"We are moving in the direction of premium products and we never miss an opportunity to supply our customers with the best fruits from Sicily. Almonds, which we grow in our family business, are no exception," said Angelo and Vincenzo Dipasquale about their latest initiative.
Vincenzo and Angelo Dipasquale
"We are entering the dried fruit segment. The care we take in this new venture is the same we have been known for with our peaches, apricots and oranges. We chose vacuum-packed packaging (150, 200 and 500 g) to ensure the freshness and crunchiness of the product under the brand name Donnalia," said the two producers.
The demand for almonds is increasing even in large and populous nations such as China and India which, for climatic reasons, cannot produce them. So far, the countries that are benefiting from this positive trend in consumption are the US (California), Spain, Turkey and several other countries in the Mediterranean basin, with Australia also making inroads into the sector.
The Californian market with its 80% of world exports, affects the international market. It is an unstoppable rise that began in the 1970s, at a time when several tens of thousands of hectares of almond trees were being uprooted in Italy (first in Apulia and then in Sicily) to make room for, mainly, grapes, which guaranteed much higher incomes.
"We want to raise our quality product standards in order to stand out from the mass market, which floods every shop in Italy and Europe. After all, the consumer's tendency is to make a healthy choice. This is the reason behind the development of nutraceutical products. In the fruit and vegetable sector, interest in almonds is very high and the commercial feedback of our partners is very positive. We have limited the production to just a few hectares, in order to invest in the highest quality, but the aim is to reach significant quantities.
Italy boasts a proud tradition of haute patisserie based on dried fruit that is difficult to source. The high-end HORECA sector, beyond Covid, craves high quality raw materials.
"Our product segment is high, with a medium-high price placement. Whoever tastes our almonds, even just once, can no longer do without them. In the coming months we will be implementing some initiatives to promote more awareness of our Sicilian almonds and their nutritional properties.
Contact:
Società Agricola Di Pasquale Srl 
Via Michelangelo, 7
93010 Delia (CL) - Italia
Phone.: +39 0922 826009 /+39 339 4895230
Fax: +39 0922 826009
Email: amministrazione@dipasqualeortofrutta.com
Website: www.donnalia.com