At the beginning of the 1900s, our great-grandfather Eustachio, the father of eight children, opened a tavern in the most charming square of his home town of Scanno.
There he produced excellent wines and spirits "in the cold cellars of Scanno".

Earlier, an 18th-century diplomat and writer called Michele Torcia, had written about and praised these very cellars. Then, when running water first became available in the town, by virtue of this new technology, the host was better able to serve his growing and loyal clientele.
What a surprise, then, when this placid and law abiding host received a fine from an overzealous official doubting that what came from that tap was in fact wine, as previously wine had always come straight from the barrel.

In the small towns of Italy, such stories are passed down from generation to generation, and are firmly ensconced in the memories of those with direct ties to the events.
Often their telling is subtly updated to appeal to subsequent generations.
In the 1950s, Henry Cartier Bresson depicted the tavern and the piazza in a extraordinary photograph which was then displayed in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
His son, my grandfather Ettore, continued the business success by opening a nearby store in the Archetti section of the noble palace of Scanno, where he sold locally produced food products. He was helped in the store by his wife Michelina and his daughters - among whom was my mother Marisa.
Grandfather Ettore reminded us that the family had been in the business of providing food and spirits since 1860 - a famous and turbulent year in Italian history.
He was especially competent in the production of sheep's milk pecorino cheese, alcoholic bitters and high quality wines - all produced in small quantities. The store was awarded the title of "Most beautiful in Abruzzo" and became a regional icon.
For his tireless work grandfather Ettore was awarded the title "Grande Ufficiale al merito della Repubblica” by the Italian government.
He was particularly proud of the fact that the local townspeople referred to him as "Commendatore" which translates as “Knight Commander”. My father Umberto and my mother Marisa managed the business for many years, continuing to sell locally produced specialty foods in the centre of Scanno near the town's famous fountain.
They were honoured by both the local Chamber of Commerce and by various ratings agencies for the quality of their products.
The business has continued to specialise in the production of very high quality, locally produced foods.
It has become a reference point for those seeking the finest products from the region of Abruzzo - which is well known as the Green Zone of Europe. For over a century now we have passed this passion for food down from one generation to the next.
Using modern organisational methods and new technologies,the "COCCO" company is able to satisfy a large number of regular customers both in Italy and throughout the world, with a selection of quality, traditional products and a solid,efficient and professional organisation.