Come discover what Italians have known for generations. That the secret of la cucina italiana is not in exacting recipes, complex and sublime sauces or technique that takes a lifetime to master. The secret of Italian cooking, and the reason we all love it so much, lies in its simplicity, its harmony, its perfection. Insalata caprese -- simple tomato slices adorned with mozzarella, a little olive oil and a sprig of basil -- is not so much simple as it is just right. These seemingly uncomplicated recipes are the result of matching just the right ingredients and letting them work together in harmony.

How often, though, have you tasted an Italian dish at home that wasn't quite right? Not quite like what you remembered from your last visit? Why? Because the cucina italiana needs the right ingredients. Not only must they be perfectly fresh and of the highest quality, but quality ingredients from the source have a taste of the place, what the French call terroir. In short, to make the perfect Italian dish, you need the perfect Italian ingredients.

You will find them here, in our online food department.

The Italian gourmet food producer is more artist than craftsman. He relies upon methods developed over centuries. But he is not afraid to utilize new technologies where it will improve the result.

The old alongside the new. That's what Italy means to us.