Piedmont is distinguished by a rich culinary tradition, but at the same time it is open to innovation and experimentation. The use of advanced technologies and indigenous creativity have made Piedmontese food even more appreciated and recognized around the world
The mapping of the startup ecosystem allowed us to survey many innovative realities related to food and beverage production and distribution in Turin and its province. The current landscape cannot forget its roots, and that is why we took a few steps back to discover some of those food companies that helped make Piedmont's history.
Turin and the historical companies within the food industry
Cirio
Cirio is a company founded in Turin in 1856. Initially it was involved in the production of canned foods such as tomatoes, legumes and sauces.
Francesco Cirio, a forward-looking entrepreneur, gave much importance to quality and food safety of the products it sold. Because of this, the company soon became synonymous with foods of value and authenticity, playing a significant role in the industrialization of canned foods.
Since the Piedmont region was famous for tomato production (one of the main raw materials used by Cirio), Turin soon became a strategic base for the company. The city was easily accessible to major seaports, and allowed for rapid distribution of products across the country.
Caffarel
Caffarel is a famous chocolate company based in the province of Turin. Founded in 1826, it is one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious chocolate brands. Since its inception, the company has been dedicated to the production of delicious chocolate products, becoming one of the symbols of excellence of the “cioccolato made in Italy”.
Caffarel is particularly known for its gianduiotti, an emblem of the city of Turin and must For tourists who visit the city.
Today Caffarel continues to be a benchmark in the Italian and international chocolate industry. Thanks to its long tradition and focus on quality and craftsmanship, it has managed to establish itself as one of the leading luxury chocolate brands in the world.
Pastiglie Leone
Pastiglie Leone is a famous candy company based in Turin, Italy, founded in 1857 by Luigi Leone. Since then, the company has become one of the most renowned candy manufacturers in Italy.
The history of Pastiglie Leone began with a small artisan factory, where Luigi Leone produced digestive tablets for stomach problems. His product was highly appreciated and soon his company began to grow.
Over the years, Leone Pastilles has expanded its product range, continuing to be characterized by high-quality ingredients, artisanal production and respect for traditions.
In addition to being renowned in Italy, Leone Pastilles have been exported all over the world, becoming an international brand. Their elegant and refined packaging has made them a popular gift for both sweet lovers and collectors of vintage-flavored items.
Despite the passage of years and the evolution of the confectionery industry today, the company continues to maintain the high quality and authenticity of its products.
Martini & Rossi
Martini & Rossi is an Italian company famous for producing vermouth and other alcoholic products. Founded in 1863 in Pessione-Chieri, in the province of Turin, the company has become one of the most important and renowned in the alcoholic beverage industry.
The start of the company was due to the meeting between Alessandro Martini, a wine merchant, and Luigi Rossi, a herbalist. The two decided to combine their skills by starting to produce vermouth: a wine flavored with herbs and spices. This product was immediately successful, thanks to its quality and the innovation brought by Martini & Rossi in the production process.
During the 20th century, Martini & Rossi expanded its line, introducing new products such as bitters, liqueurs, and sparkling wines. In addition, the company continued to innovate in the vermouth business, developing new varieties and adapting to consumer tastes and needs.
In the 1990s, Martini & Rossi was acquired by the Bacardi Group, a major company in the alcoholic beverage industry. This partnership allowed Martini & Rossi to benefit from Bacardi's international distribution network and further consolidate its presence around the world.
Today, Martini & Rossi is known as an iconic brand in the alcoholic beverage industry. The company also produces cocktail ready-to-drink and prosecco, maintaining the commitment to innovation and quality that has marked its history.
Gelateria Pepino
Pepino Gelateria was founded in 1884 and is one of the oldest in the city of Turin.
Theattention to detail and quality of ingredients is a strength of Pepino's ice creams, which are made using only fresh and natural ingredients, with no added artificial colors or preservatives.
Pepino is one of the longest-running ice cream producers in Italy and Europe, which has made tradition and innovation its entrepreneurial path.
June 19, 2023 was the celebration of his entrance inside theAmerican Chamber of Commerce in Italy (AmCham), the American Chamber of Commerce in Italy. A recognition that will foster new partnerships and innovative projects.
Vergnano
Caffè Vergnano is a company specializing in coffee production. Founded in 1882 in Chieri and headquartered in Santena, in the province of Turin.
After the first three warehouses opened in Turin, Alba and Chieri the growing business allowed the company in the 1930s to purchase a coffee farm in Kenya.
Since 2000, the company has grown a lot by exporting the brand around the world. In 2016, Caffé Vergnano number 100 was inaugurated in Singapore, and the collaboration with the Eataly store has allowed it to surpass 130 locations worldwide. The Vergnano brand is also present inside some international airports and in some railway stations. A growth that shows no signs of stopping since, as of 2021 The Coca-Cola Company enters with 30 percent in the company with the aim of taking care of the distribution of Caffè Vergnano abroad.
