“The support we received from the LEO when we started, and when we needed to scale up was invaluable. It also provided key contacts and networks for us to expand our markets.”
Tiramisù Da'Costa Family was founded six years ago by Michela Bustamante as a home-based business with the goal of bringing authentic Italian tiramisu to Ireland. Through dedication, high-quality ingredients, and a passion for traditional Italian desserts, the business has grown from a small home kitchen into a recognised local brand supplying supermarkets and independent retailers across Waterford.
Michela is Italian and grew up in Rome. She knows what makes an authentic, high quality Italian Tiramisu. “Our USP is our commitment to authenticity, freshness, and quality ingredients. Every tiramisu is made following traditional Italian recipes, combining the finest Italian ingredients with locally sourced Irish products whenever possible.
“We source our ingredients from a combination of trusted Italian suppliers and local Irish producers. Authentic Italian ingredients ensure the traditional flavour of our products, while fresh Irish dairy and eggs support local suppliers and maintain exceptional quality.
“Our basic retail range includes classic and pistachio tiramisu which we supply to all of our third party retail customers, such as SuperValu. We have an additional six premium products exclusively for Ardkeen Quality Food Store in Waterford. We supply catering size products to other food service establishments and direct to customers through sales generated through Instagram, website and word of mouth. We currently have a range of eight varieties or flavours, but can do special orders if requested.
“The main challenge is increasing production capacity while maintaining the high quality and authenticity of our products. Additional investment was and is required to expand manufacturing, purchase equipment, strengthen marketing activities, and reach new retail markets. We have potential to expand nationally and in the longer term, we would also like to explore export opportunities to the UK and selected European markets where there is demand for premium artisan Italian desserts.”
Tiramisù Da'Costa Family has been working with the Local Enterprise Office in Waterford for a number of years. It received a salary grant for promotion, along with a capital expenditure grant to co fund extra equipment to scale up the production. Michela took part in a Regional Food Start Programme with the LEO to get Retail Ready. The business then advanced to the Food Academy, graduating with distinction, was introduced to Supervalu and onto its shelves. Tiramisù Da'Costa Family will be looking to expand again this year, hiring more staff and investing in new capital equipment to facilitate further expansions.
“The support we received from the LEO when we started, and when we needed to scale up was invaluable. It also provided key contacts and networks for us to expand our markets.”
Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland.
Contact your Local Enterprise Office Waterford for their latest training programmes, grants and events schedule on www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie for access to all their training support information.
To find out more about Tiramisu see, www.tiramisudacostafamily.com
