LAPA: The Italian Food Supplier That Changed Switzerland

Picture opening your restaurant kitchen every morning to find fresh burrata from Puglia that arrived just hours ago, authentic Prosciutto di Parma DOP, and mozzarella di bufala still fragrant with fresh milk. That is what LAPA (Latticini e Prodotti Alimentari) delivers every day to over 500 Swiss food businesses. We are not just a supplier—we are the trusted bridge between Italian gastronomic excellence and the Swiss restaurateurs who want to give their guests an authenticity that cannot be faked.

Today LAPA serves over 500 restaurants, pizzerias and hotels across Switzerland, with a catalog of approximately 2,000 certified Italian products and deliveries guaranteed in 24-48 hours with no minimum order. Behind these figures lies a story of passion, perseverance and entrepreneurial vision—worth telling from the beginning.

In this article, we trace LAPA's remarkable journey: from humble origins in Italy to becoming the definitive reference for anyone in Switzerland seeking authentic Italian DOP, IGP and artisanal products.

The Origins: An Italian Dream on Swiss Soil

LAPA's story begins in the early 2000s, when its founders—northern Italians with deep roots in Campania and Puglia—relocate to Switzerland. They quickly run into a frustrating reality: finding authentic Italian products in Switzerland was nearly impossible. Industrial substitutes, prohibitive prices, no direct connection to producers.

"We were looking for fiordilatte to make a proper Neapolitan pizza. We wanted real guanciale for an authentic carbonara. But in Switzerland all we found were industrial substitutes or products at outrageous prices," says Marco Russo, co-founder of LAPA. "So we asked ourselves: if we have this problem, hundreds of Italian restaurateurs in Switzerland must have it too. Let’s become the supplier we always wished we had."

From Personal Need to Business Opportunity

In 2010, after months of market research, LAPA is officially founded as a small import company. The first steps are modest but deliberate:

• A second-hand refrigerated van
• Direct relationships with 5 Italian producers (dairies in Campania, charcuteries in Emilia-Romagna)
• A 100 sqm warehouse in Embrach, near Zurich
• An initial client base of just 15 Italian restaurants in the Zurich area
• Fully family-run operations: orders, logistics, deliveries—all in-house

The philosophy is clear from day one: no intermediaries, direct producer relationships, fair pricing, fast delivery. What we now call “short supply chain” was already in LAPA’s DNA before the term existed.

2010-2015: Organic Growth and Word of Mouth

The first five years are decisive. LAPA grows steadily, driven by one fundamental engine: word of mouth among restaurateurs. In an industry where quality is everything, LAPA’s reputation spreads fast. Those who try it stay.

Key Milestones in the Early Years

"The key was consistency," explains Giuseppe Esposito, Quality Manager. "We made a promise on day one: fresh products, on-time deliveries, transparent pricing. And we kept that promise every single day—even when it meant sacrificing margin or working sixteen-hour days." That is the difference between a supplier and a partner.

The First Major Client: A Turning Point

In 2013 comes the breakthrough: a chain of 8 Neapolitan pizzerias in Zurich decides to source all its fresh cheeses and cured meats exclusively from LAPA. It is the first major contract and, more importantly, proof that LAPA can scale without compromising quality.

To serve this client, LAPA evolves rapidly:

• Implementation of the first digital order management system
• Hiring of the first 3 employees (previously family-only)
• Agreement with professional refrigerated carriers
• HACCP and ISO certifications for cold chain management

2016-2020: Expansion and Digitalization

By the mid-2010s, LAPA is a structured company. But the founders harbour an ambitious vision: become the reference supplier for ALL of Switzerland—not just the Zurich region. They achieve it.

Expanding into French- and Italian-Speaking Switzerland

In 2016, LAPA opens a satellite logistics hub in Lausanne to serve the Romandy, followed in 2018 by one in Lugano for Ticino. This strategic move makes it possible to:

• Reduce delivery times to 24h even in French- and Italian-speaking Switzerland
• Guarantee consistently fresh products through regional warehouses
• Adapt the offering to local linguistic and cultural expectations
• Reach luxury hotels and fine-dining restaurants previously out of reach

"Expanding into Romandy was a challenge," admits Russo. "The French-speaking market has high expectations, demanding service standards and fierce competition. But Italian quality speaks for itself: within six months we had 50 new clients in Geneva and Lausanne."

