7 minute read
Members Spotlight
Stecco Natura Gelaterie
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How would you describe your company in 3 words and why?
Italian’s Natural Taste Stecco Natura Gelaterie is an Italian gelato brand that originated from Sicily in 2012. All our gelato and sorbet are 100% natural and imported straight from Italy. Stecco Natura gelato and sorbet are made from real fruits and nuts, and tastes like real fruits and nuts! It contains no emulsifiers, use mineral water and are gluten free with lactose free options. There is a noticeable difference in quality and consistency in the frozen dessert, thanks to the high food standards and control in Italy where all our products come from. Served on a stick, Stecco Natura gelato and sorbet can be enjoyed on its own or dipped and coated in different chocolate and nuts flavours. This personalised twist to the popsicle is fun and adds another layer of scumptious delight to your taste buds. Our goal is to let you take the best and most authentic Scilian gelato for a walk and share the true taste of Italian tradition to different parts of the world.
Tell us about a successful project that STECCO NATURA runs.
Stecco Natura Gelaterie was founded by two Italians, Cristian Ielo and Massimo Mirabella, in 2012, with the aim to revolutionize the Italian gelato business, promoting the Italian gelato tradition and enhancing “Made in Italy” excellences. Cristian and Massimo merged their retail experience and food passion to create the Stecco Natura concept and successfully build this new ice cream gelato concept.
The Stecco Natura concept was developed right at the heart of Sicily in order to search for the best tastes and test the reaction of local customers. After much effort, Cristian and Massimo found the right combination by merging traditions with innovations, and creating a new way of experiencing our favourite gelato ice cream.
On 23rd December 2012, the first store was opened in the heart of Catania. Stecco Natura began its first franchise and successfully rollout in 6 countries within a year. In 2019, Stecco Natura expanded beyond Europe and opened its first store in Hong Kong, with more Asia development plans ahead.
What is the special relationship between STECCO NATURA and Hong Kong?
Stecco Natura Gelaterie Hong Kong is launched in 2019 through a franchise under Shun Tak Holdings Limited (STHL), a listed conglomerate in Hong Kong. In the following year, STHL acquired the brand together with all its stores worldwide and continued to run the operation through its base in Hong Kong. The marriage was love at first sight. Directors of Shun Tak discovered the Stecco Natura during a trip in Italy. The astonishing tastes of this refreshing dessert was unforgettable and they decided to take on the franchise, and a few months later acquired the brand and opened the first Stecco Natura Gelaterie shop at K11 Art Mall, Hong Kong in 2019. Since then, Stecco Natura has opened more outlets in Hong Kong and continued to run worldwide operation through its base in Hong Kong and expertise of local partners around Europe and Asia. While the brand ownership has shifted to Hong Kong, the Italianness of Stecco Natura will be preserved. STHL aims to maintain the high standard of the product and while further expanding the brand through their know-how, resource and professionalism, and showcase this amazing Italian gelato tradition to all parts of the world.
antry Centrale P
How would you describe your company in 3 words and why?
Italian Grocery, Delicatessen and Bakery. Three key-elements which define Pantry Centrale. Everything is taken seriously here: the goods’ selection, the food served, and the wholesome bread. ‘Good food brings people together;’ is the mantra that welcomes customers when they visit the store for purchasing goods stocked on the shelves, or for buying bread and pastry, or for eating at the premises. Friendly service and a cozy store environment do the rest to enhance the shopping and the dining experience.
Tell us about a successful project that PANTRY CENTRALE runs.
Food guru Elisa Siu Sfriso and master baker Sam So have come out of retirement purposely to run Pantry Centrale. They could not resist the call of passion. And passion is precisely the X factor that rewards them with gratification. Elisa and Sam team up together to provide food lovers with an unique food store and bakery, and to connect with loyal customers beyond the mere shopping experience.
What is the special relationship between PANTRY CENTRALE and Hong Kong?
Pantry Centrale is located at Sai Ying Pun, a lively and fast-changing district that retains, however, its peculiar Chinese soul. Locals and foreigners live next to each other creating a fascinating melting pot of traditions, cultures, cuisines, and languages. Pantry Centrale fits well this context by being an ‘ambassador’ of Italian food culture in Hong Kong and yet greatly popular among local residents. Besides, with its opening on April 2020 at the peak of Covid-19 outbreak, Pantry Centrale wants to be also a sign of hope and resilience for the entire Hong Kong community.
Zeplinn Lighting
How would you describe your company in 3 words and why?
PEOPLE CENTRIC At ZEPLINN, we care about customers’ needs: we elaborate lighting solutions with the aim to create the best experience and wellbeing for people, both clients and employees. The atmosphere of a space has impact on feelings and perceptions – whether you find yourself in a shop, hotel or restaurant.
MULTICULTURAL The mix of French roots, Italian design touch and Asian presence in the Team, makes ZEPLINN a leading player for Luxury construction in Asia. The constant inspiration from European architecture & design combined with digital technology enable the company to provide state of art solutions to any passionate Architect or Interior Designer.
GREEN The company was born with the mission to enable clients to achieve their desired space through lighting solutions and technology. The lighting industry has changed from metal halide lamps to LED in recent years: ZEPLINN provides high energy saving options with longer life. The development of the company stands on two strong legs: focus on creating better spaces for people’s feelings and wellbeing and developing systems which contributes to our planet preservation.
Tell us about a successful project that ZEPLINN LIGHTING runs.
Since its origin, ZEPLINN has adopted its quality standards based on the requirements of high-end luxury brands as LVMH. Thanks to this, it has engaged top brands throughout the years, illuminating their spaces and events across the world (as C. Louboutin, Shiseido, Pernod Ricard, Guerlain, more recently VCA, Chaumet). The success lied in the constant relationship with lighting designers and architects to develop adequate lighting systems for each space. Relationship with designers is key, another great example is the recent renovation at Venetian Hotel in Macau. Strong of its success with architectural lighting, ZEPLINN has expanded into decorative lighting in recent years, which have seen the company partnering with talented designers and providing solutions to hotel chain as Hong Kong & Shanghai Hotel Group (Peninsula Hotels), including architectural lighting for the residential apartments of the new one opening in London.
What is the special relationship between ZEPLINN LIGHTING and Hong Kong?
ZEPLINN story began in the early 2010, when the French founder of the start-up, thinking of La Ville-Lumière, decided to establish the HQ in the vibrant new city of lights: Hong Kong. International retail and hospitality brands opening in Hong Kong & Asia were relying on European guidelines at that time. However, the market was moving fast, requesting for faster speed, local presence and service support. That’s where ZEPLINN came into play, satisfying high luxury retail brands with quality but with faster time and lean management. In order to reinforce its local presence, ZEPLINN has opened a second office in Shanghai, while strengthening its relationship with lighting designers and architects worldwide. Today, retail and hospitality brands as well as luxury developers, would find with ZEPLINN a partner they could rely on when it comes to sustainable lighting solutions and control systems.
