From Ice-Cream Artisan to Falconry Expert: A British Breeder’s Journey to Abu Dhabi
Luke Massarella leads a life defined by two distinct traditions: the 200-year-old family legacy of Italian ice-cream making and a specialized career in breeding high-performance falcons. While he continues to uphold his family’s culinary heritage in Britain, Massarella has spent the last 17 years refining his craft as a falcon breeder. Producing up to 100 birds annually, he has become a frequent visitor to the Middle East, traveling to the region multiple times a year to observe his birds in action. His recent visit to the ADIHEX falcon auction in Abu Dhabi marked a significant milestone, as he sought to study the market dynamics and the competitive landscape of the Gulf’s prestigious falconry scene.
For Massarella, success in both worlds—whether it’s crafting premium ice cream or breeding champion racing falcons—requires an uncompromising level of dedication. He approaches his breeding program with a scientific eye, constantly iterating on bloodlines like the renowned Shama line and the swift "Turb" variety based on feedback from local trainers. By observing his birds firsthand during regional training sessions, he gathers essential data that informs his future breeding combinations. As he balances his historic family business with his growing passion for falconry, Massarella remains committed to the principle that excellence demands full-time attention. With his sights set on potentially entering his own British-bred birds into future Abu Dhabi auctions, he continues to evolve his craft, driven by a deep commitment to the sport.