The Digital Revolution: The LAPA Platform Launches

In 2018 comes the innovation that permanently transforms LAPA's operations: an e-commerce platform built exclusively for foodservice professionals. No more orders by phone or email—a complete digital system featuring:

• Online catalog with approximately 2,000 products, technical data sheets, allergen information and certifications
• 24/7 ordering from desktop, tablet or smartphone via a dedicated app
• Purchase history and AI-powered personalized recommendations
• Real-time delivery tracking
• Invoice management and automated tax documentation
• Dynamic pricing and tailored promotions per client

The platform is an immediate success: within the first year, 70% of orders go digital and average processing time drops from 45 minutes to 8 minutes. Less admin, more cooking.

2020-2023: The COVID Challenge and Resilience

When COVID-19 halts the hospitality industry in March 2020, LAPA faces an existential test—95% of its clients are restaurants. But crises reveal character.

The Crisis Response: Agility and Innovation

LAPA responds with speed and creativity:

• B2C service for private consumers: Within 2 weeks, LAPA opens sales to Swiss households. Within 3 months, 2,000 families are customers.
• Home pizzeria kits: Complete boxes with flour, yeast, San Marzano tomatoes and fiordilatte for making Neapolitan pizza at home. Over 5,000 kits sold.
• Support for restaurateurs: Payment deferrals, free consultancy for take-away and delivery, packaging supplies at cost.
• Food delivery partnerships: Agreements with Uber Eats and Just Eat to help restaurant clients digitize quickly.

"We did not lay off a single person during COVID," Russo states with pride. "On the contrary, we hired 5 new people to manage the B2C channel. We believed in our restaurateurs—we knew they would come back. And they did."

The Post-COVID Recovery

When restaurants reopen in 2021, LAPA is stronger than before:

• The B2C channel continues to generate stable revenue (15% of total)
• Restaurants return gradually, many with refined menus and a sharper focus on quality
• New Italian restaurant openings in Switzerland increase by 30% between 2021 and 2023
• LAPA acquires 40% of these new establishments as clients

Today: LAPA in 2024-2025

Today, 15 years after its founding, LAPA is an established and continuously evolving force in the Swiss food market.

LAPA by the Numbers

• 500+ restaurant clients throughout Switzerland
• ~2,000 products always available in catalog
• 150+ Italian producer partners certified DOP, IGP and Organic
• 25 employees across headquarters and regional hubs
• 15,000+ orders processed every month
• 99.2% on-time delivery rate (2024 data)
• Average rating 4.8/5 from client reviews
• Zero minimum order — unique in Switzerland
• 24-48h delivery guaranteed across Switzerland

Certifications and Partnerships

LAPA holds:

• HACCP certification for food safety
• ISO 9001 certification for quality management
• Official partnerships with Italian DOP/IGP Consortia (Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana and more)
• Member of Federalimentare Switzerland
• Official partner, Vera Pizza Napoletana for Switzerland

The Values That Drive LAPA

What took LAPA from a small family operation to market leader? The answer is its founding values—never compromised in 15 years. They are our commitment to you.

1. Italian Authenticity

"We only sell products we would serve at our own table"—that is LAPA’s standard. Every product is tasted, every producer visited in person. Zero compromise on quality. If it does not meet our bar, it does not reach you.

2. Full Transparency

Clear pricing, certified origin, complete allergen and nutritional information. LAPA clients always know exactly what they are buying and what they are paying. No surprises on the invoice.

3. Outstanding Customer Service

Multilingual support (Italian, German, French, English), responses within 2 hours, proactive problem solving. Call us at +41 76 361 70 21—you will speak to a real person, not an automated system.

4. Continuous Innovation

From the digital platform to AI-powered product recommendations, LAPA continually invests in technology to improve your experience. Because your time matters.

