Our Story
Two families, two traditions, one shared passion for the art of pastry
Martinucci was born in the heart of Salento from the meeting of two traditions: the breadmaking heritage of the Panese family and the pastry-making creativity of the Martinucci family. Since 1950, our story has been shaped by craftsmanship, innovation and passion, leading us to grow over time while always remaining true to our core values of quality, research and a deep connection to our territory.
With a focus on responsible and sustainable growth, Martinucci has obtained the SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) certification. This certification is based on a methodology that brings together industry best practices. It assesses workplace Health and Safety, verifying the management systems in place within the company, as well as policies and procedures related to occupational health and safety. It also addresses labour ethics, evaluating the company’s compliance with national and international labour laws and regulations.
2024
For over 70 years, Martinucci has carried forward its family passion for pastry making, combining artisanal tradition with a constant drive towards innovation. From Puglia to the world, our desserts tell stories of taste, quality and authenticity, becoming everyday protagonists on the tables of professionals and families alike.
2017
IFS Certification
The IFS (International Food Standard) aims to support the effective selection of private-label food suppliers for large-scale retail, based on their ability to provide safe products that comply with contractual specifications and legal requirements. It represents a widely recognised standard, both in Europe and worldwide.
2013
Clear separation between artisanal and industrial production processes
1994
Following Rocco’s passing on 18 December 1981, the baton was passed to his children, who were able to build on their father’s teachings. In 1984, they decided to complement the traditional production present in all our retail outlets with an industrial production of cakes, semifreddo desserts and gelato, guided by the same clear values of quality, tradition, innovation and respect for the territory that continue to shape our choices every day.
1981
In questi anni nasce la catena Martinucci. Tra gli anni Sessanta e Settanta, Rocco ha l’intuizione di aprire diversi punti vendita nel Salento, tra i quali ricordiamo le pasticcerie-gelaterie di Santa Maria di Leuca e di Lido Marini, importanti località dove tuttora siamo presenti con i nostri negozi. In questa avventura lo accompagnano la moglie e i figli, che mutuano da Rocco i segreti del mestiere e, soprattutto, la passione per il proprio lavoro. Grazie alla sua determinazione e all’aiuto della famiglia, le creazioni di Rocco Martinucci divengono in poco tempo un punto di riferimento per tutto il territorio.
1960
During these years, the Martinucci chain was born. Between the 1960s and 1970s, Rocco had the insight to open several retail outlets across Salento, including the pastry and gelato shops in Santa Maria di Leuca and Lido Marini, two key locations where our stores are still present today. On this journey, he was joined by his wife and children, who learned from Rocco the secrets of the craft and, above all, a deep passion for their work. Thanks to his determination and the support of his family, Rocco Martinucci’s creations quickly became a point of reference throughout the region.
1950
During those years, a new and sweeter chapter began, with Giovanni Martinucci, known as Giovannino, as its protagonist. Born in Salento to a Neapolitan parent, Giovanni worked first as a tinsmith and later as a driver. He often accompanied orchestras performing at local festivals and fairs. While waiting for concerts to end, he reinvented himself as a gelato maker, purchasing a rudimentary ice cream machine: a simple iron basin, ice and salt, so as not to wait in vain.
Driven by the typical Italian entrepreneurial spirit of the 1940s, Giovanni travelled from one festival to another with his equipment, preparing gelato on the spot. His son Rocco followed him with the same enthusiasm from a very young age. Success came quickly. Soon, people no longer waited only for the arrival of the band, but also for the father and son who accompanied it with their sweet creations.
These stories intertwine when Rocco Martinucci marries Annunziata Panese.
1940
In the second half of the 1920s, the Panese family founded an old bakery adjacent to their home in Specchia. This was considered a return to their roots, as the family surname itself had historically been attributed to “bread bearers” in the Holy Land. During those years, Santo Panese established the small bakery following the ancient traces of his family’s proud history. Thanks to the strong work ethic that characterises the people of Salento, the small bakery quickly evolved from a purely family-run activity into a fully equipped workshop dedicated to the production of bread and traditional pastries.
1927
The values behind our desserts
Behind every one of our creations lie conscious choices, experience and an approach that brings together tradition and innovation to shape desserts designed for professionals.
Quality & Excellence
We combine industrial precision with artisanal care to turn every dessert into an emotion
Tradition and Authenticity
We bring to the table a family story that lives in every dessert, as authentic as the shared passion that drives our work.
Innovation and Progress
By listening to our customers’ needs, we innovate to deliver memorable desserts.
Customer Passion
We work together to keep our customers’ needs at the heart of what we do
People Growth
We grow with purpose, uniting ambition and social responsibility
Production Sites
Artisanal Craft, Industrial Strength
Since 1984, the year the company opened its first production facility dedicated to the industrial production of gelato and pastry, Martinucci has continuously invested in expanding its production capacity while ensuring the highest manufacturing standards. Thanks to a forward-looking approach to growth, several investments have followed, leading to the opening of four additional facilities. In 2017, the second production site was inaugurated, specifically focused on gelato production.
In 2022, the third production facility was opened, dedicated to the production of desserts for the Ho.Re.Ca. sector. In 2023, the fourth facility was inaugurated, focusing on the production of Pasticciotti. Finally, in October 2025, the most recent facility was developed for the production of Premium Desserts for the restaurant industry.
Production Sites
Artisanal Craft, Industrial Strength
Since 1984, the year the company opened its first production facility dedicated to the industrial production of gelato and pastry, Martinucci has continuously invested in expanding its production capacity while ensuring the highest manufacturing standards. Thanks to a forward-looking approach to growth, several investments have followed, leading to the opening of four additional facilities. In 2017, the second production site was inaugurated, specifically focused on gelato production.
In 2022, the third production facility was opened, dedicated to the production of desserts for the Ho.Re.Ca. sector. In 2023, the fourth facility was inaugurated, focusing on the production of Pasticciotti. Finally, in October 2025, the most recent facility was developed for the production of Premium Desserts for the restaurant industry.
75.000
total floor area
Our production facilities continue to expand to better meet the needs of professionals worldwide.
Specchia (LE)
15.000mq
Total covered area: 5,200 square metres
Cold storage area: 1,700 square metres
Presicce 1 (LE)
26,000 sqm
Covered area: 3,500 sqm
Storage facilities: 600 sqm
Presicce 2 (LE)
34,000 sqm
Covered area: 8,400 sqm
Storage facilities: 1,200 sqm
Our Presence Worldwide
Today, Martinucci exports its products to over
30
countries worldwide
with an export rate exceeding 30%
Quality Certifications
We certify the quality of our pastry products through the documentation of every stage of our production processes, in full compliance with applicable regulations.
