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 as simple as it was genuine: bringing the true taste of Italian tradition to everyone’s table.
A dream that took shape thanks to Santo Li Vecchi, a man of both passion and craft, who chose the kitchen as the path to building a solid future for himself and his family.
What started as a small artisanal business on the outskirts of Prato, ESSEDI PASTA SRL, has grown into a modern company, still deeply rooted in family values.
The very first dough was kneaded by hand; today, the passion remains unchanged, even as growth is now guided also by his sons, Gianluca and Tommaso, guardians of a vision that blends tradition, innovation, and social responsibility.
Gnocchi are much more than just a product: they are the result of daily dedication, a drive to do things well, and a profound bond with family roots.
We have chosen to evolve without losing our essence, investing in advanced technologies and quality processes, while never losing sight of what truly matters: authentic flavor, respect for those who work with us, and support for those most in need.
Our growth is steady, because it is fueled by passion.
Today, just as in the past, gnocchi remain our starting point. But it is our love for good food, our desire to improve, and our commitment to charitable projects we believe in that continue to lead us toward new horizons.
And when at the center lies love for one’s work, the value of family, and the will to build something lasting… growth never stops.
THE KEY MOMENTS OF OUR JOURNEY
1958
The Origins
On March 12, Santo Li Vecchi was born. With an artisan’s soul and a passion for well-done work, he took his first steps into the working world at just 15. His dream? To create something of his own, something that would leave a mark.
Santo took over the Pastificio Pratese with a partner and began specializing in gnocchi production.
1999
The First Step into the World of Gnocchi
2007
New Roots in Carmignano
The company moved to a larger facility in Carmignano (Prato). Santo’s dream was taking shape more and more, while Gianluca grew up surrounded by the smell of gnocchi filling the house and the workshop.
The Li Vecchi family took full control of the business. At just twenty, Gianluca joined the company with new energy, bringing fresh ideas and a strong desire to innovate.
2011
All in the Family
2014
The Birth of LO GNOCCO
This is where everything changed. Our brand “LO GNOCCO” was born, the symbol of our passion and quality. We no longer produced only for third parties but put our own name on our gnocchi, guaranteeing a product that tells our story and values. Shortly after, Tommaso also joined the company, completing the family team.
New machinery, new challenges. With the introduction of advanced technologies, we increased production capacity without compromising the artisanal quality that sets us apart. Our dream grew together with our gnocchi.
2017
The Leap in Quality
2019
Across Borders: Entering the USA
Gianluca and Tommaso brought LO GNOCCO overseas. With FDA certification and entry into the American market, our gnocchi reached the tables of customers across the world. The warehouse expanded further to support growth and international demand.
A historic turning point. We were the first in the world to launch keto gnocchi, a revolutionary product designed for those following a low-carb lifestyle without giving up the pleasure of authentic Italian cuisine. With this innovation, we combined tradition and modernity, offering a unique product that quickly won over both national and international markets.
2024
The Invention of Keto Gnocchi
Gianluca Li VecchiAmministratore delegatoGianluca, born in 1992, is an athlete who loves sports, especially football, where he stands out as one of the most prominent para-olympic players on the national scene. He is currently a player and captain of both the Italian National 7-a-side football team for people with cerebral palsy and the Insuperabili team. Despite his hemiparesis, he sets no limits for himself, neither in sports nor at work.In 2011, he was appointed sales manager of Essedi Pasta SRL, where he also developed a passion for cooking, particularly for potato gnocchi production. He devotes most of his time to this role, yet still manages to train and take care of his family—especially since 2022, when he became the father of a wonderful little girl.
Tommaso Li VecchiResponsabile della logisticaTommaso, born in 1997, holds a diploma in administration, finance, and marketing obtained in 2016 from the Paolo Dagomari Technical Institute in Prato. Within the company, he monitors and ensures that the quality of gnocchi reflects the standards and values of the LO GNOCCO brand.Tommaso also plays amateur football. This passion was passed on to him by his brother Gianluca, who, unable to pursue his own football dreams due to hemiparesis, sees in him the determination with which the two brothers now carry on the family business.
Santo Li VecchiPresidenteIn 1992, Santo decided to turn his passion, built on love and cooking, into reality. Together with his former partner, he took over Pastificio Pratese, a renowned Tuscan company specializing in gnocchi production.From that day on, he dedicated much of his time to creating different types of potato gnocchi, continuously improving taste and quality. Only a few distractions were allowed: entertainment and karaoke.Later, he fulfilled his dream by expanding Essedi Pasta SRL to include his wife Angela and his sons Gianluca and Tommaso. The new company brought together tradition and innovation, ensuring excellent quality standards even at the industrial production level.
Angela MaioResponsabile stoccaggioAngela is the youngest in a large family. She stands out among friends and relatives for her cooking and her search for traditional local flavors.She has always supported her husband in every adventure, joining him on motorbike rides and sharing his passion for karaoke.Since the beginning of the business, Angela has been in charge of storage within the potato gnocchi production managed by Essedi Pasta SRL.
JessicaResponsabile qualitàJessica has nurtured her passion for food since her teenage years. She attended culinary school and graduated as a chef.During her final year of school, she started working as a barista to support her studies. Once completed, she decided to pursue food more closely and worked in various well-known restaurants and pastry shops in Prato. She is not new to the family, having been Gianluca’s partner since 2008.She officially joined the Lo Gnocco team in 2021, the same year she enrolled at the University of Florence in Food Technology to bring greater expertise to the company.
ChiaraResponsabile produzione
What makes us unique ?
Our journey is far from over, and we are excited to continue growing while bringing the authentic taste of Italian gnocchi to tables all over the world.