Allessia, All Grown Up

Posted on July 22nd, 2010

alessia_la_bomba_antipastoWe could tell you it was all a very carefully thought out plan, but the introduction of the Allessia Brand to Aurora was a fateful collaboration of an idea to introduce a gourmet product line to the company, and the birth of Nunzio Tumino’s first granddaughter in 1989.

While the naming of the new brand would appear to have been a relatively easy decision (given the timing and all), a heated debate between Nunzio and his daughter (current general manager) threatened the existence of the name at all. Those of you who are familiar with the traditional Italian name would notice the extra “L” that has been tacked on.  While Nunzio believed in authenticity and tradition, his daughter fought for that additional letter to bring more balance and modernity to her baby’s name, and the label.

Perhaps it was that sweet angelic face on his granddaughter that made him cave, or maybe the persistence of his stubborn daughter, but nonetheless the brand has existed for the last 21 years as “Allessia” with two very distinct L’s.

Now Allessia wasn’t Nunzio’s first grandchild. He had a grandson, Daniel, who at the time would have been 3. Whether it was some sort of consolation or just an artistic inspiration, Daniel was not totally left out of the brand either.

The first Allessia label, designed by Nunzio’s other daughter, of a girl picking strawberries in a field, was actually in its original form a photograph of Daniel himself.

Over time the Allessia label has become the face of roughly 35 gourmet products, but as proven by our consumers the most popular of all is “Allessia La Bomba”. We were thrilled to find, after a quick “google” search, the product’s existence on several blogs, forums, and websites.  While we had a good idea of the hot antipasto spread’s popularity based on our numbers, this customer support is overwhelming!

New Allessia Label

While it is obvious that the Allessia product line holds a lot of Tumino family essence, we are pleased to introduce to you our most recent accomplishment. We believe we have successfully rebranded Allessia into a more mature and sleek-looking brand.

It is our greatest hope that you will be able to recognize the new label on the shelves of your local grocer and we assure you that while her dress is different, the same great products you know and love are still inside.

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We’d love to hear your feedback on our new label!

Weddings + Chocolate

Posted on February 24th, 2010

Getting Married?

In the midst of all the planning, we sometimes forget the little details.  And the little details are sometimes the most important.  Why not introduce a little detail and shower your guests with kisses on your special day?  Chocolate kisses that is.

Perugina Baci {baci is the Italian word for ‘kisses’} are made with a silky dark chocolate outside, whipped chocolate and finely chopped hazelnut filling inside, topped with a whole hazelnut and wrapped in a love note in four languages.  “You may be one person to the world, but you may also be the world to one person”, an Asian proverb quoted on a little slip of paper inside a Baci chocolate… a chocolate that is wrapped in love and history.  In 1922, Baci was introduced and lovers in Italy exchanged the first of many Baci chocolates; today, 88 years later, Baci chocolates are still being shared between lovers, friends and families.

Do something different for your wedding – share your love and affection for each other with each of your guests with a timeless, classic gesture of true romance… visit www.baciperuginaboutique.com to order your own Baci wedding box.  Each box contains two Baci and the outer box can be customized with your photo, names, wedding date and/or thank you note.

Baci… the Italian way to say ‘I love you’

Baci Promotional Events Continued…

Posted on February 9th, 2010

BACI_splashpage_Kiss2KiSS 92.5fm and Baci are giving you the opportunity to win a romantic getaway to Punta Cana!  Click on the picture for more details and good luck!

Baci Promotional Events

Posted on February 3rd, 2010

In honour of Valentine’s Day Aurora Importing together with Perugina Baci are offering promotions throughout Ontario.

Longo's Logo

Longo’s is inviting you to share an adventure in food with Baci.  Drop into one of the participating locations and have your picture taken with your Valentine at the Baci Kissing Booth.

Please click here for participating stores and dates.

LCBO Logo

The LCBO and Baci are offering you the opportunity to sample the wines of the LCBO and the delectable perfection that is Baci Chocolates at select stores in Ontario. Tastings will be offered on Saturday, February 13, 2010 between 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

Please click here for a list of LCBO participating locations.

Saturday, February 13th – Sunday, February 14th

villaggio

Villaggio Ristorante in Kleinburg is offering you the opportunity to win a spa package from the Old Mill Inn and Spa ($200 value) and a Baci gift basket ($100 value).  Ballots will be available with your meal on Saturday and Sunday only.  The draws will take place on Sunday, February 14th, 2010.  There will also be a photographer on site from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Saturday, February 13th.

granoGrano Ristorante in Toronto is offering you the opportunity to win a spa package from Pure + Simple Spa in Toronto ($200 value) and a Baci gift basket ($100 value).  Ballots will be available with your meal on Saturday and Sunday only.  There will also be a photographer on site from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Saturday, February 13th.

Baci… the Italian way to say ‘I love you’

Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 2nd, 2010

“Love is in the air… “

This Valentine’s Day, why not unleash your inner romantic and indulge your loved one with a decadent meal featuring our new Italian Dinner for Two pasta collection.

Each ‘kit’ includes all the fixings for a sumptuous dinner.  What took Mamma hours to prepare will only take you a few minutes by using all the necessary ingredients which are found inside the kit – just follow the instructions!

Scialatielli Pasta with Mushrooms

Scialatielli pasta with a mix of porcini and champignon mushrooms in a rich tomato sauce

Farfalle Pasta with Artichokes

Farfalle pasta in a thick tomato sauce with deliciously seasoned artichoke hearts

Conchigliette Pasta with Pesto

Conchigliette pasta in a tasty basil pesto sauce with slices of sundried tomatoes

Pennette Pasta with Black Olives

Pennette pasta with diced tomatoes and black olives in a spicy arrabiata sauce

Light some candles, chill a bottle of champagne, relax and enjoy (after all, you did slave over a hot stove all day).