An Italian entrepreneur based in Kendal has set up a company to import the finest food and drink products from his native Umbria to Cumbria.
Marco Rapaccini, director of Umbria Green Heart aims to establish more partnerships with local restaurants, hotels, delicatessens and producers to bring the best Italian ingredients to kitchens across the county.
“Setting up this company has always been my dream.
“I believe that food and drink bring people together and that they are central to our health, our environment and our future,” said Marco.
The region of Umbria is known as the ‘Green Heart of Italy’ because it is located exactly in the middle of the country and maintains a natural, green landscape.
“Umbria and Cumbria have many similarities, including lovely scenery, a strong agricultural and hospitality sector and authentic and genuine people,” said Marco.
Marco, who is also a software engineer, launched Umbria Green Heart with friend and business partner Davide Guerrieri. The pair grew up together in Foligno, a market town in Umbria.
“We select, import and sell the best-quality products Umbria can offer and only from producers we personally know and who we can trust,” said Marco.
The business imports olive oil, wine, a variety of truffles, cured meats such as prosciutto crudo and salami, and dried pasta.
“We want to establish more partnerships with Cumbrian companies, because we know they and local people are knowledgeable about good food and drink.
“Together we could deliver experiences which highlight both Cumbrian and Umbrian produce.
“For example, we could work with a Cumbrian artisan bakery and provide extra virgin olive oil and put on a bruschetta event or partner with an amazing Cumbria beef producer and together sell its beef paired with our red wine from Umbria,” said Marco.
Another idea is to provide welcome boxes of food and drink products for the local holiday letting market, while there are also plans to develop an online shop.
“We want to be ambassadors for Umbria, not just importing products but promoting the beauty of the region and its rich culinary traditions to people in Cumbria through these products,” said Marco.
