The supermarket Waitrose has partnered with the Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett to launch a new selection of high-end Italian products.
The collaboration sees Hartnett, best known for her Mayfair restaurant Murano, release a limited edition Christmas “capsule collection” with the grocer on November 5.
“Angela Harnett with Waitrose” is to include products from a producer in Siena, Italy, and a small batch panettone made with Calabrian citrus and wildflower honey.
Waitrose said the partnership follows a huge spike in interest for Italian food among shoppers, with searches for products from the country up by 140 per cent year-on-year.
(Waitrose)
The move also marks a second high-profile chef in as many years for the retailer. In 2024, Waitrose teamed up with the Yotam Ottolenghi to launch various spice mixes, sauces, and marinades.
A spokeswoman told the Standard that sales of Ottolenghi products increased by 254 per cent against last year.
Waitrose said its latest partnership brings together its “commitment to quality” and Hartnett’s “expertise in Italian cooking”. All the new products have been tested and signed off by Hartnett, the grocer added.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Angela Hartnett,” said Sam Engell, head of product at Waitrose. “This range embodies our shared passion for authentic, high-quality Italian food, crafted with integrity and the finest ingredients.
“We know the excitement that comes from food lovers when a new Angela recipe appears but they also love convenience — this gives them that whilst honouring the quality and taste they expect from Angela and Waitrose.”
The Standard understands an ambient and fresh range of Italian foods will be released under the Hartnett banner next year, though we don’t yet know what these will be.
The Angela Harnett with Waitrose range
Traditional Panettone 750g (£25.00)
A classic panettone made to a recipe by Maria and Giuliano Filippi dating back to 1972. Made with the same original mother dough, now half a century old, and with oranges ripened and candied in Calabria.
Amaretti Morbidi Alla Mandorla 250g (£7.50)
Biscuits made by the Sienese bakers La Fabbrica del Panforte and acclaimed for their “delicate crust and soft, light centre”.
Brutti Ma Buoni 200g (£6.50)
Also made by La Fabbrica del Panforte, these are lighter biscuits made with roasted Italian hazelnuts. The name translates as “ugly but good”. Best served with coffee (dip them).
Almond Cantuccioni biscuits 240g (£6.50)
Crafted by the artisan bakers of Masini, one of the oldest producers in Tuscany having been founded in 1929. These are crisp biscuits full of almonds and often paired with dessert wines.
Parmigiano Reggiano biscuits 80g (£3.50)
Rich, crumbly biscuits — supermarkets like to say “all butter” here, boringly; should be a prerequisite at grocers like Waitrose — made with 25 per cent Parmigiano Reggiano aged for 12 months. Made by a second-generation, family-run bakery in operation since the 1950s (though kept secret). Excellent with prosecco.
Dining and Cooking