The Finest Italian Taste Without Borders

Tenuta Marmorelle’s Irish Debut and Global Vision

WTC Dublin Interview with Mike Carlucci, Managing Director, Tenuta Marmorelle Limited

From the sunlit olive groves of Italy to kitchens across the UK, Tenuta Marmorelle has built a reputation for delivering authentic Italian flavors grounded in tradition and craftsmanship. Since 2014, the Carlucci family has provided an extensive range of the very best Italian products, from award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil, artisanal pastas, to premium truffle products from Italy to discerning customers in the UK. Now, with their sights set on Ireland as the next step in their journey, and supported by distributor Taste the View and the World Trade Center Dublin’s global network, Tenuta Marmorelle is prepared to bring “The Finest Italian Taste Without Borders” to new markets.

Growth and Success

Can you share the inspiration behind starting Tenuta Marmorelle and how your family history influenced the business?

My parents were both born near Brindisi, Italy, a beautiful spot at the heel of the country. Although they moved to the UK, our hearts remained in Italy. I spent childhood summers there, surrounded by family, great stories, and incredible food. After being involved in two semiconductor distribution businesses, I returned to Italy to restore a 300 year old farmhouse which included olive groves. We, as do many farmers in the area, began to produce our own Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Working with my family, we decided to bottle our Extra Virgin Olive Oil to sell it in the UK where it quickly became apparent that there was a demand for fine Italian products. We launched our award-winning ZERO Extra Virgin Olive Oil which quickly gained recognition both in the UK and internationally. Friends in our town who produced exceptional artisan pasta, asked us to sell their pasta alongside our oil, which expanded our product offerings. This basically lead to the creation of Tenuta Marmorelle—a brand dedicated to offering only the finest Italian products.

Tenuta Marmorelle has experienced remarkable growth over the years. What do you believe is the key to this success?

Tenuta Marmorelle’s impressive growth comes from blending Italy’s rich culinary traditions with a modern, customer-focused approach. From the start, we’ve stayed true to our heritage—sourcing, handpicking and importing only the finest, authentic Italian gourmet products—while embracing innovation to meet changing tastes and market trends. Every jar, bottle, and package tell a story of quality, from our dedicated producers throughout Italy to the precision of our production partners and the reach of our distributors. This shared passion for excellence connects our entire network and drives our growth each year. Today, our award-winning range is enjoyed by wholesale partners, fine food retailers, and loyal customers across the UK, with easy online access for anyone craving a true taste of Italy at home.

How do you maintain quality and authenticity as you grow and enter new markets?

Scaling doesn’t mean compromising — it means becoming even more disciplined. We have invested in rigorous quality control at every stage, from ingredient sourcing to packaging. Our recipes are never altered to cut costs; instead, we work closely with artisanal producers who understand our strict standards. We also ensure that, no matter where in the world you enjoy Tenuta Marmorelle products, the taste and quality remain consistent with those in Italy.

What has been your proudest moment as the Managing Director of Tenuta Marmorelle?

There have been many milestones, but one of my proudest achievements is working with and mentoring my son Nick. In having him share the passion and enthusiasm of starting and building a successful business is what makes all the hard work worthwhile. Additionally, another standout milestone is seeing our products on the shelves of Fine Food Halls, Delicatessens and Farm Shops, all while knowing they are still made with the same love and care as when we first started. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear from customers who say our products remind them of their travels in Italy or their family heritage, and that they taste incredible. That connection is priceless.

Can you share the inspiration behind starting Tenuta Marmorelle and how your family background influenced the business?

Tenuta Marmorelle is rooted in family tradition. For generations, we’ve valued good food, shared meals, and respected the Italian artisanal craftsmanship. Our goal has always been to bring authentic Italian flavors to people’s tables, no matter where they are in the world. Our goal is to share the very best food Italy has to offer. That passion for quality and authenticity guides every decision we make as a company.

Your award-winning product range includes ZERO Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Gluten-free pasta, Antipasti range along with premium Panettones for the Christmas market. How do you decide which items best align with your brand and vision?

At Tenuta Marmorelle, quality is always at the heart of everything we do. Every product, from our award-winning Zero to our gluten-free pasta and premium antipasti range, is chosen for its exceptional taste and authenticity. We partner only with producers who share our vision and dedication to using the finest ingredients and traditional techniques, ensuring each item delivers unmatched flavor, provenance, and consistency. By blending our family’s deep-rooted Italian traditions with a sharp awareness of changing customer preferences, we source products that not only stand out in the marketplace but also earn the trust and loyalty of discerning food lovers around the world. An example of this is, due to the excellent quality of our Gluten Free pasta, we are very well known and have a large following in the Gluten Free community.

Export Strategy and Expansion

How has global demand for Italian gourmet products influenced your export approach?

The demand for authentic Italian food is higher than ever, shaping our approach to be both bold and selective. We focus on markets where there’s genuine appreciation for high-quality artisanal products, and we ensure our distribution partners share our core values.

