Long committed to protecting Florence’s historic city center and the many businesses that shape its identity, Mercato Centrale supports the initiative developed by Teatro del Sale and the Cibrèo Group, celebrating values shared by both organizations and a strong sense of identity and belonging. United in supporting historic local realities and building meaningful connections with the territory, Mercato Centrale and Teatro del Sale share the same love for the unique social fabric — rich in history and culture — for which Florence is renowned around the world.

Mercato Centrale was conceived and founded in Florence in 2014 by Umberto Montano, a passionate and creative entrepreneur with more than forty years of experience in Florence’s high-quality restaurant scene, with the goal of counteracting the gradual disappearance of traditional food shops from the city center and preserving the valuable practices connected to their craft. To bring his vision to life, Montano found a shared mission and partnered with Human Company, the Cardini-Vannucchi family group and a leading name in outdoor tourism in Italy.

The synergy born from this collaboration helped shape a new language in the world of food, one that finds its strength in simplicity. This vision takes form in an innovative format that places the “artisans of taste” and their craftsmanship at the center of an ideal “square of goodness,” a meeting place and a space for discovery, in constant dialogue with the urban fabric around it. Today, Mercato Centrale includes five locations — Florence, Rome, Turin, Milan, and Melbourne — confirming itself as a continuously evolving concept.

On Saturday, June 6, Mercato Centrale Florence steps beyond its walls and arrives at SALE Festival, bringing with it what has always represented its soul: the selection of outstanding artisans and their stories. Since 2014, Mercato Centrale has been dedicated to promoting a gastronomic culture rooted in tradition, quality, and creativity, building a network of shops that preserve and renew local expertise. At Teatro del Sale, this spirit will come to life through a story of flavor shaped by research, passion, and authenticity.
The artisans participating in the initiative are:
– Nicolò and Mileto Savigni, presenting a selection of cured meats and focaccia from Bonaria Farm Shop
– Luciano Savini, serving delicious tapas specially prepared for the occasion
– Carmelo Pannocchietti, with Arà and his Sicilian specialties made using exceptional ingredients

An opportunity to meet the artisans behind the workshops up close and experience the spirit of Mercato Centrale in a new dimension.*