5. Sustainability

Eco-friendly packaging, optimized transport routes, partnerships with organic producers, waste reduction programs. LAPA is building for the future—yours and the planet’s.

LAPA vs. the Competition: What Sets Us Apart

The Swiss market for Italian food products is competitive. Here is what makes LAPA the clear choice.

The Future: LAPA Vision 2025-2030

LAPA keeps moving. Here is what is coming.

Geographic Expansion

• Opening hubs in Austria and southern Germany (2025)
• Exploring the eastern France market (2026)
• Partnerships with suppliers in Liechtenstein and Slovenia (2027)

Product Innovation

• Certified LAPA Organic line (300+ products by 2025)
• Gluten-free and allergen-free line (2025)
• Ready-to-cook products for restaurants (pizza bases, prepared sauces, etc.) (2026)

Technology and AI

• AI assistant for restaurateurs: menu suggestions, food cost calculation, order optimization
• Blockchain for end-to-end traceability from farm to restaurant
• Online learning platform for restaurateurs (courses, webinars, recipes)

Sustainability 2030

• Target: Carbon Neutral by 2030
• 100% compostable packaging by 2027
• Electric delivery fleet for urban deliveries by 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

When was LAPA founded?

LAPA was officially founded in 2010 by an Italian family that had relocated to Switzerland. The concept arose from the founders’ personal struggle to source authentic Italian products locally—a problem they turned into a business.

Where is LAPA based?

LAPA’s headquarters is in Embrach, near Zurich. The company also operates satellite logistics hubs in Lausanne (serving the Romandy) and Lugano (serving Ticino), enabling fast deliveries across Switzerland.

How many products does LAPA carry?

LAPA carries approximately 2,000 certified Italian products, all available online. The range covers fresh DOP cheeses, IGP cured meats, artisanal pasta, preserves, wines and much more.

Does LAPA deliver only to restaurants or also to private customers?

LAPA was built as a B2B supplier for foodservice professionals (restaurants, pizzerias, hotels, catering). Since 2020, it has also offered a B2C channel for private consumers, which today accounts for approximately 15% of total revenue.

Is there a minimum order at LAPA?

LAPA operates a policy that is unique in the sector: zero minimum order. You can order a single product and receive it within 24-48h. This flexibility is especially valued by small establishments and new openings.

How does LAPA ensure product freshness?

LAPA maintains direct relationships with over 150 Italian producers, visited in person each year. Fresh products (cheeses, cured meats, fresh pasta) arrive 2-3 times per week from Italy via certified refrigerated transport. Each batch is inspected on arrival and stored in temperature-controlled cold rooms.

What does delivery cost?

Delivery fees vary by zone and order value. For orders above CHF 200, LAPA offers free delivery in most urban areas. Exact details are shown at checkout on the platform.

Does LAPA sell only DOP and IGP products?

No. LAPA offers a complete range: certified DOP/IGP products (approximately 40% of the catalog), artisanal excellence products without certification, organic products, and a selection of quality conventional products for specific needs. Full transparency lets you choose with confidence.

Conclusion: More Than a Supplier—A Partner in Your Success

LAPA's story is the story of an Italian dream realized in Switzerland. From a small family operation with a van and 15 clients, to a market leader supplying 500+ restaurants with ~2,000 products and same-country delivery.

But more than the numbers, what defines LAPA is the human approach. Every restaurateur is not an account number but a partner on a shared path to excellence. Every product is not a commodity but a piece of Italy, of tradition, of craft.

Whether you are an established restaurateur in Switzerland, planning a new opening, or simply looking to bring genuine Italian quality to your menu, LAPA is the partner you have been looking for.

Contact us today and find out how we can help make your establishment stand out. Call us at +41 76 361 70 21—with LAPA, Italy is closer than you think. Specifically: 24-48 hours away.

LAPA: Italian Food Supplier in Switzerland Since 2010. Zero Minimum Order. 24-48h Delivery. ~2,000 Products. 500+ Happy Restaurants.

Read more

• 24-48h Delivery Across Switzerland: How LAPA Works
• LAPA Quality Control: From Selection to Your Door
• LAPA Producer Partnerships: Working with Italy’s Best