About Us

Our Pasta

The Rise of San Remo's Durum Wheat

Wheat is often referred to as the ancient grain because its origins as a cultivated crop can be traced back to over 10,000 years ago. These days we know it as common wheat or bread wheat, and although it continues to be the most commonly grown of all wheat crops, durum wheat is far better suited to pasta.

In early Australia, wheat was one of the first crops planted by colonists and quickly became our most important grown produce. Those initial harvests would be considered poor by today’s standards, but over time Australian wheat has been developed to endure our unforgiving conditions.

“Durum wheat is far better suited to pasta.”

For San Remo, the story of durum wheat is very similar. San Remo wanted to produce the best pasta in Australia, but to do that they needed access to the best durum wheat that could be grown. Based in South Australia, San Remo knew that durum wheat crops would perform better if they were best suited to the environment in which they’re grown.

A South Australian Success Story

Since the late 1980s, San Remo has been working with local researchers and farmers to produce higher-value durum wheat crops specifically suited to South Australian conditions. Following years of tireless work with local universities and local producers, San Remo’s durum wheat resource now rivals the best in the world. So much so, that international markets are actively seeking out our high quality Australian durum wheat.

Research, plant breeding, testing and continuous improvement has resulted in better quality durum wheat that is also locally produced to provide better yields than ever. This has been an all-natural process over many years that has included San Remo’s investment into storage silo facilities, meticulous handling processes and cutting-edge refining facilities. All of which ensures our pasta is the absolute best it can be. But the work continues.

By developing durum wheat in South Australia, San Remo now produces a quality pasta that is naturally rich in colour, and also richer in nutrients such as protein, gluten and starch which is better suited to pasta making. It’s these nutrient-rich qualities that San Remo continues to improve upon, year after year – so that you can continue to enjoy the best quality pasta.

Let our new star Fil from the Mill explain where San Remo’s delicious Durum Wheat pasta comes from!

History

San Remo has epitomised the culture and tradition of pasta making since its inception in 1936, when it was founded by Luigi Crotti. Today, it remains a privately owned 100% Australian company.

From its earliest days the company grew rapidly and was the first manufacturer to support and foster supermarket distribution as this new shopping phenomenon became established and grew.

Manufactured in Australia, San Remo has offices and distribution centres in all main capital cities throughout Australia and New Zealand, and exports to 35 countries throughout the world. San Remo’s manufacturing site in Adelaide combines the traditional Italian pasta making “know how” with the most modern technology. San Remo’s Durum wheat mill is one of the largest and most sophisticated in the Australian/South-East Asian region, and was specially designed for the processing of Durum wheat.

San Remo contracts growers to grow its top quality Durum wheat, thus guaranteeing control over the quality and specifications of the wheat. This results in pasta of the highest quality, and ensures high standards of integrity.

Today, San Remo has a wide range of pasta products and sauces and also offers a range of “La Pasta” pasta and sauce side dishes.

History of San Remo's Packaging & Advertising

San Remo has been a treasured part of homes for generations and our packaging and advertising has had a long and remarkable history.

The central feature of San Remo pasta packaging was the two “San Remo Brothers” in the kitchen, cooking pasta. The San Remo Brothers symbol would eventually become the mark of San Remo quality.

See beside the San Remo Pasta Leaflet from the 1950’s. This historic leaflet shows many of the traditional pasta shapes available from San Remo at the time. Once again, the San Remo Brothers featured prominently on the front of the leaflet, enjoying their steaming bowl of pasta.

As the years progressed, San Remo moved to a more modern pack with the signature San Remo red colour making a bold statement. Gold ribbons were also added to the pack to signify the premium quality and taste of San Remo pasta making it a recognizable icon in homes around Australia and New Zealand.

San Remo. We're Family.

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