Longino & Cardenal is a benchmark for high-end dining

Through a scouting process driven by excellence and innovation, Longino & Cardenal searches worldwide for rare and precious foods, bringing them to the tables of the finest restaurants and hotels, both nationally and internationally, while anticipating and setting future gastronomic trends.

Over the years, the company has distinguished itself by offering top-tier products (over 2,000), sourced from more than 70 partners, to meet the needs of high-end food industry professionals in Italy and abroad. It boasts a portfolio of over 5,000 clients in Italy alone, including approximately 80% of Michelin-starred restaurants

Our Story

Longino & Cardenal was founded in 1988 as an importer of fresh caviar from Iran, supplying it to restaurants and specialty gastronomy shops. The innovative idea of importing raw ingredients and reselling them repackaged under a distinct brand identity proved to be a winning strategy, leading to the creation of a new business model and a remarkable success story.

Over the years, a deep passion for fine dining, a relentless pursuit of exceptional raw materials, and the entry of CEO Riccardo Uleri into the company’s capital in 1993—who later refined and expanded the business model in 2004—have driven continuous growth, establishing Longino & Cardenal as a benchmark for Italy’s top-tier gastronomy.

In 2013, the company embarked on an international expansion strategy, opening its first overseas branch in Hong Kong, followed by Dubai in 2015 and New York in 2019, ensuring direct market presence in key global locations.

Also in 2015, Longino & Cardenal acquired a stake in Il Satiro Danzante, a historic exclusive supplier of Mazara del Vallo red shrimp, and established the Don Gambero brand, reinforcing vertical integration and direct control over its distributed brands

Key Strengths

BRAND

Longino & Cardenal is a recognizable, reliable, and established brand, widely trusted in the high-end food industry. Every product is chosen with a focus on excellence, quality, and a deep passion for sourcing the finest ingredients.

NETWORKING

The ability to connect suppliers and clients through effective communication, fostering strong industry relationships. Collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs and key figures in the Food & Beverage and fine dining sectors further enhance Longino & Cardenal’s expertise and reputation.

MARKETS

Longino & Cardenal holds a strong market position in Italy and has an established presence in Hong Kong, Dubai, and New York. With an international network of suppliers, the company has the capability to replicate its business model in new markets

SALES NETWORK

The implemented structure integrates a combination of multi-brand and exclusive sales agents operating in the field, along with in-house sales account representatives, ensuring comprehensive market coverage

LOGISTICS

An integrated logistics system ensures guaranteed deliveries within 72 hours, while a precise purchase management strategy minimizes inventory stock levels.

Management

  • Riccardo Uleri

    CEO & Majority Shareholder

    After a few years working in the family textile business in Legnano and a brief experience in the administrative department of an IT company, he decided to acquire Longino & Cardenal SAS in 1993. He relocated the company to Pogliano Milanese and, over 25 years, built an extensive portfolio featuring 1,800 premium products, a network of over 180 suppliers, and approximately 4,500 clients.

    Under his leadership, Longino & Cardenal expanded internationally, establishing branches in Hong Kong (2013), Dubai (2015), and New York (2019), driving the company’s revenue beyond €30 million. His vision and dedication have led to steady growth, positioning Longino & Cardenal as a benchmark for high-end gastronomy in Italy and beyond.

  • Cristina Sambuchi

    Chief Financial Officer & Minority Shareholder

    Graduated in Economics and Business from Luigi Bocconi University, she later qualified as a Certified Public Accountant and Auditor. She began her career at Ernst & Young, where she spent five years first as a Corporate Finance Analyst and later as an Auditor. She then worked for three years as Administrative Manager at an IT company.

    Since 2003, she has been part of Longino & Cardenal, serving as Business Controller and Minority Shareholder, overseeing the company's management control and financial growth. She played a key role in the expansion of Longino & Cardenal, contributing to the launch of the Hong Kong, Dubai, and New York branches.

  • Franco Denari

    Country Manager USA

    Franco Denari graduated in Economics and Business from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. He began his career as a Product Manager at Pro Radio S.r.l. (2001-2003), developing sales and product strategies for the Italian market. From 2003 to 2006, he led marketing, sales, and advertising services for the music industry at SugarNet S.r.l., eventually becoming COO.

    Between 2007 and 2012, he served as CEO for Italy, Spain, and Brazil at the Finnish multinational Sulake OY. In 2012, he co-founded Eataly Net S.r.l., where he served as CEO until 2020, managing an organization of over 150 employees and overseeing marketing and business development operations.

    Following this, he led the strategic operations and management of Oleificio Zucchi 1810 S.p.A. in New York. Since 2022, he has been Group President & CDIO of the Krause Group, an international company operating across multiple industries in Italy and the United States.

  • Marco Rosa

    Country Manager Dubai

    Graduated in International Business and Economics from the University of Pavia, he later earned a Master’s in International Hospitality Management from IHMA in Rome.

    He began his career at Deloitte as an Auditor before moving into the hospitality sector, where he spent two years as Operations Manager at the Melia Hotel in London.

    Joining Longino & Cardenal in 2013, he started as a Category Manager at the Pogliano Milanese headquarters, focusing on expanding key product categories. In 2016, he advanced to Country Manager for Longino & Cardenal Trading LLC, taking charge of the Dubai branch.

  • Vincenzo Cannata

    Managing Director – Longino Digital Factory

    Graduated in Business Administration from Luigi Bocconi University in Milan, he began his career at the Spanish multinational Zed Worldwide in the Telecommunications sector, starting as a Product Manager and later advancing to Country Manager for the Italian branch.

    He then played a key role in the rapid growth of Privalia, a leader in flash sales, first as Head of Digital Marketing in Italy and later as Traffic & Acquisition Manager for the entire group.

    In 2013, he co-founded and became CEO of LOVEThESIGN, a leading e-commerce platform for design furniture and home decor.

    In 2020, he was inspired by the digitalization project of Longino & Cardenal, leading the launch of its e-commerce channel and subsequently founding Longino Digital Factory, the group's digital agency