Tuna and Callipo seafood specialties

Since 1913 has enhanced each dish with pasta condiments, selected tuna and Calabrian specialities, describing a gastronomic tradition that conquers generations.

Tuna, anchovy fillets and Spilinga Nduja: the taste of the sea in daily recipes

The story of Callipo begins in 1913 in Pizzo Calabro, when Giacinto Callipo decided to turn the ancient knowledge of tuna fishing and processing into an organized, rigorous, and entirely Italian craft, based on respect for the seasons of the sea and the careful selection of the best parts of the fish. In a land where the scent of salt meets the tradition of tuna fisheries, the young company stood out for its focus on quality and for a supply chain that enhanced the raw material through slow timing, controlled drying, and meticulous packaging. In the 1920s came a recognition that marked the collective imagination: the license of Official Supplier to the Royal Household, a testament to a reputation built with consistency and expertise. The company grew without losing its artisanal vocation and, between the end of the twentieth century and the early 2000s, introduced innovative choices that conversed with tradition, such as the use of glass to immediately showcase the color and compactness of the cuts. The centenary milestone consolidated a path of investments in clean technology, renewable energy, and continuous process improvement, while keeping production in Italy and its Calabrian identity as a constant cornerstone. The evolution of the brand followed the same rhythm: the iconic red remained the protagonist, while the packaging redesign made the origin, quality, and cut clearer to read, with labels designed to guide those who cook both simple daily recipes and more creative preparations. From the workshop in Pizzo to the production lines in Maierato, the value chain has remained transparent, with careful checks and a corporate culture that recognizes the role of people, from the cutters to the food technologists who safeguard the organoleptic integrity of the finished product.

This identity is reflected in a range capable of combining Mediterranean flavors with preservation techniques. The heart of the offer remains the tuna, processed with care for cooking times and the balance between the texture of the cut and the seasoning, so as to preserve its marine aroma and compact structure. Alongside the classic cans, the glass versions highlight the natural quality of the cut and invite consumers to use the product not only as a pantry staple but also as a star ingredient. Calabrian tradition continues with the Nduja of Spilinga, a spicy spreadable paste made from meat and chili peppers, born from local recipes and perfect for adding character to bruschetta, eggs, and sauces. In everyday cooking, the pairing of dry semolina pasta and fish preserves remains a tried-and-true balance, and those who love simplicity can explore various formats in the category dedicated to pasta, thinking of quick toppings with quality olive oil, capers, lemon zest, or fresh tomato, where the saltiness of the sea meets citrus aromas and herbal notes. Belonging to the same family are the anchovy fillets, thinly and evenly cut, perfect for finishing crisp salads, homemade pizzas, and crudité platters, or for preparing base sauces such as the classic bagna cauda with a Mediterranean twist. The lines of pasta sauces and regional specialties also complement pantry and fridge staples, making it possible to build complete menus in just a few steps, from spicy bruschetta to spaghetti with an oil-and-cooking-water emulsion, in which shredded tuna releases its flavor delicately.

The strength of the brand also lies in the way it conveys its values through packaging. The current labels, simple and easy to read, highlight both the processing origin in Italy and the selection of the best cuts, while the use of glass reinforces transparency and allows evaluation of color and compactness before opening. This clarity is not only aesthetic but also functional, as it helps distinguish formats and uses in the kitchen, from a firm cut for hearty salads to a softer version for spreads and canapés. Attention to sustainability extends across the entire product life cycle, with efficient energy systems and environmental policies aimed at reducing waste. Quality controls are guided by strict protocols and supported by international certifications such as ISO, BRC, and IFS, attesting to high standards in food safety and process management. Inside the facility, timing and temperatures are calibrated to preserve the aromas of the sea and ensure balanced textures, while the brine or selected extra virgin olive oil complement the cut of the fish in a relationship of complementarity rather than coverage.

For those who love exploring the world of preserves with an informed perspective, in-depth guides prove useful, explaining how to choose between steak and fillet, how to balance the saltiness of the sea with seasonal vegetables, or how to transform an essential dish into something memorable thanks to a well-made emulsion and perfectly al dente pasta. Additional insights touch on the historical origins of Calabrian preparations, the spread of ‘nduja between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the evolution of home recipes into contemporary cuisine, with nutritional focus on high-quality proteins, omega-3s, and balanced portions for the whole family. Those seeking inspiration can explore guides on the ideal pantry, sensory paths comparing cuts in oil versus natural, and gastronomic itineraries connecting the Tyrrhenian Sea to flavors of the land such as red onions, chili peppers, and citrus fruits—without forgetting tips on properly reusing preserving oil in vinaigrettes, sauces, and breading.

A curiosities that tells the spirit of the brand well concerns the relationship with the territory and with the people who work in the supply chain. In more recent years the company has put in place social responsibility initiatives that recognize the value of human capital, confirming how the focus on quality is not exhausted in the finished product but embraces community, well-being and job stability. This vision has walked hand in hand with technical innovation, from lines dedicated to temperature control to procedures for batch traceability, up to photovoltaic systems which reduce the energy footprint of the plant. The Calabrian vocation thus translates into a sober and efficient production style, where detail matters as much as the whole and daily constancy builds trust over time.

In everyday cooking, Callipo’s contribution is its ability to combine memory and practicality, bringing together the depth of the sea with the simplicity of familiar gestures. A glass jar showing compact cuts suggests salads with legumes, field vegetables, and toasted bread, while a handy can fits into quick sauces whisked raw with a little cooking starch and garden aromas. The Nduja of Spilinga enhances tomato sauces with a measured spicy touch and turns a slice of bread at the office into a snack full of character. The anchovy fillets provide the savory spark to balance vegetable creams and fresh cheeses, or they can form the base for compound butters to melt over stuffed pasta and risottos. Each package complements the pantry and makes essential, nutritious, and contemporary cuisine accessible, where a few carefully chosen ingredients tell the story of the Mediterranean with simplicity and precision. In this balance between tradition and modernity, Callipo continues to be a benchmark for those who wish to bring authentic, recognizable flavors to the table, supported by a transparent supply chain, concrete sustainability commitments, and a visual language that clearly guides choices, fostering a trust renewed recipe after recipe.

Quality

BRC and IFS – Global Standards for Food Safety

Is certified according to the standards BRC (British Retail Consortium) and IFS (International Featured Standards), which guarantee rigorous controls in all phases of production and distribution. These awards attest that Tonno, Fillets of Anchovies and pasta condiments are produced in controlled environments, in compliance with international regulations on food safety.

UNI EN ISO 14001 – Certified environmental management

Has obtained the UNI EN ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system. The company invests in photovoltaic systems, uses recyclable materials and adopts production practices oriented towards sustainability, reducing the environmental impact of its activities while respecting the Calabrian territory.

FAQ

Was founded in 1913 in Pizzo Calabro by Giacinto Callipo. It is one of the first Italian companies to box Mediterranean tuna, and is today a historic brand also recognized internationally for the quality of its fish preserves.

The most representative products are tuna in olive oil (also available in glass), Filetti by Alici Calippo and Nduja by Spilinga. These are accompanied by condiments for pasta and tuna, ready-made sauces and Calabrian specialties made with selected Italian ingredients.

The tonno is processed entirely in Italy, in the Maierato (VV) factory, in Calabria. The craftsmanship is accompanied by advanced technologies, with strict quality controls and a 100% traced supply chain.

Yes, actively invests in environmental and social sustainability. Uses renewable energy, reduces waste and adopts recyclable packaging. It also recognized the value of its employees by rewarding them with extraordinary bonuses, demonstrating a strong commitment to the territory and the community.

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