Formby restaurateur to open cheese factory in Skelmersdale

Luciano Cappello has lived in Formby for 28 years.

A Formby restaurateur is planning to open a cheese factory in Skelmersdale.

Luciano Cappello, owner of Sorrento Italian restaurant, wants to open the cheese manufacturing site on Skelmersdale Industrial Park.

This week, Luciano flew in two professional cheese-makers from Italy, and the trio worked through the night to make traditional-style Mozzarella and Ricotta.

Using no additives or preservatives these artisan products are made from 100% milk from the local Bates Diary. Using 500 litres of milk, they produced 60 kg of cheese.

The process took nine and a half hours.

Born in Italy, Luciano has lived in Formby for 28 years, and says he prides himself on serving authentic Italian food, made using locally-sourced ingredients. The factory will enable him to supply fresh cheeses to shops, delis and restaurants across the North West.

He said: "People think Italian food is just about pizza and pasta. And it's not.

"I try to show people the variety and beauty of Italian cuisine, and show them that simple pleasures are often the best.

They worked through the night to make authentic Italian mozzarella and ricotta.

"The local production of the cheese would mean restaurants and other food-supplying businesses would be able to serve fresh and more authentic meals.

"I'd be bringing five or six professional cheese producers from Italy over to work in the factory, but we would only use fresh British milk."

Luciano has also recently obtained the exclusive rights to sell a brand new drink from Italy, Sfiz and Soda. The drink, a mix of sparkling red wine, soda and peach juice, is the perfect drink to enjoy 'the intoxication of wine without stress' and is said to be ideal for making a toast.

Luciano added: "We've already received a sizeable order for this, but we are hoping to stock this across the North West."

If you would like to order the drink, or enquire further about it, you can contact Luciano on 01704830538

Story and photo source - Southport Visiter