PASTA & PASTA SAUCES
Bringing it all together
Casarecce with SunBlush® Slow Roasted Tomato Wedges and a parmesan tuile.
Senior marketing manager at Leathams, Gemma Baldwin, takes us on a journey from balsamic beginnings to the authentic flavour expectations of today. BEING BOLD In the world of pasta, the sauce is more than just a finishing touch. It’s the heart of the dish, the detail that transforms a simple bowl of pappardelle into a story of tradition, flavour and comfort. As suppliers, Leathams® sees how chefs and operators are pushing boundaries, looking for sauces that deliver both authenticity and efficiency in the kitchen. From scratch-made profiles rooted in regional Italian traditions to modern twists that speak to adventurous palates, the trend is clear: diners want bold, memorable flavours with clean, trustworthy ingredients. This means choosing sauces that not only elevate the menu but streamline prep and maintain consistency across service. Our role is to bridge that gap, providing options that empower chefs to innovate, while keeping pace with the demands of today’s dining scene. Over the 45 years that Leathams® has been operating, we’ve seen a huge transformation in the journey of Italian and 42 230_P&P_Oct25_p36-49_Pasta_Sauces_G AB.indd 42
Mediterranean ingredients in the UK. One of the first products we introduced to our portfolio was authentic balsamic vinegar, a then-exotic taste of Italy that opened the door to a whole world of options that now underpin our offering. Since those early days, we’ve seen a remarkable shift in consumer expectations. What started with a few specialty items has blossomed into a widespread love for authentic Italian and Mediterranean ingredients. Consumers now expect the real deal, whether it’s premium flavoured oils, SunBlush® tomatoes or authentic hard cheeses. And, of course, at the heart of so many of these ingredients is pasta – the canvas that brings everything together. From simple classics like spaghetti with olive oil and parmesan to bold creations layered with tomatoes, herbs and cheeses, pasta has become the dish where Mediterranean authenticity truly shines, and operators are looking for the ingredients that will allow their dishes to stand out in a saturated market. www.pizzapastamagazine.co.uk 15/10/2025 16:50