At Spinneys we stock a selection of Italian products from reputable suppliers. Learn more about their histories and the passion that goes into creating these items
Italy’s varied climate and terrain – ranging from the Alps to the Mediterranean coast – have fostered a remarkable array of produce, with each region boasting its own unique specialities. This abundance has inspired generations of artisans to craft culinary products, from multiple types of pasta to the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant basil pesto and the creamy indulgence of gelato.
For over 160 years, Riso Scotti has been synonymous with quality rice in Italy, a legacy that began in 1860 with Pietro Scotti in Pavia. Today, the fifth generation of the Scotti family proudly upholds this tradition, cementing their position as the country’s leading rice producer. The rice is cultivated, harvested and processed entirely in Italy, primarily within the fertile plains of the North. Riso Scotti’s commitment to quality extends to their close partnerships with select farmers, ensuring that every grain meets their exacting standards.
What truly sets Riso Scotti apart is their continued use of the traditional mola, a stone mill invented in Northern Italy around 1850. This gentle milling process, unlike modern industrial methods, delicately removes the rice husk, preserving the grain’s integrity and nutritional value. The result is a lustrous, bright Arborio rice, perfect for absorbing the flavours of your favourite ingredients and creating the rich, creamy risotto that is a hallmark of Italian cuisine.
The brand Pasta Di Martino stands for quality and innovation. Based in the historical town of Gragnano, which has a rich pasta-making tradition, this family-owned company uses only the finest 100% Italian durum wheat semolina, primarily sourced from Puglia, and pure spring water from Gragnano, to craft pasta. They use time-honoured techniques to slowly dry their pasta at low temperatures, a process that preserves the natural flavours and nutrients of the wheat. This results in pasta that cooks evenly and has a satisfyingly firm bite.
Spinneys is proud to offer two of their finest products – the Dolce & Gabbana Spaghetti and Dolce & Gabbana Penne Rigate. Created in collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana, these special editions showcase the vibrant colours and artistic flair of the iconic fashion house, while maintaining Pasta Di Martino’s unwavering commitment to taste and texture. The Dolce & Gabbana Spaghetti, with its classic long, thin strands is perfect for twirling into creamy sauces, while the Dolce & Gabbana Penne Rigate, with its distinctive ridges and angled cuts, is ideal for holding onto richer, chunky sauces.
In 1939, Secondo Ercole and his wife Piera Campanella decided to preserve the abundance of fresh produce from their native Asti region in Piedmont, so they could be enjoyed all year round. This ingenuity led to the creation of Saclà, a company that has been bringing the taste of Italy to tables worldwide for decades. Saclà’s Classic Pesto is a testament to tradition, capturing the essence of Ligurian cuisine. Careful selection of ingredients, combined with time-honoured methods, results in a pesto that bursts with fresh, herbaceous notes, perfect for stirring into pasta or spreading on sandwiches. Their Sun-dried Tomatoes, which are intensely sweet and slightly tangy, are made with fresh tomatoes typically grown in southern Italy, where the hot climate and bright sunshine concentrates their flavours. They’re preserved in oil to capture their essence.
What began as a small artisanal gelato parlour in 1946 has grown into Italy’s leading industrial gelato company, which is a testament to Sammontana’s commitment to quality and innovation. They meticulously select premium raw materials and adhere to rigorous quality control processes, ensuring each batch of gelato meets their exceptionally high standards. Sammontana gelato’s velvety texture and authentic flavours have delighted generations. The iconic Sammontana Barattolino: Vanilla and Pistachio gelato, which is available at Spinneys, combines the classic creamy flavour of vanilla with the nutty richness of pistachios.
Find these products and many other Italian ingredients at Spinneys.
