Le Tamerici S.r.l., based in Bagnolo San Vito in the province of Mantua, Italy, is a renowned artisanal producer of gourmet preserves, specializing in traditional Mantuan mostarda and a wide array of fruit, vegetable, and wine-based condiments. Founded in the 1990s by Paola Calciolari, a gastronomist deeply invested in the revival of Italy’s preserving traditions, Le Tamerici has grown into a symbol of excellence in artisanal food production, combining culinary heritage with innovation.
Core Business
Le Tamerici’s core business lies in the production of high-end preserved foods rooted in local Italian traditions, particularly Mostarda Mantovana—a unique candied fruit and mustard essence delicacy typical of the Mantua region. The company caters primarily to gourmet retailers, fine dining establishments, and international food connoisseurs seeking quality, traceability, and authentic taste.
Product & Service Offerings
Le Tamerici offers an extensive product catalog of over 80 handcrafted references across multiple specialty lines:
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Mostarda Mantovana (flagship product line):
- Pear, Campanina Apple, White Watermelon, Quince, Viadana Melon, Fig, Plum, Orange, Mandarin, Green Tomato, Pepper, Pumpkin, Mixed Citrus, Pink Grapefruit, Citron and Orange
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Special Mustards:
- Apple and Coffee, Pear and Cinnamon, Orange and Chocolate
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Specialty Collections:
- 3×3=GUSTO: Apricots & Black Tea, Strawberries & Red Wine & Pepper, Pears & Madagascar Vanilla
- MEDITAZIONE: Peaches & Provençal Lavender, Pears & Rosemary, Apricots & Mint, Strawberries & Ceylon Cinnamon, Apricots & Dark Chocolate, Plums & Cocoa Beans, Plums & Smoked Tea
- GOLOSITA’: Sour Cherries, Pear and Red Wine Compote, Juniper Figs
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Compotes with Aceto Balsamico di Modena I.G.P.:
- Strawberry, Sour Cherry, Fig Velouté, Pear, Onion
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Preserves:
- Red Onion, Red Tomato, Green Tomato, Pumpkin, Apricot, Cherry, Fig, Strawberry, Peach, Plum, Orange Marmalade
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Pickles and Sauces:
- Giardiniera, San Benedetto Peppers, Horseradish Sauce, Peppers in Cooked Wine
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Wine-Based Jellies:
- Aceto Balsamico I.G.P., Lambrusco D.O.P., Chianti D.O.C.G., Sparkling Wine, Passito I.G.T. Sicilia
These products are handcrafted in small batches, free from preservatives, colorants, or artificial thickeners.
Specialisation and USP
Le Tamerici’s specialization lies in its authentic Italian craftsmanship, combined with innovative flavor combinations that transform traditional condiments into gourmet experiences.
Key USPs include:
- Exclusive focus on rare and heritage fruit varieties (e.g., Campanina apples)
- In-house development of unique product lines with floral, wine, and spice infusions
- Manual production techniques for texture and flavor integrity
- Strong gastronomic heritage—Paola Calciolari is a respected voice in Italian preserving traditions
Financials and Operational Scale
Le Tamerici operates as a boutique-sized enterprise with a lean production model, emphasizing quality over quantity. While financials are not publicly disclosed, its consistent participation in global food exhibitions and presence in international gourmet retail channels indicate strong brand equity and stable revenues within its niche segment.
- Estimated annual output: Several hundred thousand jars
- Market positioning: Premium artisanal producer
- Export share: Approximately 40–50% of production destined for foreign markets
Shipment and Export Data
Le Tamerici products are distributed both domestically and internationally, with exports expanding steadily in recent years:
- Key markets: France, Germany, Switzerland, United States, Japan
- Export data (based on trade listings and international expos): Over 500 shipments between 2018 and 2023
- Distribution through high-end gourmet shops, delis, and online luxury food platforms
The company also collaborates with Michelin-starred chefs and boutique hotels.
Target Markets
Le Tamerici targets discerning buyers who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and exclusivity:
- Retail Channels: Gourmet food boutiques, wine shops, luxury department stores
- HoReCa: Fine dining restaurants, boutique hotels, caterers
- Geographic Reach: Western Europe, North America, and East Asia
Capabilities
Despite its small scale, Le Tamerici demonstrates strong product innovation and customization capabilities:
- Product Development: Rapid prototyping of new recipes in collaboration with chefs and sommeliers
- Certifications: Compliance with EU food safety standards (HACCP), though certifications like IFS/BRC are not public
- Packaging Flexibility: Elegant, gift-ready jars, suitable for premium retail and B2B gifting
- Agricultural Partnerships: Sourcing from local orchards and heirloom fruit suppliers
Certifications and Compliance
Le Tamerici follows EU regulations for food safety and labeling and adheres to artisan food production standards:
- HACCP-based hygiene and traceability protocols
- Uses PGI and DOP ingredients (e.g., Aceto Balsamico di Modena I.G.P., Lambrusco Mantovano D.O.P.)
- Registered as an artisan food workshop under regional Italian food authorities
Customer Testimonials
While formal testimonials are not widely published, Le Tamerici has been featured in:
- Gambero Rosso
- Slow Food Italy
- Multiple international food and wine expos, such as TuttoFood Milano and Salon Gourmet Madrid
Its reputation is also supported by endorsements from chefs and food critics who cite its Mostarda Mantovana as a benchmark product in Italian cuisine.
Major Achievements
- Instrumental in reviving the traditional Mostarda Mantovana, bringing it into gourmet kitchens globally
- Multiple collaborations with chefs and gastronomy schools across Europe
- Founder Paola Calciolari recognized as a culinary artisan and awarded for preserving Italian food heritage
- Developed over 80 distinct SKUs, making Le Tamerici one of the most diverse artisanal preserve brands in Europe
Le Tamerici S.r.l. represents the pinnacle of Italian gastronomic artistry—where historical recipes meet modern elegance. Its dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and regional authenticity makes it a trusted name among epicurean professionals and lovers of fine food worldwide.
