Ugo Massabo
 | The topic of this article may not meet Wikitia's general notability guideline. |
Ugo Massabò | |
|---|---|
| Add a Photo | |
| Born | 1991 Garbagnate Milanese, Italy |
| Alma mater | IULM University of Milan |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, restaurateur, creative director, theatre producer |
| Known for | Founder of The Cornish Italian and creator of TiramisUGO |
| Spouse(s) | Laura Massabò (née Cossu) |
| Children | 1 |
| Website | cornishitalian.com |
Ugo Massabò (born 1991) is an Italian-born entrepreneur, restaurateur, creative director, and theatre producer based in Cornwall, United Kingdom. He is the founder of The Cornish Italian, a restaurant and artisanal food brand that blends Italian culinary traditions with Cornish ingredients. Massabò is also known for creating TiramisUGO, a jarred tiramisù dessert that gained regional popularity in South West England.
Early life and education
Massabò was born in Garbagnate Milanese, near Milan, and grew up in the nearby town of Arese. His family later moved to Imperia, in the Liguria region of Italy, where he developed a lasting connection to coastal Italian culture and cuisine. His father, Piero Massabò, and mother, Daniela, were central figures in his early life and culinary inspiration. The death of his father in 2005 was a formative moment that later influenced his creative and professional direction.
From 2010 to 2013, Massabò studied at IULM University of Milan, graduating with top marks in Marketing, Communication and Cultural Management. During this period, he worked alongside economist and cultural strategist Pierluigi Sacco on the strategic planning team for Siena 2019 – European Capital of Culture. This experience strengthened his understanding of cultural policy, creativity-led development, and place branding.
Career in the arts
Before entering the food industry, Massabò worked in the performing arts and cultural management sectors in both Italy and the United Kingdom. Between 2009 and 2014, he ideated and produced six theatre–music productions, including NOTE PARALLELE at the Teatro Nuovo in Milan and 2 PIANOS IN LOVE at the Scuola Holden in Turin.
His production *Note Parallele* was later mounted again at the **Teatro Sociale di Brescia** in April 2014, after a sell-out performance in Milan in 2012. The Brescia staging featured the New York group “Tin Pan,” combining classical musicians and jazz elements in a kind of cultural dialogue.[1]
Throughout this period, Massabò collaborated with classical musicians such as guitarist Giulio Tampalini, violinist Davide Alogna, and pianist David Boldrini. His work blended narrative, visual design, and live music performance to create cross-disciplinary theatrical experiences.
He later joined production and creative teams of cultural institutions including the Royal Opera House in London and the Hall for Cornwall in Truro, contributing to programming, audience development, and arts funding.
Culinary and business career
Founding of TiramisUGO
After relocating to Cornwall, Massabò was made redundant from his arts management role and decided to pursue a long-standing passion for food. Drawing on his family’s tiramisù recipe, he launched TiramisUGO in 2018. The product, packaged in reusable glass jars, was first sold at Truro Farmers Market and nearby retailers. It later won regional recognition, including awards from Taste of the West and the Great Taste Awards.
The Cornish Italian
Building on the success of TiramisUGO, Massabò founded The Cornish Italian, a brand offering Italian-inspired meals, fresh pasta, and desserts made using locally sourced Cornish ingredients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company expanded by offering home delivery of meal kits and desserts across the UK.
In 2023, Massabò opened the brick-and-mortar restaurant *The Cornish Italian* at Chenoweth Business Parkm near Truro. The restaurant emphasizes a philosophy of combining Italian authenticity with Cornish produce and sustainability, sometimes hosting live music and theatre events to reflect his artistic background.
Recognition and awards
Massabò’s work as a food entrepreneur and cultural innovator has been recognized in several ways:
- The TiramisUGO dessert line earned a **Gold award** from Taste of the West and a **Great Taste Award** from the Guild of Fine Food.
- In 2021, Gambero Rosso International profiled *The Cornish Italian* as one of the most original e-commerce food projects bridging Italian and British culinary traditions
- Drift Cornwall magazine featured Massabò and *The Cornish Italian* in its “Cornish Creators” series, acknowledging his fusion of gastronomy and creative practice.
- His theatre production *Note Parallele* reportedly sold out in Milan before being reproduced at the Teatro Sociale di Brescia, attracting coverage in local press. [1]
Philosophy and style
Massabò’s work centers on blending Italian culinary tradition with Cornish produce. He describes his ethos as “modern, Italian, seasonal, and sustainable,” focusing on authenticity, community, and locality. His menus often include handmade pasta, locally milled flour, and seasonal Cornish ingredients, prepared in a contemporary Italian style.
Personal life
Massabò resides in Cornwall with his wife, Laura Massabò (née Cossu), a primary school teacher and assistant headteacher. They have one son, Piero.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Le "Note parallele" di Ugo Massabò arriva al Teatro Sociale di Brescia". Bsnews. 4 April 2014. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
External links
This article "Ugo Massabo" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles taken from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be accessed on Wikipedia's Draft Namespace.