This Truro-based company, who produce high-end, Italian cuisine, adapted their products to support the local community throughout the COVID-19 lockdown 

Managing Director, Ugo Massabo, began creating the finest artisan Tiramisu back in 2018 and expanded the range to include alcohol-free, gluten-free, and vegan options. These products were sold directly to delis, cafés, theatres, and garden centres, and the business was growing steadily before the COVID-19 crisis hit.

Identifying new opportunities

When lockdown restrictions forced usual outlets to close and drastically affected sales, Ugo offered customers the opportunity to order genuine Italian ready meals, delivered directly to their door at no extra cost. He called on his Italian heritage to develop ‘The Cornish Italian Meal Deal’, high-end Italian deli boxes to go, which include breadsticks, a delicious, home-made, pasta dish chosen from a large variety, and, of course, his signature Tiramisu to finish it off. 

This approach has been successful, with Ugo beginning to see repeat business from regulars who have enjoyed the option of restaurant-quality food at home.

As the hospitality sector begins to re-open, he hopes to be able to continue this additional offering direct to consumers, as well as supplying his original trade customers.

"As people have been stuck at home, we considered this as an opportunity to offer them an alternative takeaway option, providing restaurant-quality food to their doorstep.,” said Ugo. “We’ve received great feedback on our Deli Boxes, which have proven popular as they enable customers to enjoy a genuine Italian dining experience in the comfort of their own home. We work with local suppliers wherever possible, to source the best quality, Cornish products to include in our dishes, and help fellow businesses at the same time."

Future plans

Ugo’s forward-thinking, entrepreneurial response has resulted in a range of further opportunities to develop new partnerships. He has been approached by an Italian olive oil supplier, who wishes to add their products to his menu, and he’s also considering making his own mascarpone. 

SWMAS looks forward to supporting The Cornish Italian on this journey…watch this space for exciting future developments from Ugo and the team.