Il Pastaio, a Brescia-based leader in the production of high-quality gnocchi and pasta, founded in 1983, has announced the start of construction on its first U.S. manufacturing facility. The new plant, located in Allenwood, Pennsylvania, will cover an area of over 6,600 square meters and will initially employ 75 workers. The project includes the launch of five production lines for gnocchi, both traditional and stuffed, with two dedicated to gluten-free products, and the capability to produce organic gnocchi to meet the needs of the U.S. market while ensuring maximum quality and freshness for local consumers.
Founded in Brescia, Il Pastaio is a key player in the food industry, operating in both the private label sector and under its own brands, Patarò and Canuti Tradizione Italiana. With four production facilities in Italy – one of which is entirely dedicated to gluten-free production—and an annual capacity of 100,000 tons of gnocchi and pasta, the company has always prioritized quality, innovation, and Italian tradition. With a team of over 300 employees and a constantly expanding structure, Il Pastaio has become synonymous with Made in Italy excellence on an international scale.
“The groundbreaking of our Pennsylvania facility marks a crucial step for Il Pastaio and reaffirms our commitment to combining the best Italian traditions with the energy and agri-food culture of the United States,” said Pierluigi Colombi, CEO of Il Pastaio. “We are excited to enter a market with such great potential, bringing our artisanal expertise and passion for Italian cuisine to a new generation of consumers. This project is an investment in the future and a celebration of the authenticity of Made in Italy in a country full of opportunities.”
The new facility – made possible with the support of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) – will be located within the Great Stream Commons Business Park, a strategic area that offers significant benefits due to its inclusion in a Keystone Opportunity Zone. This investment will also allow Il Pastaio to expand its gnocchi production capacity, meeting the growing demand in the U.S. market.
Il Pastaio, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Brescia, is a leading company in the production of gnocchi and pasta for the private label sector. In 2024, it recorded a total group turnover of €90 million. With a production capacity of 100,000 tons per year, four facilities (including one dedicated to gluten-free products), and a 45,000 square meter structure, the company employs over 300 people. In 2022, Il Pastaio joined the investment portfolio of the American private equity fund The Riverside Company and acquired Canuti Tradizione Italiana, expanding its offering in the food-service segment. For over 40 years, Il Pastaio has stood out for its quality, innovation, and flexibility, promoting the authenticity of Made in Italy worldwide.
