Partner Article

North East entrepreneur brings taste of Italy

A North East-based Italian entrepreneur is expanding his business after an increase in demand for food and wine sourced from his homeland.

After profits for his company Italyabroad.com doubled in the last 12 months, Abruzzo-born Andrea D’Ercole is now searching Sunderland for bigger premises.

The 33 year-old established the Italian wine and food online retail store in 2003 as a part-time project while working for a blue chip company and continued with the venture whilst completing his MBA at the University of Sunderland.

He said: “It is important to me that every bottle of wine, olive oil and every other item sold through Italyabroad.com is a high quality, authentic Italian product. “We deal with small producers that are often family run businesses, this way we ensure that every product is of the highest quality. They offer good value for money because there are no brand costs and we can compete with the big supermarkets.”

Andrea took the plunge and started working on the business full-time last year. He is now supplying Italian restaurants around the UK including local North East eateries Cosa Nostra in Sunderland and Newcastle’s Sabatini Ristorante.

“We’re currently looking into finding new premises but I am keen to stay in Sunderland,” said Andrea. “I’m working with Sunderland City Council to identify the best place for the business.”

Cllr Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council said: “It is fantastic that Andrea has chosen to grow and expand his company in Sunderland. His business is proving to be a great success and with his drive and enthusiasm it is likely to continue to prosper. “We are committed to helping Sunderland’s small business community wherever possible.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .