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Tailored Culinary Innovation by Chefs

Gustarae is rooted in culinary craft, delivering taste with authenticity, guided by chef expertise at every stage.

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Trusted Quality. Certified to Global Standards

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Trusted Quality. Certified to Global Standards

CERTIFICATION LOGOS.png
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Trusted Quality. Certified to Global Standards

CERTIFICATION LOGOS.png
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Trusted Quality. Certified to Global Standards

CERTIFICATION LOGOS.png
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What we do
and why we do it

At Gustarae, we co-create with chefs to take recipes from concept to scale, adapting dishes, developing new ideas, and producing ready-to-use products that deliver consistency, flavour, and performance. Our bespoke production supports hospitality groups, hotel chains, and distributors. Our solutions protect each kitchen’s identity as they work under real-world pressures.

But it’s not just about what we make. It’s why we make it. We believe chefs deserve partners who share their passion for flavour, their respect for ingredients, and their drive for integrity. By blending culinary craft with innovation, and sourcing with ethics at the core, we’re here to help kitchens thrive.

About Gustarae

Gustarae was born from a shared belief that the best ideas come from the kitchen itself. After years of seeing the gap between what kitchens need and what the industry provides, Leonardo, Valentina and Lorenzo combined their expertise to create something new: a partner that puts chefs at the centre.

Rooted in Italian craft and driven by innovation, we co-create products that honour flavour, protect identity, and perform at scale. From land to plate, our promise is simple: integrity, creativity, and collaboration in every bite.

Gustarae is the evolution of GLS Food Solutions, a reimagined approach that transforms ingredient sourcing into true culinary partnership.

Leonardo (Founder)

Leonardo Gualtieri

Culinary Development Director

With more than 20 years in recipe innovation and menu creation, Leonardo has mastered the art of scaling products without compromising flavour or quality.

Valentina (Founder)

Valentina Capsa

Commercial & Brand Strategy Director

Drawing on 15 years of experience building partnerships in the food industry, and with a Master’s in Food Sustainability from Cambridge University, Valentina brings together commercial expertise and culinary innovation with a sustainability focus.

Lorenzo (Founder)

Lorenzo Zingaretti

Strategic & Supply Chain Director

An expert in logistics and supply chain management, Lorenzo ensures reliable production and delivery, giving our customers the confidence to perform at their best.

Chef-led innovation | Uncompromisable flavour | Traceable ingredients | Scalable solutions |

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What we do
and why we do it

At Gustarae, we co-create with chefs to take recipes from concept to scale, adapting dishes, developing new ideas, and producing ready-to-use products that deliver consistency, flavour, and performance. Our bespoke production supports hospitality groups, hotel chains, and distributors. Our solutions protect each kitchen’s identity as they work under real-world pressures.

But it’s not just about what we make. It’s why we make it. We believe chefs deserve partners who share their passion for flavour, their respect for ingredients, and their drive for integrity. By blending culinary craft with innovation, and sourcing with ethics at the core, we’re here to help kitchens thrive.

Our commitment

At Gustarae, sustainability is more than a responsibility - it’s how we think, source, and create.

We believe chefs deserve ingredients they can trust: not just for flavour and consistency, but for the way they are grown, prepared, and delivered. From ethical sourcing to smarter supply chains, we design solutions that respect the kitchen, the people behind our products, and the planet we share.

Sustainability is not a trend for us - it’s a practice. One we’re committed to evolving with every product, every partnership, every plate.

Our approach to sustainability

For Chefs — Efficiency in the Kitchen

Smarter portioning and flexible formats reduce food waste, improve yield, and support kitchens to run more efficiently.

For Suppliers — Responsible Partnerships

We collaborate with producers who share our values: ethical, transparent, and committed to sustainable practices.

For the Planet — Smarter Supply Chains

With full traceability and logistics expertise, we reduce inefficiencies, shorten routes where possible, and make environmentally conscious choices across our network.

Ongoing Commitment — A Journey, Not a Finish Line

We know sustainability is an evolving challenge. That’s why we work continuously with our partners to innovate, learn, and improve.

What people say about us

First-hand stories from those who’ve worked with us.

"I’ve worked with Valentina as a supplier of everything from New Zealand lamb to local fresh produce. She has an incredible ability to get chefs exactly what they need - always delivering with professionalism, personality, and tireless commitment. Her knowledge and network are second to none. Chefs buy from people they trust, and that makes Valentina the best in her field."

— Stuart Duff, Interim Director of Food & Drink Operations, UK&I Hilton Hotels

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"Across five restaurants, Leo showed unmatched dedication, passion, and reliability. Over five years, he was a true collaborator - developing new ideas and recipes that elevated our offering. He is the most trustworthy chef I’ve worked with in my 30 years as a restaurateur."

— Jasper Gorst, Owner, The Boathouse Amberley

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"I have worked with Valentina for over 10 years. She is passionate and dedicated, always delivering with standout professionalism. Valentina is flexible across any project to ensure we receive the finest quality products."

— Darren Poulton, Executive Chef, Culinary Innovation UK&I, GateGroup

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"Lorenzo played a key role in the successful launch and growth of Urbani Truffles UK. Professional, reliable, and creative, he brought both strategic insight and the courage to challenge the status quo with better solutions."

— Giorgio Federici, Former Overseas Business Manager, Urbani Tartufi

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"Working with Valentina has been an absolute pleasure, her professionalism, dedication, and infectious enthusiasm make every project a success. She approaches food development with a true ‘anything is possible’ mentality, turning ambitious ideas into reality without ever compromising on quality. Valentina’s passion and creativity push boundaries, and her commitment ensures exceptional results every time."

— Stephen Hill, Managing Director, Bone Daddies

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“I have been lucky to know and work with Valentina for a good few years! She is someone I trust to source or innovate for the chefs needs - she brings dedication and style to whatever she is tasked with and never settles until you have the solution you desire! Always has the chefs needs at heart and for that, I thank her wholeheartedly”

— Steven Mangleshot, Global Executive Chef + Brand Ambassador, Wagamama

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"Vagabond Wines have been working with Gustarae, led by Leonardo, for over four years, and the experience has been outstanding. Their passion for authentic Italian food, commitment to quality, product development and reliable partnership have made a real difference to our business. Gustarare is a trusted supplier we're proud to work with, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration.”

— Marco Pastoris, Excecutive Chef, Vagabond Wines

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Tell us about your kitchen’s needs – the road to a tailored solution starts here.

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