The Senese excellences: the Nannini Group
Posted on 28. Feb, 2011 by admin in Archive, Food & Wine
Siena has many stories to tell, this time we have a look at one of the most famous excellences in the world, within gastronomy, the Nannini family, that since one hundred years is involved in coffee roasting and pastry making.
To celebrate the centennial we prepared an exclusive interview to know better the work of Nannini Group and their various activities. We notice that their name is famous also thanks to the successful songwriter Gianna Nannini, daughter of Danilo, that exported in music the family’s talent.
Before to go in one of the 5 Nannini cake shops, to taste the typical Senese sweets, discover with us something about it, thanks to Francesca Cambiaghi, that kindly answered to our questions.
The first Nannini shop, Bar Ideale, was born in Siena in 1911, a century ago. Which are the values that represent the Nannini family, a landmark for Siena?
The respect for the tradition of the old recipes, the hand-crafted manufacturing, raw materials of highest quality.
When the first cake shop opened and which are the typical cakes that you sell? There is one product that differ from the others makers?
The historical Conca d’oro opened before at piazza della Posta and now is in the center of the city. Then we have the Nannini 2 at via Massetana Romana, the Bar at the Tangenziale (East Ring Road), the Easy & Light at Piazza della Posta ( a self service also for the breakfast) and the modern Bar at Via Toselli. The typical sweets are Panforte, Panpepato, figs and walnuts cake, marzipan cake, Chocolate cake, Cantucci with almonds and chocolate, Ricciarelli with almonds and chocolate, the Copate.
All these products are available packed or loose both. We guarantee a daily production, so also the packed sweets are always fresh. The Ricciarelli with almonds are our top product. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Italian unification Alessandro Nannini realized TRIS: a tricolored package that includes 1 Panforte, 1 Panpepato and 1 figs and walnuts cake.
Which places of Siena must to visit a tourist that come here for the first time?
Siena is wonderful, also if you lost yourself through the alleys and discover anamazing view, as little hidden gardens or the medieval recesses. The must are the monuments as the Duomo or the museums, and the Tower of Mangia, because on the top you can enjoy a breathtaking view, or the tunnles of the “Bottini senesi”, that aren’t very much promoted.
Siena is a city full of history, from the Middle Age to the enogastronomical traditions. Is really appealing also for people that like the innovation?
Who wants to visit Siena isn’t looking for modernity, but wants to taste the ancient flavor of the city and its surroundings. Besides, the approach of the wine makers is modern, they are developing production and are improving communication and marketing also for foreign customers.
The Nannini Group is also involved i a non-profit Foundation, Danilo Nannini Onlus. Which are your main initiatives?
The Nannini family care for social work and is involved in all the useful projects for Siena. In addition, we collaborate also with local cooperatives.
Your newest shop, the Easy and Light, is a high quality self service: how was born this concept and what about the feedback?
Easy & Light was born as a budget format, a shop with the high quality of the Nannini products at low prices. At the begin the self service was really liked by foreign tourists, probably because they like self service for coffee, cappuccino, orange juice, tea, chocolates etc. while the Senese were cautious; now the shop has an affectionate clientele. In the afternoon is attended by students.
Siena is the city of the contradas: there is a badge of Nannini or a symbol of the city?
From several years the Nannin Group has a logo with the 4 N letters of the name Nannini above a reddish purple shield. The symbol of Siena are all the contradas that take part in Palio, together with Piazza del Campo and the verbena (a plant), the true symbols of the city.
Official website: www.grupponannini.it