Lavazza
Lavazza is another of Italy's famous coffee companies. Founded in 1895 in Turin by Luigi Lavazza, the company has played a significant role in the development and promotion of the art of coffee in Italy and around the world.
Lavazza has always been committed to the research and production of high quality coffee, with a special attention to environmental and social sustainability. The company has created its own supply chain, working directly with coffee producers around the world to ensure the controlled and sustainable origin of raw materials.
Lavazza's presence in Turin is not limited only to coffee production. In 2018, "Nuvola Lavazza" was inaugurated, Lavazza's headquarters in Turin.
30 thousand sq. m. of space in Borgo Aurora that contains, in addition to offices, the Lavazza Museum, an event space, a bistro, and a plaza surrounded by greenery.
The company is one of the main sponsors of cultural and sporting events in the city. Thanks to its outlets, cafeterias and concept stores, it offers tourists and non-tourists alike a unique experience related to the world of coffee and consolidates Turin as a reference point for espresso lovers.
Saclà
Saclà is a Piedmontese company founded in 1939 in Asti. Its name stands for "Società Anonima Commercio Lavorazione Alimentari" and it specializes in the production of food products (pickles but also sauces and appetizers).
Despite being born in Asti, Saclà has had a huge international expansion, becoming a well-known and appreciated brand in many countries.
The company has been able to innovate with its products in the food sector. It has created new variants of sauces, gravies and condiments to enrich the range offered and has tuned in to customer needs. It has introduced gluten-free and lactose-free food lines to meet the demands of a wider audience.
Today, Saclà products are sold in more than 60 countries around the world, a testament to the quality and excellence of this Piedmont-based company.
Ferrero
Ferrero is a Piedmontese company founded in 1946 by Pietro Ferrero in Alba. Initially, the company was mainly engaged in the production of candy and nougat, but it became world famous through the success of its best-known product, Nutella.
Nutella was launched in 1964 and quickly became an international success due to its unique taste and versatility. This product was a food innovation, introducing the concept of hazelnut cream to the market. Nutella became so popular that today it is consumed all over the world.
In addition to Nutella, Kinder Sorpresa and Ferrero Rocher the company produces many other popular products such as Tic Tac, Kinder Cioccolato, Mon Chéri, Pocket Coffee etc.
The consistent ability to create products loved by consumers has helped solidify Ferrero's position as a one of the world's leading confectionery manufacturers.
Grom
Grom is an Italian company founded in 2003 in Turin, Italy. Primarily known for producing artisanal ice cream, it has become a success story for its innovative approach to business.
First of all, Grom made a bold choice from the very beginning: to focus on the quality of its products. To ensure maximum freshness and goodness, Grom uses only selected, natural ingredients. This means that all raw materials are sourced from local and organic producers, striving to minimize the use of chemical additives and preservatives.
In addition to the quality of the ice cream, Grom has introduced new technologies in the production process, such as low-temperature pasteurization, which preserves the nutritional characteristics of the ingredients and results in cooler, creamier ice cream.
The brand has made the most of new consumer trends, adapting to the needs of an increasingly health-conscious public. It has introduced a vegan option to its offer, using ingredients such as soy, almond and rice milk to create delicious ice creams free of animal ingredients. This choice has made Grom a benchmark for vegan and vegetarian consumers, who often have difficulty finding tasty, quality alternatives.
Infine, Grom ha anche abbracciato il concetto di sostenibilità ambientale. L’azienda ha adottato misure per ridurre l’impatto ambientale della produzione, come l’uso di imballaggi eco-sostenibili e l’adozione di politiche energetiche sostenibili.
Grom's innovative approach has won many consumers both in Italy and internationally. Today, the company has numerous outlets around the world, and is always expanding. Grom has proven that it is possible be successful in the food industry by offering high quality, sustainable products adapted to new market needs.
Eataly
Eataly is a chain of medium- and large-scale outlets specializing in the sale and distribution of Italian food.
The first Eataly store was opened in 2007 in a 30,000-square-foot industrial warehouse located in a suburban area of Turin. The building was completely renovated and transformed into a large food market, with spaces dedicated to restaurants, fresh and packaged food outlets, a cooking school, and a wine shop.
What made Eataly a unique experience was its philosophy of offering high-quality products sourced directly from Italian producers, promoting a food culture based on knowledge and respect for local traditions.
Oscar Farinetti, its founder, traveled all over Italy in search of small producers and farmers, carefully selecting the products that would later have space on Eataly's shelves. He also invested heavily in preparing his employees, creating a real training school for restaurateurs and sommeliers.
The success of Eataly in Turin has been extraordinary: the market has become a destination attraction for tourists and food enthusiasts, and it has helped boost Turin's image as a city of high-quality food.
Eataly's model has been so successful nationally and internationally that the company has opened stores in many other Italian cities and around the world. Today Eataly has a presence in several countries, including the United States, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, and has become a leading brand in the quality Italian gastronomy sector.
The food sector in Turin in 2023. Between start-ups and innovative production methods
In recent years, however, Turin has seen a real explosion of innovation in food and culinary. Start-ups, food companies and restaurants in the city have embraced new trends. Sustainable nutrition, organic foods, local ingredients, and the use of advanced technologies in food production and preparation.
