Latest news with #Stefano
Montreal Gazette
7 days ago
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Montreal pasta brand accuses Russian company of copying packaging
By A Montreal-based pasta company is accusing a Russian competitor of copying its packaging, after a lookalike product surfaced online bearing a near-identical design. Aliments Faita Forgione, the family-owned maker of the Stefano brand of sauces and pasta, posted a side-by-side image of the two packages on social media Wednesday, saying it appeared their design had taken an 'all-expenses-paid trip to Russia without us.' 'Here's a little lesson in plagiarism 101,' the company wrote on Instagram. 'When your packaging looks this familiar, it's not inspiration — it's copying.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stefano Faita (@sfaita) The resemblance between the two products includes the placement of text and the see-through window on the front, the font and overall layout. The brand's visual identity was designed by Montreal-based marketing agency LG2. The Russian pasta in question appears to be sold by Avanti Macaroni Factory. Its products are listed on the website though it is unclear how widely the Avanti product is distributed in Russia. However, in a comment posted to Stefano's social media account, a person claiming to represent the company issued an apology and pledged to stop using the packaging. 'We sincerely acknowledge having been inspired by your packaging design,' the message reads. 'But after reviewing our stance, we realize that we have crossed the line between inspiration and copy. It was a mistake and we apologize for this situation.' The company added it would halt the commercial use of the packaging and make 'necessary changes to our design.' The Stefano brand is the result of a collaboration between chef Stefano Faita and his business partner, Michele Forgione. In addition to their line of pasta products, the pair are known for operating some of Montreal's most popular Italian restaurants, including Impasto. Aliments Faita Forgione ended its online post, saying: 'Originality is always the best recipe. Just saying!'
CTV News
7 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Pasta imposter? Montreal brand calls out Russian company for packaging plagiarism
A side-by-side comparison of packaging for dried pasta from the Stefano brand, based in Montreal, and from Avanti Macaroni Factory, based in Russia. (Source: Instagram/@sfaita) As the saying goes, 'imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.' That's how one Montreal-based pasta brand is reacting after calling out a Russian company which appears to have copied their design for their own pasta products. Aliments Faita Forgione, maker of the Stefano brand of pasta and sauces, shared a photo of the two packages side-by-side on their Instagram account on Tuesday. 'We always knew our packaging was stellar… but we didn't expect it to go on an all-expenses-paid trip to Russia without us,' the company said in a post. From the placement of virtually every bit of text and the see-through plastic on the front to the lettering on the side to the package, the products look strikingly similar. 'Here's a little lesson in plagiarism 101: when your packaging looks this familiar, it's not inspiration — it's copying,' the Montreal company said online. 'Shoutout to our Russian pasta friends for 'borrowing' our design, but remember, originality is always the best recipe. Just saying!' LG2, a creative marketing company based in Montreal and Toronto, designed the branding for Stefano pasta products. A spokesperson told CTV News they were 'surprised' about the lookalike after a client in Toronto spotted the product on social media. Apology on Instagram The Russian products appear to be sold by Avanti Macaroni Factory. Someone purporting to be an employee responded to Aliments Faita Forgione's post online and apologized, writing in Russian that the company acknowledged that it was 'inspired' by the packaging design. Avanti pasta products sold in Russia. Avanti pasta products sold in Russia. (Source: 'After reviewing our stance, we realize that we have crossed the line between inspiration and copy,' the person wrote. 'It was a mistake and we apologize for this situation. We value your work and creativity, so we've decided to completely stop commercial use of this package and make necessary changes to our design.' Attempts by CTV News to reach the person who apologized were not successful. Aliments Faita Forgione seems to be having fun with the copycat and, at least for now, does not intend to take legal action. 'We would have to pay out of our own pocket with no guarantee that the product would be removed. If it was in North America, we would have consider it but Russia is far,' a company spokesperson wrote in an email Thursday. 'So, we decided to post on our social networks without identifying the company in question, mainly to raise awareness of plagiarism in design.'
