Tuscany Flavors: Selling the Famous CONTI Gourmet Products in the U.S.

It never fails. Anyone who stops at the Conti gourmet shop in the Mercato Centrale of Florence will inevitably fall in love with all the wonderful products they have to offer. Founded in 1929, Conti offers excellent olive oils, balsamic vinegars, savory sauces, delicious pestos, silky truffle honey, and the list goes on and on. There are spices, pastas, wine, nuts, and the freshest, most beautiful produce is always on display. Conti is a mecca for chefs, restaurant owners, food bloggers, gourmet junkies and foodies. People never simply walk past Conti, but rather STOP (as if by some mysterious gravitational pull) and are compelled to take a closer look or snap a photo.

It was in the midst of all these wonderful gourmet delights that I met a brilliant woman: Charlotte Capan. She was wearing a Conti apron and a smile, so I introduced myself as a food guide while my group "oohed and ahhed" over all the Conti products on display. After I finished my private tasting and sent my clients on a bathroom break, Charlotte and I became better acquainted and agreed to meet for a drink. We ended up hitting it off because we are both in love with good food and the art of cooking.

Once upon a time, Charlotte lived in Florence and worked for the Conti family as a salesperson. She loved her job and the products so much that when the time came to move back to San Francisco, she wanted to take Conti along. So, she spoke to the owner: Stefano Conti (third generation Conti) and proposed the idea. He was all for it and before long, Tuscany Flavors was born.

Of course, it was not that easy. Trying to deal with Italian companies is challenging and requires hard work, patience and perseverance. The U.S. is known for its professional efficiency, while here in Italy, the dolce vita mentality permeates everything we do.

Today, Charlotte's company is flourishing nicely and she has a large, loyal client base in the U.S. She also holds all the exclusive rights for Conti there, too (I told you she was brilliant). I was also impressed to learn that this is Charlotte's second business- and it happened quite 'by accident' (as she puts it). Before Tuscany Flavors, there was Le Culinaire Concierge- Purveyors of Fine Culinary Demonstrations (their motto: Relax...Relate...Cook!).

It's not easy to run one business- let alone two- but that does not deter Charlotte from coming to Florence a few times a year to work in the Conti shop. It not only keeps her skills sharp, but also exposes her to any new products and food trends. Most importantly, it's a lot of fun. So much fun, in fact, that she has brought along one of her neighbors- Missy! At first, I mistakenly thought she was a new hire. Missy told me that she has been a customer of Conti for years and was just overjoyed when Charlotte invited her to help at the market. Her friendliness and enthusiasm is so contagious that it's like being at a party instead of working.

In my opinion, I think Charlotte and Missy have the right idea. Food is something to be celebrated. We are extremely fortunate to have so much wonderful food in abundance, and that alone is enough to make anyone gratefully happy. Food is also very social because humans naturally bond over meals. Some of my fondest memories involve cooking with my female relatives and having big dinners with family and friends. Introducing good food and wine to others should be fun, happy, and pleasant!

If you are ever in Florence, visiting Conti is a MUST on your "to do" list. If you can't make it here anytime soon and happen to live in the U.S., then visit www.tuscanyflavors.com. As always, thank you for reading!

Coming to Florence? VISIT: www.florenceinsider.com

xoxo, C.