Our history

In the years leading up to the unification of Italy, there was a rapid increase in food demand and requirements. This lead to positive developments in food production and preservation techniques. Recognising the potential of the canned goods market, Fausto Polli began investing into the cultivation and preservation of tomatoes.

Literacy rates were low, which meant many people struggled to identify the products that they wanted to buy. Polli-branded stockfish and tomato preserves started being sold in the famous “eagle box”, which helped to ensure their products were instantly recognisable.

Click here to see Polli’s original packaging and production line.

A craftsman’s passion turned into an official business with the first Polli store launching in the heart of Milan. A family’s commitment took on the shape of a tangible business project, and very soon, a successful industrial enterprise.

Post-war, Giuseppe Polli, Fausto’s grandson, took over an old industrial facility for canned meat production in Monsummano Terme. Here, he founded the first Polli facility. Industrial production began, using the most advanced technologies of that time for processing and preserving vegetables.

Increasing competition forced Polli to expand its offering of products. New varieties of vinegar and oil pickles were launched and the export of these new product ranges began overseas.

After becoming established on the international market, Polli focused on mass retail, selling large quantities of products and further broadening their range. Twist-off caps became the norm. Since, Polli products have been enjoyed by all Italians around the world.

Polli’s first TV ad launches. The Polli Submarine ensures Polli becomes a household name.

In 2012, to celebrate Polli’s 140th anniversary, the photo-storytelling book, ‘140 years of love for the land‘, was released, with photos taken by prestigious Italian photographers, Fernando Scianna and Nino Migliori. Alongside a trove of photos, the book talks about the history of Polli and its love for the fruits of the land which has been handed down from generation to generation.

Polli has always catered its products to the Italians’ evolving tastes. This year, to meet the needs of a new generation wanting more plant based options, 4e4 Orto vegan bruschettas and sauces were born.

In Italy, the aperitif is a cultural pre-dinner phenomenon as well as a modern way of eating with zero formalities and an array of small, easy dishes. Melimangio, born to provide a melange of flavours, colours and tastes to at-home aperitifs around the world, was inspired by this relaxed way of eating.

Polli acquired a new factory in Northern Italy, significantly boosting its production capacity. This, along with new subsidaries in the UK, France and Germany helped to boost Polli’s growth in Italy and overseas, ensuring that Polli continued to represent Italian excellence in the vegetable preserves and sauces markets.

A new collection of high quality pestos are launched, made from carefully selected ingredients including Italian cheeses, pine nuts and fresh Italian basil processed within 24-hours of harvesting.

An Italian enterprise with deep regional roots and 150 years of history, Polli earned its place in the Registry of Historical Brands of National Interest. This prestigious certification, established by the Ministry of Economic Development, aims to preserve Italian excellence whilst promoting the values of Made in Italy, innovation, and sustainability.

Polli received Controlled Basil Supply Chain accreditation in 2021 providing consumers with even more reassurance that any Polli products they purchase are the result of a process that is meticulously monitored and controlled, from the very beginning, to the very end, throughout the entire supply chain.

Courage, fairness, consistency, innovation and creativity got us here, 150 years later, and these traits will help to carry us forward. Polli remains a firm favourite on Italian tables, helping to make meal times an unforgettable experience. To honor the legacy of Polli, the sixth generation of the Polli family, has launched the ‘Orto in città Polli’ project. This initiative will bring the experience of a vegetable garden to urban residents in a social and educational setting.

To meet consumer demand, Polli launches a new line of ready-to-eat legumes – Pronti & Conditi, as well as a line of plant-based seasonings and another delicious Squeezy Pesto! We continue to break into new categories to ensure the needs and wants of our Polli customers are met.