Daily Maverick
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Delizioso! Italian rugby stars savour a taste of home at Gqeberha restaurant
Seven Italian rugby players, 11 pizzas, and two very proud restaurateurs. Quitschy's in Gqeberha scored big before the Italian rugby team took on the Springboks in Nelson Mandela Bay on Saturday — serving up authentic Italian food and making unforgettable memories. Lucia Zanella could barely see past the shoulders of the towering visitors who ducked through the doorway of her cosy pizzeria in Walmer, Gqeberha. 'They made me feel so tiny — I'd never seen such big people before!' she laughed, recalling the unexpected arrival of seven Italian rugby players at Quitschy's Pizza & Restaurant in Walmer. Lucia and her husband, Stefano, moved their restaurant from Jeffreys Bay to Gqeberha in 2021. The Italian players arrived at their restaurant on Friday, ahead of their match against the Springboks at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium, which Italy lost 45-0. When the restaurant owners asked the players why they chose the unassuming spot tucked away in Gqeberha, their answer was simple: they were craving something that tasted like home. 'They said they wanted authentic Italian food,' said Lucia, 'and that's exactly what we do — everything made from scratch, with proper Italian ingredients. Nothing fake, nothing rushed.' For the Zanellas, it was a full-circle affirmation of the heart and heritage they pour into every dish. From the wood-fired pizzas to the hand-rolled pasta, Quitschy's is a little slice of Italy in the Eastern Cape — now with a stamp of approval from some of Italy's finest athletes. 'Seeing them enjoy our food felt like a win for us,' smiled Lucia. 'Our food is authentic Italian cuisine, delicately served with love and respect. We want people to enjoy it. It's not fast food — it's about the company and connection,' said Stefano. And boy, did the Italian team connect over their pizzas! Eleven pizzas were shared among seven players, each telling the other to taste their food. 'They could not have any alcohol because they were preparing to play, but they really enjoyed the food, and kept laughing and teasing each other. They're such a warm, kind bunch — even interacting with our other customers,' said Stefano. On game day, Stefano and his wife backed different teams. Lucia, who was born in Italy, said she would always back her fellow Italians, while Stefano was all in for the Boks. He 'was born in Pretoria and lived there until my teen years before my parents and I moved back to Italy. I also played rugby in high school, so the Springboks have a special place in my heart.' Something else that has a special place in his heart is homemade fish and chips, when he's not enjoying Italian food, of course. For Lucia, steamed bread made the traditional isiXhosa way is a weakness. 'I often ask my staff to make me that steamed bread in those enamel dishes; the taste is just so amazing!' Reflecting on what makes Quitschy's so special for her, she said, 'We're blessed with some of the best customers who truly love authentic food and come here for the culture as well. We hope to never lose that.' DM
Gulf Today
24-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Gulf Today
These squidgy air fryer brownies are low in sugar but high on flavour
Squidgy, nutty and rich in dark chocolate, these air fryer brownies skip the sugar but keep the joy – with options for ultra-low-carb swaps too 'Stefano is the head chef of our cookery school – La Cucina Caldesi – and has created this recipe to have minimal sweetness and maximum flavour,' says food writer and author Katie Caldesi. 'They are also full of fibre from the nuts, chocolate and dates. Toasting nuts brings out the natural oils and gives them oodles of flavour. Smell them as they go into the air fryer and come out and you will see what I mean. If you are keeping your carbs very low, use erythritol instead of the dates. 'Leave these plain, top with whipped cream flavoured with vanilla or serve with Greek yoghurt, creme fraiche or soured cream, and berries.' Stefanos' squidgy chocolate, date and walnut brownies Makes: 12 brownies Ingredients: 75g walnuts 3 fat Medjool dates (approx 75g), pitted and roughly chopped, or 75g erythritol 100g dark chocolate (at least 85% cocoa solids) 60g butter, plus extra for greasing 3 eggs 50g ground almonds Method: 1. Toast the walnuts on a crisper in the drawer at 160C for three minutes. Tip them out to cool before roughly chopping them. 2. If using the dates, soak them in 75ml of just-boiled water for a few minutes, then mash them to a pulp with a fork. If using erythritol, dissolve it in 50ml of just-boiled water in a small saucepan over a medium-high heat. Set aside. 3. Put a baking paper liner into a silicone liner. 4. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a bain-marie (a glass or metal bowl over, but not touching, hot water in a saucepan over a medium heat) or in a small bowl in the microwave. Set aside to cool. 5. Separate the eggs into two mixing bowls. Add the date or erythritol mixture to the egg yolks and stir through with a hand whisk or large spoon. Then add the chocolate mixture to the yolk mixture with the walnuts and ground almonds and stir again to combine. 6. Whisk the egg whites until just firm enough to stand in peaks. Use a large metal spoon to fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Pour into the prepared liner and smooth the surface. 7. Bake in the air fryer at 140C for 20 to 25 minutes. It is ready when the crust feels firm but there should be a slight wobble to it; it will continue setting as it cools. Remove from the air fryer and leave to cool to room temperature before removing from the paper liner. 8. Cut into 12 squares and serve at room temperature. Or put into an airtight container in the refrigerator once cool, where they will keep for a couple of days. The Independent
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Gains Amidst ...
