities - **Italy**: The sovereign state in which Collecchio is located. - **Province of Parma**: The administrative province that includes Collecchio. - **Emilia-Romagna**: The region known for its agricultural and cultural contributions to Italy. - **Lactalis**: The French agribusiness company that acquired Parmalat in 2003. - **Calisto Tanzi**: The founder of Parmalat, later convicted of fraud related to the company’s collapse. ### Legacy and Modern Relevance Collecchio’s legacy is deeply tied to Parmalat’s rise and fall, which serves as a cautionary tale in business ethics and financial oversight. The town’s cultural institutions, such as the Museum of Tomato and Chiesa di Madregolo, reflect its ongoing commitment to preserving local heritage. Its agricultural roots and proximity to Parma, a city renowned for its food production, ensure its continued relevance in Italy’s culinary and economic landscape. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. Italian National Institute of Statistics 4. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html) 5. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it) 6. GeoNames 7. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224) 8. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia 9. Seismic classification in Italy 10. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)