By Shelly Seong

Looking for the perfect gift for a food-crazed bride or groom? Check out Morandini de Castro- Italy’s cultivating establishment of gourmet products that include pasta, cheese, jam, olive oil, condiments, coffee and the finest selection of wine, all packaged into a stunning personalized box.

Morandini de Castro’s founder, Helga Castro’s vision was to deliver “well-made things, the old scents and the love for Italy.” Read on to hear her first-hand account of the amazing inspiration, creation and growth of the company and what it has to offer.

1)      What inspired you to start this business and who is your target audience?

My love for Italy inspired me to start. During the year that I studied at Milan, a Japanese friend came to visit me. Before she left, she asked me to help her buy something for her family. I decided to bring her to Peck (Milan’s most famous food emporium). They had plenty of delicious marmalade, unlimited variety of pasta, cheese, sweets, charcuteri and such an incredible cellar. However after one hour we went out empty-handed! It was too difficult to choose amongst such an extensive variety. How can you decide amongst 500 labels of wine, pastas, sweets, charcuterie and a wide assortment of cheese? I believe it was probably in that moment when I realized how difficult it was for a foreigner to be able to take the best from the Italian gastronomic panorama. That’s when I thought to myself that I should bring the best selection to represent Italy to those who visit and that the products should come inside a box that captures the elegance of the country; a box to keep and fill up afterward with beautiful things. This company was created with quality and simplicity. We cater to private companies, gourmet shops, lifestyle shops, food and wine online shops, event organizers, tourism associations, Italian representations overseas, hotels, food enthusiasts and to all those who love Italy.

2)      What makes your products so special and different from other vendors?

It’s the amazing group of people who are involved with making the products that makes everything so special. We have put together old flavors, top quality ingredients and high end designs. Morandini de Castro offers a selection of the best Italian products, such as home-made pasta, Parmesan from the Apennines, balsamic vinegar from Reggio Emilia, the famous Mantovan jams and others. All of our products are labeled and wrapped elegantly inside a beautiful black and white box with different printed photos that depict scenes of the Italian’s Dolce Vita. Our aim is to extract the prime essence of Italy by choosing the best of our gastronomic panorama.

3)      Is your store well-known amongst the locals of Italy? In other words, are your products something original for Italians?

We started this business in December 2006 so we are fairly new in the market. Italians are probably the most demanding customers that we have as they have a huge range to compare with. However they love our fresh image, the accurate selection of our products, and the idea of the boxes. They just love them!

4)      Do you do personalized gift packaging for weddings? Can you accommodate to the bride’s request? If so, would there be an extra charge?

Yes we can. The cost will depend on the quantity and volume requested. We can make 3 boxes or 3,000! The more you request, the cheaper the price. We can also customize the labels with the date of marriage, etc. For instance in Italy, it is quite common to give an important gift to the bridesmaid and best man. We prepare beautiful gift boxes depending on each person’s distinct taste and style.

5)      Can you make shipments out internationally? How much would the shipment fee cost and how long would it take for delivery?

The cost of the shipments is around $30.00-$60.00 , depending on the weight/volume. We send the goods with Fed-Ex in 48-72 hours. If the shipment value is more than $200,000 then we must be supported by an importer with an FDA registration. In LAX we work with B&B Partners, Thousand Oaks, CALIFORNIA 91360, so they will be able to do all the work. Due to the nature of the products (fine food) The FDA allows to send shipments at a non-commercial value (that means for own consumer purposes like gifts, etc.) You only have to make sure the total amount (value of the products) does not exceed the $200,000 limit. If someone would like to buy the products with a commercial purpose (i.e. to be sold in a gourmet store, or to be used in a catering service, etc.) They must have an FDA registration to import the goods. They can do it directly with us if they are registered, otherwise they can do it through our Partner B&B.

6)      Which product would you recommend for the perfect wedding gift?

Definitely the Eau d’oil Coffre two tins of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Selezione from SICILY & IMPERIA with a small notebook of fun-filled facts about the history and uses. They’re original and classy!

7)      For international customers, can they purchase products online?

We will have an online store by June 2010.

8)      What is the most popular item(s) sold?

The Red Truffled Sauce. It’s listed as one of the best sauces at NYC Fancy Food. The breadsticks with almonds that are made in Salento, which is in the south of Italy, are absolutely delicious!

9)      Have you thought about having a catering service for weddings and birthdays?

Yes. We have some partners that support us for the catering service. We also organize small private parties, events (for 10 people) with assortments of cheese and jellies, honey, salami, prosciutto and a variety of wines from different regions.

10)  Is the actual store located only in Verona, or do you have any other franchise stores? If not, do you have any future plans of opening more stores?

We do not have a store we have a showroom- atelier in Verona. Due to a huge request by Privates we will open an online store this year. For the future we would like to create a franchise chain or corner gourmet stores.

If you have any questions or want more information and catalog for the delicious Italian gourmet food and exquisite wine, visit Morandini de Castro’s official website.