Release Date: May 01, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE:EL) achieved market share gains in key markets such as the U.S., China, and Japan, marking significant progress in these regions. Gross margin expanded by 310 basis points compared to the previous year, reflecting operational efficiencies and strategic pricing actions. The company is making significant progress in its restructuring program, reducing over 2,600 net positions and streamlining middle management by 20%. Innovations such as Clinique's new Moisture Surge and Estee Lauder's Double Wear concealer have driven consumer acquisition and market share gains. The Estee Lauder Companies Inc (NYSE:EL) is leveraging AI-driven marketing and expanding its presence on platforms like Amazon and TikTok, contributing to mid-single-digit growth in online organic sales. Organic sales declined by 9% in the third quarter, with travel retail experiencing a significant 28% decline. Diluted earnings per share decreased by 33%, indicating financial pressure despite some operational improvements. Operating margin contracted by 270 basis points to 11.4%, driven by increased consumer-facing investments and sales deleverage. The company faces ongoing challenges with weakened consumer sentiment in the U.S. and parts of Europe, as well as prolonged weak sentiment in China. The geopolitical landscape, including evolving trade policies and tariffs, adds uncertainty and potential material impact on future profitability. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Signs with EL. Q: Can you discuss your expectations for trade inventories exiting fiscal 2025 and any associated risks? A: Akio, CFO: We have made significant progress, especially in travel retail, where inventory levels have been reduced significantly. Retailers globally are tightening inventory, and we are adjusting accordingly. We are confident in our guidance, which reflects current market conditions, including the volatility around the June 18 shopping festival. Q: What are your planning assumptions for FY 2026, particularly regarding retail inventory and market trends? A: Stefano, CEO: We are confident in returning to positive growth in FY 2026, driven by market share gains in key markets like the U.S., China, and Japan. We are seeing sequential improvements and are de-risking travel retail. However, we are monitoring external factors like consumer sentiment in China and the U.S. Q: Can you provide more details on your tariff mitigation strategies and the timeline for reducing U.S. to China product sourcing? A: Stefano, CEO: By the end of this fiscal year, we aim to reduce U.S. to China sourcing to around 10%, leveraging our new manufacturing facility in Japan. Most U.S. imports are from Europe, and we are confident in our ability to mitigate tariff impacts through regional manufacturing and strategic sourcing. Q: What are your expectations for savings from the TRGP in fiscal 2025, and what areas are you targeting for further savings? A: Akio, CFO: We are on target with our TRGP savings for fiscal 2025, focusing on gross margin improvements and employee cost reductions. For fiscal 2026, we are accelerating outsourcing and procurement projects to drive further efficiencies and cost savings. Q: How do you plan to achieve competitive market share performance across all regions in fiscal 2026? A: Stefano, CEO: We are focusing on maintaining and accelerating market share gains in the U.S., China, and Japan. We are leveraging our strong brand portfolio and innovation to drive growth. We are also addressing areas of weakness, such as travel retail and certain emerging markets, with targeted strategies. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
