Torani is a San Francisco based family-owned company that produces flavoring syrups, sauces and blended drink bases. Torani can be added to coffee, espresso beverages, cocktails, soda and other beverages.
Torani dates back to 1925, when, with handwritten recipes from their hometown of Lucca, Italy, husband and wife Rinaldo and Ezilda Torre introduced Torani syrups to the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. Mixing their syrup recipes with sparkling water, the Torres introduced the classic Italian soda to local cafes, and soon began mixing, blending and selling Torani Syrups from their Italian wholesale grocery.
In 1957, the Torre's son-in-law, Harry Lucheta, took over the business and oversaw Torani's growth from a small local San Francisco business to an international brand.
In the early 1990s, Torani was involved in the creation of the flavor latte. While sitting in San Francisco's Caffe Trieste, coffee industry veteran (and friend of Torani) "Brandy" Brandenburger saw Torani behind the counter and brought a bottle home to experiment with espresso and steamed milk. As a result of Brandenburger’s testing, the first flavored caffe latte was produced in the U.S.
Torani remains a family legacy, owned by Paul Lucheta and Lisa Lucheta, grandchildren of Rinaldo and Ezilda. The company employs over 100, and Torani products are distributed in over 40 countries. Torani is manufactured in South San Francisco, California.
Spear, Peggy (December 30, 2009). "Say 'Felice Anno Nuovo' with Italian Sodas". San Jose Mercury News. http://www.mercurynews.com/food-wine-headlines/ci_14050526. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
Goldstein, Carrie (June 3, 1998). "Torani Keeps It Sweet and Sticky". San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1998/06/03/FD24271.DTL. Retrieved 16 January 2010.