Copacabana Palace launches artisanal panettone by Nello Cassese in limited-edition collectible tins created by designer Gisela Pecego.
Artisanal panettone with Italian heritage
The Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, presents its traditional artisanal panettone, created by award-winning chef Nello Cassese. He leads all the hotel’s restaurants, its events operations and the Michelin-starred Ristorante Hotel Cipriani. The delicacy is already one of the most coveted treats of the Rio Christmas season and gains an artistic twist this year.
Inspired by authentic Italian tradition, the panettone is handmade in the hotel’s kitchen. It uses high-quality Italian flour and goes through three stages of slow fermentation, which provide lightness, depth of flavor and a velvety texture on the palate.
A balanced blend of natural ingredients results in a product of excellence, 100% artisanal and free from preservatives. Therefore, the recipe contains no artificial essences or chemical additives, reinforcing the focus on quality and genuine flavor.
Selected ingredients and refined recipe
The candied fruits are prepared in-house, while natural vanilla pods add subtle and elegant notes. The eggs, cracked one by one and sourced from free-range hens, highlight the care taken in every step of the process.
Each year, chef Nello Cassese revisits and refines his traditional recipe. In this way, he preserves the Italian essence while adding his personal touch, turning the classic Christmas dessert into a unique gastronomic experience.
Collectible tins by Gisela Pecego
The exclusive tins created by Gisela Pecego translate the identity of Copacabana Palace with a contemporary view of Brazilian culture. Inspired by the hotel’s iconic façade and tropical elements, the three versions feature watercolors that blend elegance and lightness.
Hibiscus, bananas, toucans, pineapples and shells appear in the illustrations, creating a sophisticated tropical universe. Furthermore, the palette and shapes echo Rio’s relaxed atmosphere while dialoguing with the hotel’s timeless luxury.
The artist describes the creative process as organic. “I wanted to capture the Brazilian spirit and the sophistication of Copa. Choosing watercolor was essential to convey this sense of lightness.”
Among the designs, the tins feature bananas and pineapples that graphically reference the Copacabana promenade. At the same time, toucans reinforce the tropical mood. The lid is adorned with illustrations that act as a frame.
At the center of this frame appears the façade of Copacabana Palace, connecting sophistication and Brazilian identity. Thus, the tins become collectible pieces, going beyond packaging to become true design objects.
Social impact and limited availability
Reinforcing the hotel’s social commitment, 10% of all panettone sales will be donated to Solar Meninos de Luz. The institution operates in the Pavão-Pavãozinho and Cantagalo communities, offering full-time education, culture and sports for children and young people.
The Copacabana Palace panettone is available in a limited edition and can be purchased directly at the hotel. Information and orders are available via e-mail at pergula.cop@belmond.com or by phone at +55 21 2548-7070.
Service
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Avenida Atlântica, 1.702 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Information and orders: pergula.cop@belmond.com or +55 21 2548-7070
Price: R$ 305 + 10%
About Gisela Pecego
Designer and artist Gisela Pecego is known for reinventing forms and patterns with humor and a strong visual identity. Her work spans fashion, art and interiors, always guided by creative design and the desire to surprise.
Her irreverent creations are unmistakable and invite viewers to discover hidden details and secret messages. As a result, each project rewards a keen eye and careful observation of her graphic compositions.
Balancing work, family and a postgraduate program in Artificial Intelligence at PUC-Rio, Gisela finds inspiration in everyday creative chaos. She embraces a light-hearted lifestyle with her children Valentina (14), José Francisco (12) and Antônio Bento (10), transforming this energy into sophisticated authorial projects.
In October 2025, she was invited by Care to design a campaign and illustrate the packaging of the Duo Blush & Highlighter in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She also launched a line of porn chic wallpaper, irreverent and playful, already featured at Gastromar restaurant in Paraty.
Her pieces are also present in the homes of artists such as Lázaro Ramos and Taís Araújo. In 2022, Gisela created the illustrations for the “Bem Me Quero” fragrance packaging by Granado Phebo, a manifesto to self-love with female bodies transforming into tropical flowers.
She was invited to customize the iconic “Garçon” figurine at Guimas restaurant, which welcomes guests on the veranda of this traditional Rio venue. In 2024, she launched a collaboration with Allumettes, presented at SP-Arte, creating artwork for six decorative matchboxes.
Described as small “collectible sparks”, the boxes reinforce the artistic dimension of the project. Besides her authorial work, Gisela acts as an art director and creative consultant for printmaking and collection development.
Her clients include brands such as Haight, Animale, Julia Golldenzon, Ki&Co and Valônia Veras. She also signed the visual identity of the May 2025 edition of Carandaí and recently joined Prio.
At the company, she works as an ambassador for the Prio Team, promoting positive impact alongside the I Love Prio platform. In this way, she expands her presence in initiatives that connect creativity, purpose and social engagement.