You’ve selected Taste the View in Dublin as your first international distributor. What led you to choose Ireland — and this specific partner — as the ideal place to start your global journey?

We have a family connection with Ireland, as both my wife’s parents were Irish. Ireland felt like a natural first step for us. The Irish market has a deep appreciation for high-quality, authentic food, and we recognized an opportunity to bring something truly special to discerning consumers in this market. Taste The View offers a wide range of high-quality Irish products; their philosophies align closely with ours, and their customer base is very similar. Taste the View shares our passion for premium products and has an excellent reputation for building strong relationships with both retailers and customers. Starting in Dublin allows us to work closely with a trusted partner and refine our export model, and establish a solid foundation before expanding a similar model into other international markets.

Once you’ve built a strong base in Ireland, where do you see the most significant opportunities for international expansion?

With that foundation in Ireland laid, our goal is to share the authentic taste of Italy with food lovers worldwide. We see exciting opportunities in markets where premium quality and authenticity are valued—Holland, Belgium, Germany, Canada, Australia and others. Our strategy is straightforward but effective: We will look to partner with passionate distributors who understand the importance of provenance and place our products in the world’s most discerning retail, hospitality, and e-commerce spaces. For us, expansion isn’t just about entering new markets; it’s about building a global community that savors every bite of the Tenuta Marmorelle quality products.

How do you customize your product offering or branding when expanding into new international markets?

While our core product line stays the same, we customize packaging, sizes, and product launches to suit local consumer preferences. For example, some markets prefer smaller packages, while others like gift-ready displays. The key is adapting and being flexible without losing the essence of our brand. Our corporate Italian gift hampers featuring our products are very popular with both corporate and retail customers.

Partnership with World Trade Center Dublin

How do you envision WTC Dublin supporting your entry and expansion into Ireland and beyond?

The World Trade Center Dublin will be crucial in helping us establish the right connections and explore new markets. Their network reaches well beyond Ireland, opening doors to potential partners, distributors, and customers across Europe and worldwide. They also understand the challenges and nuances of expanding internationally, which allows them to provide guidance and resources for us to adapt and succeed. For us, it’s about more than just selling products — it’s about building long-term relationships and increasing brand awareness in new regions.

What attracted you to work with the World Trade Center Dublin, and how do you see them supporting your growth in Ireland and international markets?

Initially, a fellow producer and friend recommended you, highlighting your participation in global events, trade shows, and your direct connections to international buyers. WTC Dublin’s worldwide network and dedication to supporting SMEs make it an ideal partner for our expansion plans. They understand the unique challenges family-run businesses face when entering new markets and offer the tools, insights, and connections needed to overcome these hurdles. The outstanding customer service and proactive sales support from the WTC Dublin team played a key role in our decision to join, giving us confidence in their ability to represent our brand effectively. Ireland is a market that values quality food and maintains strong international trade links. Through WTC Dublin’s network, we gain access to valuable market intelligence, connect with the right buyers, and build strategic partnerships that will help us grow both in Ireland and globally.

Looking Ahead

What’s next for Tenuta Marmorelle? Are there any exciting developments or launches we should know about?

Our immediate goal is to ensure a successful launch in Ireland by raising awareness of our brand, listening to our customers, and delivering high-quality service. Once we’re confident in our model, we plan to replicate it in other parts of Europe and beyond. We’re also working on several new products that we look forward to sharing, each reflecting our core values. Additionally, we grew by 33% last year and this year is looking good for a similar level of growth. As a result, we are planning to expand our current warehouse facility, doubling its size to accommodate more products and growth.

What advice would you offer to other family-owned or small-to-medium food producers aiming to expand globally?

For family-owned or small-to-medium food producers looking to expand globally, start by finding a niche that’s large enough to support growth yet focused enough to make you the top choice—and serve it better than anyone else. Global success isn’t just about great products; it’s about building relationships. Value, respect and support your customers, staff, and your suppliers. Always deliver exceptional service and develop mutual trust with each other—this will be your most significant advantage in new markets. There’s no shortcut to lasting international success; it requires dedication, a passionate and capable team, and a genuine love for what you do. That passion builds credibility, inspires confidence, and opens doors. Invest in your people, uphold uncompromising quality, and commit to the highest standards everywhere you operate. Financial rewards will follow, but the true victory is in creating a respected, sustainable brand that customers worldwide are proud to support.

With strong roots in Italy and a solid presence in the UK, Tenuta Marmorelle’s entry into Ireland marks the start of an exciting new chapter. Driven by a passion for authenticity, a commitment to quality, and the support of trusted partners like Taste the View and the World Trade Center Dublin, Tenuta Marmorelle is prepared to share their award-winning products with a broader audience. As they expand into Ireland and beyond, Tenuta Marmorelle is not only bringing top Italian flavors to new markets — it’s also forging lasting relationships that honor tradition, taste, and the joy of excellent food.