Growth in the nut and dried fruit segments

"Even though the commercialisation of dried fruit is becoming less and less seasonal, the last three months of the year (October, November and December), remain the favourite to eat walnuts, dates, figs and all those products traditionally associated with Christmas," explains Davide Sacchi Marketing and Communications Manager for LIFE.

2016 confirmed the positive trend of the past few years, as dried fruit is consumed by a wider target of various ages at different times of day. Supply is wider and more diversified with respect to a few years ago.

According to June 2016 IRI data, €625 million (+9.4% with respect to 2015) and 52,460 tons (+4.4% with respect to the same period). The segments with the highest growth are shelled fruit, exotic-dried fruit, plums and pistachios.

Within the Life product range, the well-being/healthy lines are still the most popular. "In our case, thanks to our cooperation with Fondazione Umberto Veronasi which selected weight and products, we managed to develop products we did not sell, such as seeds."

"But the real boom was dried ginger which, when dehydrated, weighs around 35% of the total. The two Nutrimixes also performed well, a testament to the fact that consumers are more aware and demanding than a few years ago.

Over the years, the company started to develop various products depending on its targets. "It is very important to be able to differentiate our supply according to our consumers' needs. For example, vegans represent a good target for us."

Christmas packaging
This year, the company developed the LIFE Christmas Coffret, ideal for those who choose a healthy natural lifestyle during the holidays too. The LIFE Christmas Coffret includes all the products developed in cooperation with Fondazione Umberto Veronesi.

A special limited edition gift packaging is available - only 150 are available for purchase at shop.lifeitalia.it.

Part of the profits will be donated to support the scientific research of Fondazione Umberto Veronesi. Indicative price: €50.00 delivery included.

The special packet contains the following products:

1 packet of Walnuts for research 500 gr
1 packet shelled Walnuts for research 90 gr
1 packet of LIFESTYLE apricots 125 gr
1 packet of LIFESTYLE plums 250 gr
1 packet of LIFESTYLE almonts 90 gr
1 packet of LIFESTYLE hazelnuts 90 gr
1 packet of LIFESTYLE grapes 90 gr
1 packet of LIFESTYLE ginger 90 gr
1 packet of LIFESTYLE breakfast nutrimix 120 gr
1 packet of LIFESTYLE break nutrimix 120 gr

What's new for 2017
The main objective is to strengthen the relationship with Fondazione Umberto Veronesi.

"We are considering various opportunities to support our products and our brands without forgetting our Valore al Territorio range. The way we operate makes it possible to adjust to our various needs and opportunities throughout the year."

The business started collaborating with a large company in Chivasso, which this year planted 90 hectares of walnuts. Another 90 will be ready next year. It is one of the largest groves in Piedmont. The University of Turin, Università del Gusto and Istituto Agrario Salesiano di Lombriasco are also involved. "We started this project with many difficulties ten years ago."

The new cold storage warehouse will also become operative in January 2017. It covers 10 thousand square metres and it will make it possible to widen the company's range and hire more personnel. A chemical and mircobiological lab will also be set up.

Contacts:
Davide Mario Sacchi
Marketing and communications manager
Life Srl
via Aie, 28
12040 Sommariva Perno (CN)
Tel.: (+39) 0172 46221
Fax: (+39) 0172 46214
Email: life@lifeitalia.com
Web: www.lifeitalia.com