The Occhipinti family have been in the fruit and vegetable business since the start of the last century when the great-grandfather of the present owner of the shop used to push a traditional cart round the streets of Catania in Sicily. “1979” in the firm name refers to the year in which the family opened their first shops opened in Turin. It was in 2011 that Maurizio Occhipinti concentrated the business in the present shop, which he runs with his son Giovanni and his grandson.
Their range is dominated by produce from Sicily: hence citrus fruit, late harvest peaches and “new” fruits, once regarded as exotic, such as mangos, avocados and papayas. Giovanni selects the produce meticulously and flanks it with processed foods of the very highest quality: hence tuna, anchovies, caponata, cheese, pasta, cured meats and confectionery, all from Sicily, and an impressive selection of beers and wines. There is no shortage either of products from other Italian regions, especially Piedmont: according to season, you’ll find peppers from Carmagnola, “hunchback” cardoons from Nizza Monferrato, ramassin (damsons) from Saluzzo, asparagus, truffles and mushrooms. Lately, the shop has added Ligurian produce such as artisan pesto, olives and oil. An efficient home delivery service is available.
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