Heritage

creating since 1937

Our business dates back to Messina, Sicily in 1937, where a 17-year-old street vendor named Salvatore De Luca began selling handmade candy, gelato, and granita during the summer months, and hot chocolate and cassatelle puddings to survive the windy winters.

Over the years, his business grew from

hand-pushed carts to motorized "Piaggo Ape" tricycles, serving the people of Messina from the shantytowns to the upper society. Salvatore believed that food does not discriminate and is what brings us all together.

Following in his father's footsteps, Luigi opened the family's first store in Olbia Sardinia,

on the sparkling Costa Smeralda in 1982.

Nonno Salvatore continued to be a street vendor until he passed away doing what he loved in 1986. In 1995, Luigi and Gavina, along with their children Virginia and Salvatore Jr., took a leap of faith and opened a shop on Norton St in Leichhardt, Sydney, where they continued the tradition of the family business.

From the family that brought you

Cremeria De Luca in Sydney from 1995 to 2021, we now welcome you to De Luca 1937. Our recipe for Italian Hot Chocolate mix is simple and uncomplicated, just like nonno Salvatore. We have made slight variations to cater to those who are gluten-free, and the recipe has always been vegan in its powder form.

Hot Chocolate and Our Obsession:

The chocolate beverage is believed to have been created by the Mayans around 2,000 years ago. It became an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD. After being introduced from Mexico to the New World, the beverage gained popularity in Europe and underwent multiple changes since then.

Until the 19th century, hot chocolate was used medicinally to treat ailments such as stomach diseases. Today, hot chocolate is consumed worldwide in various variations.

In Italy, it is served as a very thick cioccolata densa, known as thick hot chocolate. Similar varieties are served in Spain, where it is much sweeter, and the French love to serve it in a coffee pot.

In Australia, and much of the English speaking countries, it is served as a regular hot drink with little to no texture. We’re here to elevate your every day experience.