"Although the crisis is eroding our margins, we are growing by an average of 15% when it comes to volumes. Over the past few years, we have invested resources and energy in the online sales segment - a channel that grew a lot during the pandemic and which continues to provide interesting results. We see it because clients keep choosing our products after the first orders," reports Cristian Azzalini, owner of Gastroval, a business that works with products from Valetellina with the objective of promoting Italian products also on the international market.
In the photo, Cristian Azzalini, founder and sales manager of the company
Gastroval was set up as an artisanal laboratory for the creation of sweet and savory products typical from Valtellina. Thanks to its constant growth, over time it has managed to create other important production lines that reached the big retail chain with bakery products, jams, nectars and fresh pasta.
“The connection with our land represents our point of strength and that is why, for some of our products, we use only raw materials from small local producers who are supported in part by our demand. In addition, we own a 3000 sq m field not far from our company where we grow berries such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, which we then use for our jams and nectars."
As the Christmas season is approaching, the company has launched a range of products part of the Bontà e Tradizione line placed in an elegant tin box (33x33x16 cm). The largest box contains 14 products + one bottle of Sforzato DOCG wine + Braulio Riserva + Slinzega, with the option of placing a personalized card in the package.
“The Fellaria box is a selection of the best products from Valtellina for a useful and flavorful gift. The products will delight the most demanding palates, first of all with the unmistakable flavor of Braulio riserva. Sforzato di Valtellinasuperiore DOCG, the Slinzega dried meat, Casera DOP and pizzoccheri della Valtellina IGP complete the assortment, as well as some pastry delights and the delicious raspberry and blueberry jams."
Jams are made with a low-temperature quick-cooking procedure to maintain the organoleptic qualities of the fruits unaltered. This type of processing makes the difference as it makes it possible to enjoy the flavor and aroma of fresh fruit. The raspberry jam and blueberry nectar (with or without raw sugar or mixed with ginger).
"We recently strengthened our juice range (blueberries, raspberries and blackberries) with 4.0 technology, so we manage to be competitive in the big retail chain when it comes to prices. Our jams contain a minimum of 75% fruit and are available with or without the addition of cane sugar. They are placed in 320 gram jars while fruit nectars, which contain 55% fruit, are available in 200 ml packs."
On the domestic market, the products are available in supermarkets and specialized stores. Private Label sales make up 50% of the company turnover.
"Our future projects include the strengthening of the internationalization process also by attending fairs in Italy and abroad. As for green policies, we believe the future will be based on good agriculture. We must implement agricultural systems that respect the environment, the natural balance and biodiversity using techniques that respect soil fertility, the single crops, animals and the environment."
For further information:
Gastroval srl
via Marini, 34
23010 Albosaggia (SO) - Italy
Tel.: +39 0342 201946
Fax: +39 0342518468
info@gastroval.it
www.gastroval.it