From the heart of the Li Vecchi family,
a story of flavors, people and shared dreams
It all began in the 1990s, with a dream that was as simple as it was authentic: to bring the sincere flavor of Italian tradition to everyone’s tables.
A dream that took shape thanks to Santo Li Vecchi, a man of heart and craft, who chose cooking as the way to build a solid future for himself and his family.
What was once a small artisanal business on the outskirts of Prato, ESSEDI PASTA SRL, has become over time a modern company, but with its roots firmly planted in family values.
The first dough was made by hand; today, the passion has remained the same, although the sons, Gianluca and Tommaso, who are the custodians of a vision that combines tradition, innovation and social responsibility, are also driving the growth.
Gnocco is much more than a product: it is the fruit of a daily commitment, the desire to do well, and a deep connection to family roots.
We have chosen to evolve without distorting ourselves, focusing on advanced technologies and quality processes, but without ever losing sight of what really matters: authentic flavor, respect for those who work with us, and support for those who need it most.
Our growth is constant because it is driven by passion.
Today as yesterday, the dumpling remains our starting point, but it is the passion for good food, the desire to improve and the contribution to the solidarity projects in which we believe that give us new directions every day.
And when at the center is the love for one’s work, the value of family and the desire to build something that will remain… the growth never stops.
KEY MOMENTS OF OUR JOURNEY
1958 – Origins
Li Vecchi Santo was born on March 12. With a craftsman’s soul and a passion for work done well, he began taking his first steps into the world of work at the age of 15. The dream? To create something of his own that could leave a mark.
1999 – The first step into the world of dumplings
Santo took over, together with a partner, the Pastificio Pratese, a renowned company in the area: thus began the road that would lead him and his family to achieve a splendid path in the production of artisanal gnocchi.
2007 – New roots in Carmignano
The company moves to a larger factory in Carmignano, Prato. Santo’s dream takes more and more shape as Gianluca grows with the smell of gnocchi invading the house and workshop.
2011 – All in the family
The Li Vecchi family takes full control of the business. Gianluca, just 20 years old, enters the company with a new energy, bringing fresh ideas and a great desire to innovate.
2014 – LO GNOCCO is born
This is where everything changes. Our brand “LO GNOCCO” is born, the symbol of our passion and quality. We no longer produce only for third parties, but put our name on our gnocchi, guaranteeing a product that tells our story and values. Soon after, Tommaso also joined the company, completing the family team.
2017 – The quantum leap
New machinery, new challenges. With the introduction of advanced technologies, we increase and improve production capacity without compromising the artisanal quality that sets us apart. Our dream grows and evolves along with our dumplings.
Beginning of collaboration with packages Pack pillow envelope and label affixed on top.
2019 – Across the border: landing in the U.S.
Gianluca and Tommaso take LO GNOCCO overseas. With FDA certification and an opening to the U.S. market, our dumplings reach the tables of customers on the other side of the world. The warehouse expands further to support growth and international demand.
2021 – 2022
We turn the label into printed film.
2022 – 2025
The company makes a change to the packaging machine to offer its customers the option of purchasing square-bottom packages; the first significant restyling also takes place.
2024 – The invention of ketogenic dumplings
A historic turning point. We were the first in the world to launch ketogenic gnocchi, a revolutionary product designed for those who follow a low-carbohydrate lifestyle without giving up the pleasure of good Italian food. With this innovation, we were able to combine tradition and modernity, offering a unique product that quickly conquered the national and international market.
2025 – August
Essedi Pasta Srl buys a new packaging machine, perfecting stand-up packaging and offering more flexibility, including label + back printingsolutions directly in-house.
In 1999 he decided to turn his passion for cooking into an entrepreneurial project, taking over Pastificio Pratese, a historic Tuscan company specializing in the production of gnocchi, together with a partner. Since then he dedicates time and skills to the continuous search for taste and quality, developing new recipes and constantly improving the product.
With the entry of his wife Angela and sons Gianluca and Tommaso, Essedi Pasta S.r.l. was born: a company capable of combining traditional craftsmanship and production innovation, maintaining high quality standards even on an industrial scale.
Since 2011 he has been commercial manager of Essedi Pasta S.r.l., a role he performs with strategic vision, determination and great organizational skills. At the same time, he has always cultivated a passion for sports, particularly soccer, whose values of discipline, team spirit and resilience he embodies.
Athlete and captain of the Italian National 7-a-side soccer team for celebrities and of the Insuperabili project, he has transformed hemiparesis into a drive to overcome limits. He has also been a father since 2022, bringing the same balance of commitment, responsibility, and dedication to business management.
Performs a cross-functional operational role in support of the business organization, with a focus on management continuity and process efficiency. Is the internal reference for managing technical criticalities on production machinery, coordinating suppliers and maintenance personnel or intervening directly when necessary.
Also oversees the organization of the warehouse and the operational coordination of the B2C online shop. Collaborates with management in the evaluation of new products and investments, actively contributing to development strategies.
He presides over corporate management and assists in the coordination of internal activities. Since the beginning of the entrepreneurial adventure, she has been a constant and transversal presence: a concrete, tireless and reliable figure, capable of holding together organization, people and values.
Her passion for cooking and for the flavors of the territory is reflected in the way she lives the company, contributing to the growth of Essedi Pasta S.r.l. with the same care and dedication that distinguishes a mother within a family.
She manages quality control, document compliance and technical support on product specifications and labeling. Trained in the world of cooking and catering, she gained experience in restaurants and pastry shops in the area before joining the Lo Gnocco team in 2021.
Today, she is a point of reference for overseeing procedures and continuous improvement, thanks to a precise, concrete and product quality-oriented approach.
Organizes the work of the production team, manages operational priorities and ensures continuity and efficiency of processes. She has many years of experience in the food sector, with operational assignments in cafes and bakeries.
First resource hired outside the Li Vecchi family, she stands out for her reliability, availability and professional solidity, contributing greatly to the organization of daily activities.
After 15 years of experience as a chef, he is now part of the production department at Essedi Pasta S.r.l., where he brings his energy, organizational skills, and ability to work under pressure to the job every day. Curious, dynamic, and always ready to take on new challenges, he tackles every task with enthusiasm, determination, and a smile. Within the company, he contributes to teamwork through his willingness to help, collaborative spirit, and focus on shared goals. He believes in the value of trust and continuous improvement—qualities that drive him to always give his best.
Works in production and packaging activities in compliance with internal procedures and quality standards. He has experience in operational and counter sales roles in food contexts and has specific training for complex food activities.
His integration into the company was natural and quick, thanks in part to a climate of trust and collaboration that characterizes the team.
Certifications and quality standards
