About us

Founded in 2003 by MD Mark Garcia-Oliver, The Fresh Pasta Company has already been positioned as the purveyor of the finest Italian fresh pasta available in the UK.

Mark Garcia-Oliver was born in Cambridge to an Italian mother, and was brought up in Argentina, where food and culture are largely influenced by Italy. In March 1998, Mark founded The Bacchus Group in Buenos Aires, challenging the most renowned chefs to create their best dish. Since then Mark's interest in great food and wine has become his passion.

The Fresh Pasta Company’s chef, Ernesto Paiva, was born in Peru and like Mark, also raised in Argentina. Ernesto trained at a three-star Michelin restaurant in France before coming to the UK.

In 2003 Mark and Ernesto met in Buenos Aires with one purpose: to raise the standards of pasta in the UK, free from additives and made only from the finest ingredients.

By 2004, The Fresh Pasta Company was awarded the True Taste Gold for best small manufacturing company 2004/05, and received three Great Taste Awards, Gold and Silver. Again in 2006 they were awarded the True Taste Gold 2006/07, and the Gramia Award for best packaging. In 2007 the Guild of Fine Food recognized their work and passion with three Gold Great Taste Awards, receiving the same year high commendments from the True Taste Awards and the Pizza and Pasta Association (P.A.P.A.). Recently Ideas to Dine For! Awards recognized The Fresh Pasta Company for the second consecutive time with best in category for the Handmade Artichoke Heart Tortelloni.

Early 2007 The Fresh Pasta Company's production was moved to Italy after partnering up with the second generation of a family of pasta-makers with over 40-years experience. Since then, the fresh pasta is produced strictly following the recipes developed by Mark and Ernesto in the UK, using traditional methods of production to the highest standards.

Mark adds, "We believe in creating positive experiences and generating great relationships. Our team currently works successfully with: Fortnum & Mason, Borough Market, House of Bruar, Avoca (Ireland), Carluccio's, Whole Foods, Weetons, Mortimer & Bennett, Cheshire Smokehouse, and British Airways First and Business Class, amongst others. Our main objective when we first started was to raise the standards of pasta offered in the UK. We still stand strong on our beliefs, and are convinced we are making a real difference."

Awards

2008
	Great Taste Awards 2008 Gold Award: Handmade Tremosine Cheese Tortelli Gold Award: Wild Mushroom Ravioloni Gold Award: Handmade Spinach & Ricotta Tortelloni Gold Award: Handmade Venison Tortelloni
	Ideas to Dine For! at the Food & Drink Expo 2008 Category: Ready Meal Product: Handmade Artichoke Heart Tortelloni
2007

	Pizza and Pasta Association (P.A.P.A.) Awards 2007 Category: Manufactured Pasta Product Award Product: Handmade Venison Tortelloni
	True Taste Awards 2007 Category: Speciality Products 2007/08 Products: Fresh Egg Tagliolini   Handmade Venison Tortelloni   Handmade Tremosine Cheeses Tortei
	Great Taste Awards 2007 Category: Speciality Products 2007/08 Products: Fresh Egg Tagliatelle   Fresh Egg Tagliolini   Fresh Egg Fusilli
2006
	Gramia Award 2006 Category: Best Packaging Product: Deli frozen range
	True Taste Gold Award 2006 Category: Best Small Manufacturing Company 06/07 Products:   Pecorino & Asparagus Large Tortelli   Mozzarella, Pancetta & Sun Dried Tomato Ravioli   Mozzarella, Basil & Sun Dried Tomato Tortelli
	Ideas to Dine For! at the Food & Drink Expo 2006 Category: Ready Meal Product: Butternut Squash & Sage Tortelli
2004
	Great Taste Awards 2004 Gold Award: Sage Butter Silver Award: Saffron Butter Silver Award: Porcini Mushroom Butter
	True Taste Gold Awards 2004 Category: Best Small Manufacturing Company 04/05 Product: Butternut Squash & Sage Tortelli

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