“We just got back from Biofach in Nuremberg, although I believe the 2023 edition did not see a lot of visitors or buyers. I ask myself if, considering the significant demand for organic produce of the past years, something has changed in the lifestyle and consumption habits of families. Germany is still looking for organic food but, in Italy, this segment appears tired with a generalized drop in purchases and a pressure on prices," reports Laura Lupo, owner of 'A Ricchigia, a company producing pistachio products.
The company is located at the foothills of Mount Etna in Bronte, one of the largest municipalities of the Catania province home to the renowned Pistacchio Verde di Bronte DOP, one of the best pistachio varieties in the world. The most popular products include pistachio spread and pistachio pesto, available in the organic version commercialized under BioBronte, the 'A Ricchigia premium brand.
Almond, hazelnuts and pistachio spread - either with a high content of raw materials or 100% - are available in 150 g jars and can be used for desserts and festive products (panettone at Christmas and colomba at Easter), but they are also perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
"We have produced Pistacchio di Bronte DOP for three generations, which constitutes the added value of our products as we combine the two souls of producers and processers. The products are very much in demand, also because they are healthy and thanks to the fact that they are now recommended even for low-calorie diets. Despite the foreign competition, demand is extraordinary, so much so that we cannot even meet it if the production is low."
"We have witnessed how, over the years, consumers have become more aware and gained knowledge as regards both food safety and niche productions. More specifically, they are interested in understanding the world behind our products. That is why buyers have the need to be constantly informed on the processing procedures of raw materials. Unfortunately, over the past few years, we have had to deal with the economic crisis, a drop in consumption due to inflation and the lack of labor, factors which discourage new investments in the medium-long period."
Over the years, thanks to the introduction of new technologies, 'A Ricchigia has introduced new processing lines: in addition to pistachios sold whole, chopped and as flour or pasta, there is also a wide range of products for specialized stores and delicatessen. Being a very prestigious fruit, pistachios from Bronte are much appreciated abroad as well, especially in Germany, Switzerland, England, Czech Republic, Canada, Denmark, France, Austria, Belgium and Japan.
For further information:
'A Ricchigia
Via Card. De Luca, 115
95034 Bronte (CT)
+39 095 7723326
+39 349 150 1264
[email protected]
www.aricchigia.com