Stefano Chessa started importing Sardinian cheeses and cured meats six years ago. He would drive across the capital and sell to restaurants and shops directly from the van. The cheeses came from small farmhouse producers and the products were often seasonal; Stefano explains, 'we wanted to attract head chefs who designed the menu around the best produce available.' This approach won them a loyal clientele and built a good reputation, as has his decision to use only organic suppliers or small producers who work in an ecological if not organic way. With the wholesale business established the company expanded into fine food markets including the world-famous Borough market.
Today as Villanova Food, Stefano Chessa along with a small and passionate team continue to run the business from the warehouse in Acton. With the same purchasing philosophy at heart Stefano travelled to mainland Italy, in search of more high quality organic and artisan produce. We now offer an extensive product range, which maintains a balance between the classics; such as our 36 month matured organic Parmesan, numerous Parma Hams, outstanding Gorgonzola Dolce, sought after 100% buffalo milk Mozzarella di Bufala (buffalo mozzarella) and the more specialist niche produce; such as the limited production Prosciutto Crudo di Desulo, a cured ham from a rare breed free range pig from a small producer in the centre of Sardinia, which we hand-carve every Friday and Saturday at our exclusively Sardinian stall at Borough market.
