“This year's fresh truffle campaign hasn’t been the most satisfying. Volumes have been low and prices high. During the Christmas season, the Tuber mesentericum was around €300 per kilo. We hadn't seen that for years. But sales are very slow," said Michele Sessa, sales manager of Delikatesse Srl, a company from Roccapiemonte in the province of Salerno.
Mirko Nobile Sessa, account manager (left) and Gianfranco Sessa, export manager (right).
"In Campania, the consumption of truffles is still very much linked to holidays. In general, in the south of Italy there is still little culture about truffles and their use in the kitchen. During summer, there is no consumption, which makes it a niche product. However, social media is now creating a turnaround in sales and consumption. It's a fundamental way of explaining the value of truffles in the kitchen through innovative recipes that encourage consumption and, consequently, sales. We are currently featured on several e-commerce platforms, with B2B and B2C sales. We believe that online distribution channels are an interesting option."
Delikatesse srl was founded in 2000 by Michele and Raffaele Sessa, two brothers from Castel San Giorgio in the province of Salerno. The company specializes in the processing and marketing of truffles, but also offers other products.
"It is our mission to continue offering natural products, while respecting traditions and promoting their use in the kitchen," said Mirko Nobile Sessa, account manager of Delikatesse srl. "We want the public to know us for our careful preparation of recipes with ingredients from Italy. We are not currently in the supermarkets and will not be for years to come. We avoid using cheap raw materials. All the ingredients we use are carefully selected and come from local producers whenever possible."
Delikatesse sells its products mainly on foreign markets and to a small extent in Italy, where it supplies the restaurant industry and in particular haute cuisine. Fresh truffles are the main product that the company markets. It accounts for about 50% of sales. The rest consists of truffles in processed form, including pesto, creams, carpaccio and more. Delikatesse also offers a wide range of other products and has an organic, gluten-free and vegan line.
"Not everyone knows that in southern Italy, especially in Campania, truffles are not only farmed but also picked freely in the woods. Usually there are three different types of truffle: Tuber mesentericum, Tuber aestivum and Tuber albidum pico. The latter is currently in production. Over the years, the sector has seen the truffle harvest decline due to climate change, as well as the increase in the wild boar population and the presence of pickers who unrestrainedly dig truffles without respecting the production cycle."
"As for processed products, we prefer glass packaging to reduce the use of plastic. We also plan to improve processing and packaging techniques to bring more environmentally friendly products to market. We are also considering the use of renewable energy sources. We work closely with our growers. We listen to their needs and appreciate their work and commitment," said Mirko.
"We also plan to participate in industry trade shows this year. We consider them a fundamental meeting point to create a network. We intend to participate in more foreign events above all. In addition, we will focus on new sustainable packaging and further improve our corporate image," concluded Mirko.
For more information:
Delikatesse Srl
Via della Fratellanza 2,
84086 Roccapiemonte (SA) - Italy
+39 081 935375
nobilemirko.sessa@delikatesse.com
www.delikatesse.com