Innovation, sustainability and nutrition form the basis of a new cooperative of bergamot growers from the Reggio Calabria province. Bergamia is located in Brancaleone and Locri and was strongly wanted by Patea. Its role is to constitute a link between the vast local agricultural sector and the domestic and European markets.
"The objective when it comes to the processing industry is to focus on healthy products keeping an eye on research.We have recently launched candied bergamot and the Energy Juice tris. The latter is a natural product obtained not from concentrated juice but by squeezing fresh fruits - pomegranates, bergamot and fresh goji berries," explains Tommaso Trungio, president of Bergamia and owner of Patea.
Azienda Agricola Patea specializes in the processing of essential oils. In 2010, scientific research proved bergamot juice has excellent natural anti-cholesterol properties, so the company launched a line of bottled juice and frozen products particularly suitable for ice cream parlors and bakeries.
The hectares of Citrus bergamia or "green gold" from the Reggio Calabria province, and of the Fantastico and Femminello varieties in particular, have increased a lot over the past ten years (over 2,000 hectares estimated). This product has gone back to being a protagonist when it comes to cooperation, innovation and sustainability.
The citrus fruit is no longer part of a niche linked mainly to essences destined to the perfume industry, it has become part of a well-organized segment that invests in research to take advantage of its infinite beneficial properties.
"We wanted to set up Bergamia together with the other local innovative businesses. We are also looking to focus on biodiversity, experiential tourism and education. We are well aware of the new challenges that aim at recovering biodiversity and countering climate change. We need to make sure that the creation of economic value and social and environmental improvement go hand in hand," explains Tommaso Trunfio.
A few weeks ago, Patea started producing candied bergamot, available in 1 kg trays and 60 gr jars. The product is suitable for baked goods. Candied bergamot, which is coloring-free, is placed in brine, dried, immersed in glucose and packaged before being shipped all over the world.
Bergamia vice-president Saverio Patea concludes that "we would like to invite all local bergamot producers to become part of the cooperative. They can take advantage of product collection and technical assistance services as well as of the contributions to make investments and purchases."
Contacts:
Azienda Agricola Patea
Contrada Caldara s.n.
89036 Brancaleone (RC) - Italy
Cell.: (+39) 338 6311477
Email: info@essenzabergamotto.com
Website: www.essenzabergamotto.com