Foundation

Luigi Dalle Fratte, in his early twenties and already an employee of a company in the sector, together with Sebastiano Accolla founded ADF in Legnano. The company operates in collective catering (canteens and fast food), specialising in the installation and maintenance of systems for the distribution of cold drinks. The area of activity covers Milan, northern and central Italy.

First dispensing machines

Capitalising on the experience and expertise gained in the sector, Luigi started the design and construction of the first dispensing machines. An activity that allows our founder to acquire complete know-how of the supply chain: production-installation-maintenance. New technologies and the use of the Macintosh computer and CAD were introduced. For a few years, he also became a consultant for Zanussi Vending.

DKR Drinkatering srl is founded

Luigi Dalle Fratte, driven by passion and the desire to innovate, founded DKR Drinkatering srl. The business is developed, in Legnano (in the garage of his home), and constantly evolves following customer needs and market trends. A first important result is the collaboration with Coca Cola. The profits are totally reinvested in research and development, and to achieve the highest level of quality, also acquiring new technologies.

First water house

We design and build our first Water House, for the Cremona Aqueduct AEM. It is the first documented public fountain in Italy used for the free distribution of natural and carbonated water. A record that we owe to the sensitivity of the company's director at the time, Dr. Giuseppe Tiranti. This Water House was to be followed by others, in municipalities in northern Italy such as Abbiategrasso (Milan) and San Giuliano Milanese, thanks to A.S.M. led by Dr. Antonio Terzini. In the following years, to cope with the increase in orders, we moved back to Legnano, first to Via Volta, then to Via Melzi.

Evolution of products

The Water House 'revolution' continues and now involves the whole of Italy: from Valle d'Aosta to Sicily. We work side by side with local administrators and aqueduct directors to build new fountains that often become places of environmental requalification and social aggregation for communities. With Cap Gestione we also build in Cusano Milanino the first public fountain with carbonated water for a fee. And with TASM (Tutela Ambiente Sud Milano) we build fountains that reach 6000 litres of water delivered per day!

Gas production and supply

We start working with the SIAD group, Italy's leading manufacturer and supplier of industrial gases. In the meantime, thanks to important orders and realisations, we become a technical reference point in the public fountain sector.

New generation

Matteo Dalle Fratte, Luigi's son, joins the company. The new generation brings enthusiasm and a new vision of the future. Our internal organisation is consolidated and we think about expanding the business into new areas.

Expansion and change of production site

We move to Rescaldina, also in the province of Milan, to our current location. The space increases due to new orders at national level and new company projects.

International Collaboration

Together with Eau de Paris and Gruppo CAP Holding SpA we realise the first 'Pétillante' in France, in Paris. This will be followed by other Water Houses in Europe.

Main Sponsor for Expo Milano 2015

On the occasion of Expo Milano 2015, we become primary partners of the two main sponsors: Metropolitana Milanese SpA and Cap Holding SpA. An international showcase that allows us to to grow further and to evolve our production and service capabilities: no less than 30 houses were built, which delivered 9 million litres of natural and sparkling water in 6 months.

Management and distribution of liquid CO2

The ten-year collaboration with SIAD takes off. The Italian chemical group entrusts us with the management and distribution of liquid CO2 for the supply of food utilities in Lombardy, Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta. In addition to Case d'Acqua, we serve with punctuality Autogrill, McDonald's, food companies, fast food outlets, etc.

Digital technological evolution

We build plants in the United Arab Emirates: public water becomes a new global frontier. Internally, we give strong impetus to operational efficiency with the adoption of increasingly digitised tools and methodologies such as Management Control. We also diversify production with the creation of new equipment for the Horeca market, in the health sector.

AWA is born

We are starting to develop an ambitious project destined for a dual market: the domestic Vending market and the foreign market. It is AWA, an innovative cold drink dispenser whose prototype is presented in November at the Rimini Trade Fair. Interest is immediate and widespread: the most important national Vending operators show interest. We decide to industrialise the project with heavy investments to be able to realise the first deliveries in 2021.

Expanding the commercial horizon

We continue to supply Water Houses to several Italian Aqueducts, confirming our leadership position in the sector thanks to the uncompromising quality of our public fountains. On the strength of more than a decade of collaboration, SIAD confirms its willingness to support us in the creation of a Food Pole for the production and distribution of food gases for northern Italy.

Headquarters expansion and renovation

We are building new operational space in Rescaldina, to manage the business with SIAD on a large scale and with the efficiency and accuracy that have always distinguished us.

Grow, diversify, improve. We will continue to create innovative services and products that raise the level of quality and technology that has characterised our history.