One of our Core Values that drives what and how we do all that we do each day, is Quality. From the raw ingredients used to create our local, organic cheeses and pizzas, to the methods in which we use to create them, all through the work of our talented artisans, we ceaselessly seek maximum quality. Additionally, each day we evaluate and measure our excellence to ensure we never fall short of our promise to provide the highest quality products and services to each and every guest.
Italy has the largest number of “designation of origin” and “geographical indication” agri-food products in the EU, with nearly 300 registered P.G.I.* and P.D.O** foods. Not only is this a testament to the quality of the food that comes from Italy, but also to the strong tie between Italian agri-foods and their territories. In addition to helping protect the designated products and the consumers that eat them, such designations help support the local ecosystems and economies.
Having grown up in a country and in communities where such designations were an integral part and expectation of the way we produced products, it was only natural that we would bring such dedication and commitment to quality, locality and biological consideration to Golfo di Napoli Dairy and subsequently, Mozzarella Store. That is why we use only local, organic, sustainable milk to produce each of our cheeses and why we use organic produce or authentic Italian-imported products whenever possible. This means that if we can’t get the product or ingredient in fresh that day or week, we will modify or change it to ensure we only serve you top quality offerings.
*P.G.I.: Protected Geographical Indication, or Indicazione Geografica Protetta (IGP), is a special, legally registered designation guaranteeing that the food labeled with this certification is produced, processed or prepared in the specific place of origin in which it is labeled, according to processing guidelines. While not all components of the product must originate from that particular territory or region, the processes that generally define the overall characteristics of the product do. For regions or areas known for the quality and particular characteristics of a specific product, this helps protect that product from being mislabeled and potentially lowering the quality perception of that product.
For example, Mozzarella Store’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil, with the “P.G.I. Toscano” label, combines a blend of olives permitted by protected-designation standards and is produced solely in Tuscany. Additionally, productions undergo chemical and sensory tests to ensure it is compliant with product requirements.
**P.D.O.: Protected Designation of Origin, or Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (DOP), is another legally registered designation; however, it has much more strict limitations on both the sourcing and production of products than P.G.I. products. Most notably, all stages of the production, preparation and packaging must be completed in the particular labeled territory or region, including ingredients. It is used to designate products of a very specific characteristic both due to their natural environment and due to the processes and techniques used to produce the product (most often passed down from many generations of producers). Like P.G.I. products, P.D.O. products must undergo strenuous testing to meet compliance and quality requirements. Needless to say, this helps protect them from other products being given their label.
For example, Mozzarella Store’s P.D.O. San Marzano Tomatoes not only must be of the unmodified, original strain of San Marzano tomatoes, but also adhere to specific harvest and production guidelines and be grown, processed and canned in the Sarnese Nocerino area of Italy.
Our products can only come to life as they should through the skillful, dedicated work of our artisans. Not unusual in Italy, our Mozzarella Maker and Pizzaiolo have spent much of their lives perfecting their crafts. Such passion and love for their work results in consistently beautiful, delicious and wholesome products. Through the years, they have also become great teachers, a necessity as we continue to grow our operations. All this, while remaining humble and understanding that there
are always opportunities to learn, improve and grow.
QUALITY EXPERIENCES :