New urban growing methods have emerged that enable the production of fresh, healthy food right in the city, reducing the environmental impact of transportation and processing.
Turin has also seen a significant increase in restaurants focusing on vegetarian and vegan cuisine, responding to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives and cruelty-free.
Technological innovation has also played a key role in Apps and delivery services that have simplified the consumer experience, allowing high-quality food to be ordered from restaurants or specialty stores with ease and speed.
The mapping of the Turin ecosystem carried out by ToTem allowed us to discover several realities in the food & beverage area that we are happy to bring to your attention as well.
MAMMT
MAMMT is a startup in the foodtech sector active in lunch breaks in Turin and Milan. The user does not choose what to eat but provides preferences and eating habits that will be used by an algorithm to define the daily menu.
Active since 2021 Mammt has won the 500 FoodTech Award (Forward Fooding) and is highly appreciated because "It is the service that knows your tastes, chooses for you a personalized lunch and deliver it wherever you want!"
Morsy
Morsy is a B2B Food-as-a-Service startup, founded in 2018 in Turin, Italy. It produces and delivers tasty, balanced lunches to companies that care about the well-being of their employees.
"Whether it's a business lunch with clients, a big annual event or a team-building day, we're ready to cook for you. From finger foods to long white tablecloths, Morsy knows how to make your plans come true."
The menu changes weekly with unique dishes that draw from both Italian tradition and other countries around the world. To vary and always try something new!
The Spiritual Machine
The Spiritual Machine supports artisanal alcohol producers around the world in the conception, production and promotion of new products, using only natural, controlled and certified ingredients. It accelerates and simplifies market access, reaching a community of thousands of professionals.
It allows more than 60 thematic lessons free of charge and teaches all the secrets of the main production techniques.
It also offers master classes and competition "Create your own spirit.". A way to create the prototype of your own alcohol and follow its production and distribution through partner sales platforms.
Orti Generali
Orti Generali, founded in 2017, is a city garden park with a kiosk, farm, classes, and outdoor activities. It was established with the goal of building a social enterprise model for the transformation and management of residual agricultural areas of the Turin metropolitan area. Committed to ecological sustainability and social equity, it won the National Landscape Award (Ministry of Culture), in the 2022/23 edition.
Greamm
Greamm is a SaaS solution (Software as a Service) based on Artificial Intelligence. It revolutionizes supply chain management in the food industry. With Greamm, companies optimize inventory, reduce environmental impact and mitigate risks along the supply chain.
Greamm has officially joined the Circular Health EDIH, co-founded by the European Union.
Aroundrs
Regarding the focus on sustainability and the environment, there are several new developments in the startup world.
One of them is Aroundrs S.r.l. - Benefit Society an Italian innovative startup, established in Florence in 2021 and also operating in Turin, Milan and Rome.
Offers the best reusable packaging service that can reduce the environmental impact of single-use packaging in the restaurant and horeca industry (Hotellerie-Restaurant-Café).
He participated in the European accelerator program "Impact Deal" organized by Fondazione CRT and OGR Torino with Microsoft and won several awards:
- Tuscany Innovation Award Winner 2021
- Ready to Impact – Avanzi Banca Etica 2021
- Impact Deal – Fondazione CRT 2022
Spreeng
Also Spreeng is an innovative product startup that takes into account the need and importance of taking care of the environment. Founded in 2021, it has created a sustainable, collapsible and reusable tumbler.
The project was created in response to the EU(2019/904) directive that banned the use of single-use plastics in Europe by 2030.
The defining element of the value proposition, called "Use and Help" as opposed to disposable, is to place greater value on the way we consume.
A very interesting mission that allowed Spreeng to participate in the incubation/acceleration program: "180 Degrees Consulting" and to win the "GoBeyond 2021" award.
Esperienza
Esperienza was awarded in 2018 by Invitalia among the best 10 innovative enterprises in the food & wine tourism sector. It organizes and creates innovative and original event formats.
Living an "Experience" means discovering and learning to recognize the food and excellence of the territory through an engaging and multi-sensory journey. Authenticity, quality and high level of insight are the main ingredients of the proposed activities.
These are just some of the many food startups operating in Turin. The industry is constantly growing, with more and more entrepreneurs seeking to introduce innovative products and services to the food market.
The growing focus on conscious and sustainable food has opened up new opportunities for startups in the sector in Turin and throughout Piedmont. Some focus on using local ingredients, some on reducing food waste, and some on introducing eco-sustainable practices.
In this way, they not only preserve the culinary history of Turin, but also contribute to sustainable and environmentally friendly development.
Whether it is a new way of proposing or producing food & beverage, delivering meals to the home or office, or consuming them with environmentally conscious tableware... food proves to be one of the recurring themes of Turin innovation!
Is your startup in the food or beverage business? Have you had an idea that can revolutionize the food & beverage industry? Enter in the innovation ecosystem by filling out the form and telling us what you are about.
