She left her corporate job to work with startup Esperya when online grocery sales were not yet a mass global phenomenon, anticipating the trend by several years. Now Beatrice Ughi is booming in the States with her marketplace Gustiamo.
History
When one speaks of Italian excellence, thoughts immediately turn to authentic products and stories that tell of unique territories. Beatrice Ughi, founder of Gustiamo, embodies this vision, bringing with her a piece of Italy straight to the heart of the Bronx, New York. Since 1999, her online emporium has been a treasure trove of artisanal delicacies that celebrate the customs and innovation of our gastronomic culture, literally depopulating the U.S.- as seen in this recent Los Angeles Times special, which chronicles her daily work.
Within the walls of Gustiamo's warehouse is a unique atmosphere, where each product has a story to tell. “This is Trapani sea salt,” Ughi explains right at the LAT, highlighting how hand harvesting preserves purity and an incomparable taste. Every shelf reveals surprises: San Marzano tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, coffee from Verona, and jars of expertly preserved friarielli and artichokes. And there are no shortage of goodies like La Nicchia caper berries from the volcanic island of Pantelleria, with seeds so fine they seem artifact-like.
In between tasting and chatting, Gustiamo's warehouse also features a convivial corner. A table made of several pieces joined together is the meeting point for the team, who lunch while enjoying pasta with Salsa Pianogrillo, “the best ready-made tomato sauce we've ever tried,” accompanied by fresh salads and generous chunks of 24-month aged red cow Parmigiano Reggiano. This is the way to experience and promote the products: a daily commitment made up of tastings, trips to Italy and meetings with passionate producers. All while fighting against Italian Sounding, as he declared some time ago to ANSA: “For 25 years we have been importing excellence from small artisans, or rather from about 30 fantastic producers who in their activities do not think of shortcuts, pay their employees and respect true made in Italy.”
Activities that earned her the title of Cavaliere of the Italian Republic in 2003. But how did Ughi come to create this virtuous reality? Roman, but with a Neapolitan mother and a Florentine father, at first the entrepreneur was an employee of the multinational Ernst & Young in Rome, for which she was in charge of auditing financial statements while also making numerous business trips to the States. Then she left the position to work with the startup Esperya when online grocery sales were not yet a mass global phenomenon, anticipating the trend by several years. So that for years, during the holidays, Gustiamo has turned into a haven for those seeking unique gourmet gifts. From Luigi Biasetto's handcrafted panettoni to pandoro, passing through gift baskets from last Christmas that tell the story of Italy's rich regional traditions.
But the real gem is the ancient Noto Romano almond, a Sicilian variety saved from extinction thanks to chef Corrado Assenza, made famous by the “Chef's Table” series. These almonds, grown with very little water and with a tough shell, give off an intense aroma, ideal for the traditional granita served at Noto's Caffè Sicilia. Even without flying to Sicily, it is possible to recreate this experience thanks to the products imported and distributed by Gustiamo with the right enhancement.
Gustiamo is not just an online store, but an authentic cultural bridge between Italy and the United States. With selected products that reflect authenticity and sustainability, Beatrice Ughi demonstrates that food is more than just nourishment: it is a window into stories, places and people. And as one enjoys Colzani's sweet treats, such as hazelnut or pistachio cream, or dreams of tasting almond granita, one realizes that, thanks to realities like Gustiamo, the world can indeed seem closer.
