Pasta De Cecco: Italian excellence since 1886

Tradition, quality grain and passion for real pasta.

Tradition, quality and iconic formats: the authentic world of pasta

De Cecco was founded in 1886 in Fara San Martino, in the heart of Abruzzo, and has represented one of the pillars of Italian food excellence for over a century. The brand is synonymous with passion, tradition, and quality, thanks to a unique and rigorous production method.

Every package of pasta contains ancient knowledge: dough made with the purest spring water, slow drying at low temperature, and bronze drawing to obtain a rough surface, perfect for holding sauces. These distinctive elements make pasta a recognized and appreciated symbol all over the world, both by home consumers and food service professionals. Not by chance, the name Luciano De Cecco is today associated not only with a superior quality product but also with responsible Italian entrepreneurship oriented towards innovation, without ever losing sight of its roots.

The brand is also committed to training future generations with institutions of excellence such as IPSSAR and Alberghiero De Cecco, schools that carry forward the value of gastronomic Made in Italy, educating young chefs and professionals in the sector.

Choosing the brand means choosing a controlled supply chain, a family tradition, and an authentic taste experience, every day on your table.

Want to know more about the history of pasta? Learn more: World Pasta Day.

The world would not be the same without some iconic shapes that tell its story, its quality, and its extraordinary versatility in the kitchen. Among these stand out three true protagonists: the Spaghetti no.12, the Mezzi Rigatoni no.26, and the Orecchiette no.91.

The Spaghetti no.12 represent one of the most classic and appreciated shapes of Italian tradition. Made with top-quality durum wheat, spring water, and bronze-drawn, they stand out for their elastic texture, perfect cooking resistance, and rough surface that enhances even the simplest sauces, such as oil and garlic or fresh tomato sauce.

The Mezzi Rigatoni no.26 are loved for their short, ridged, and thick shape. This shape is perfect for holding rich sauces, meat ragù, cheese creams, or sautéed vegetables. The artisanal processing and use of high-quality semolina make these rigatoni a complete and satisfying taste experience.

Finally, the Orecchiette no.91 tell the Apulian tradition with a touch of authenticity that only pasta can guarantee. Thanks to their concave shape, orecchiette pair perfectly with dense sauces such as turnip tops, tomato-based sauces, or legume preparations. The texture is al dente, the cooking yield excellent.

Each shape is produced following the rigorous method: careful selection of raw materials, respect for natural timing, and attention to detail. This approach makes pasta not only good, but also a guarantee of quality, safety, and reliability on every Italian and international table.

Discover how to receive De Cecco products at your home

Quality

CERTIFICATIONS

Is not only synonymous with tradition and authentic taste, but also with reliability and certified quality. Thanks to rigorous supply chain control and high production standards, pasta boasts some of the most important international certifications, which attest to its food safety and compliance with the highest quality requirements. Among the main certifications, ISO 9001 stands out, which ensures the adoption of an effective quality management system focused on continuous improvement. A recognition that certifies the transparency and organization of the entire pasta production process, from the selection of wheat to packaging. Equally important is the BRC (British Retail Consortium) certification, a global standard for food product safety, particularly required by major European retailers. Obtaining this certification demonstrates that De Cecco adopts safe, controlled production processes in compliance with international regulations. Another important certification is the IFS (International Featured Standards), aimed at monitoring the quality and safety of agri-food products. This certification highlights the brand’s constant commitment to maintaining high hygiene and health standards at every stage of production. For consumers who care about the environment and well-being, also offers product lines with organic certification, obtained from controlled organic farming, in full respect of the ecosystem. Thanks to these certifications, Luciano De Cecco and his company strengthen consumer trust every day, demonstrating that excellence is not just a promise, but a certified value. Choosing pasta means bringing to the table a safe, controlled product recognized internationally for its superior quality.

IPSSAR

Is not only one of the symbols of Italian pasta around the world, but also a point of reference for professional training in the food and wine sector. A testament to this commitment is a unique institution: the IPSSAR , the hospitality institute that bears the founder's name and with which the company shares a profound vision of food culture and Italian tradition. Located in Pescara, the Alberghiero De Cecco is much more than a school: it is a nationally recognized center of excellence for the training of future chefs, sommeliers, tourism operators, and hospitality professionals. The institute stands out for its practice-oriented educational offering, with fully equipped laboratories, educational events, and active collaborations with companies in the sector, including De Cecco itself. This synergy between brand and school represents a virtuous model: the company supports the development of young people's technical and professional skills, conveying values such as care for raw materials, respect for tradition, and responsible innovation. The training programs offered by IPSSAR give students the opportunity to come into direct contact with the production world, also thanks to internships and workshops held at facilities linked to the brand. This connection with the world of education strengthens the cultural mission of pasta: not only to bring a high-quality product to the table, but to help train future generations of Made in Italy ambassadors. It is a concrete commitment, consistent with the company’s founding values and perfectly aligned with a brand identity that focuses on authenticity, excellence, and social responsibility. Choosing Pasta therefore also means supporting a solid and forward-thinking educational project. A quality choice that starts at the table and reaches all the way to the classroom, nurturing the future of Italian cuisine.

FAQ

Where is De Cecco produced?

The production of pasta takes place in two main factories both located in Abruzzo, in the province of Chieti: one in Fara San Martino and the other in Caldari di Ortona. It is precisely in Fara San Martino that the history of the company was born, in 1886, and where still today are located the original plant and the registered office.

The production site in Caldari di Ortona is a second strategic production centre, essential to satisfy the ever growing international demand for pasta.

At both production sites, the company maintains its traditional methods, which include the exclusive use of high-quality durum wheat semolina, the use of spring water and a slow drying process at low temperatures. These distinctive elements give the pasta an excellent resistance to cooking, an ideal consistency and an authentic taste, in full continuity with the philosophy of excellence that distinguishes for over a century.

Where is Olio de Cecco produced?

Oil is bottled in Italy, mainly at the plant of Fara San Martino, in Abruzzo, where the company’s registered office is also located. For some specific references, the production can take place in collaboration with external qualified producers, but always under the direct supervision and respecting the brand’s exclusive recipe.

Founded in 1886,it has chosen to maintain over time the heart of its activities in Fara San Martino, at the foot of the Majella mountains, a place that is a symbol of quality and tradition. In addition to the historic factory, the company has an administrative headquarters in Pescara and production facilities in Caldari, which support the entire supply chain.

An example of the care that De Cecco dedicates to its products is the 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil, obtained from a selection of cold extracted oils coming exclusively from national olives. The company carefully follows each stage of the supply chain, selecting directly the best oils to make its own Classic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a balanced and high quality blend, designed to enhance the best Mediterranean cuisine.

Who is the owner of De Cecco?

The group is led by Filippo Antonio De Cecco, who currently holds the double role of Chairman and CEO of the company. His reappointment to both offices took place at the shareholders' meeting of 14 October 2024, as reported by Il Sole 24 ORE.

This confirms the strong link between the company and the family, which continues to maintain direct and strategic control over the brand’s governance. In particular, the figure of Filippo Antonio represents the continuity of management and the leadership of an entrepreneurial vision that combines tradition, innovation and family identity.