New partnership sees Bella Italia menu items stocked in Tesco freezers
The partnership deal, which was completed in September, has seen the supermarket launch ten products, including starters, mains and desserts, across its stores.
Each dish the supermarket is selling has been on the menu at the Italian chain restaurant at some point, having been created by executive chef Vittorio Lettieri. Each individual dish has been refined for retail following a process of cook-offs and tests from Bella Italia.
Wherever possible, the dishes use the same ingredient suppliers as those served in Bella Italia restaurants across the UK,
Dishes available in-store include funghi arrosto; polpette; carbonara; beef and red wine ravioli; meatballs al forno; pollo funghi; tiramisu; and lemon cheesecake.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Tesco, to bring an authentic taste of Italy to homes across the UK. We’re restaurant operators at heart, with a rich heritage, but we also have a wealth of experience that can be utilised to tap into other markets, such as retail,” says James Spragg from Bella Italia.
“As well as focusing on menu innovation and creating exceptional dining experiences, we’re also determined to evolve and find new ways to capitalise on our expertise and experience."
The partnership with CDG-owned Bella Italia comes a month after Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) entered a partnership with the same retail giant to launch in-store ranges from its two popular brands Giraffe and Ed’s Easy Diner.
The partnership came after Tesco sold the Giraffe restaurant group to BRG in June 2016 with the intention of shifting its focus to its core offering, before merging with wholesaler Booker.
