 |
|
 |
|
 |
The Origin
Unique Growing Conditions
BellaVita
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
In Italy – the heart of the Mediterranean – food is a central aspect of everyday life. Dining is a “lingering” occasion, in which the true taste of the food can be savored and remembered among family and friends. The diet of many of those living in Italy and other regions of the Mediterranean, with its heavy emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and olive oil, has been heralded as a healthier alternative for many people.
The Origin
As an ancient land of lush, green hills and breath-taking seaside regions, ageless art and centuries-old culture, soaring cathedrals and charming medieval villages, Italy has not only been a cradle of civilizations but is a fertile ground for agricultural leadership. Italy is the largest producer in the world of kiwi, grapes and many other specialty produce (i.e., arugula, broccoli rabe, mushrooms, radicchio), as well as the second largest producer of peaches and nectarines. Furthermore, Italy is the origin of many of today’s common and specialty fruits and vegetables including boletus, broccoli, chestnuts, fennel, Roma tomatoes and truffles. During the winter months, Spain and Italy are the majority suppliers of produce for the entire European Union.
Whether it’s “blushing-beauty” blood oranges tended by Sicilian farmers on the slopes of the Mt. Etna volcano, country-wide varieties of succulent grapes – some originating in ancient Rome, or exotic kiwi from the plains of the Po River in the areas of Faenza and Cesena close to Bologna, fruits and vegetables grown in the Mediterranean region of the world offer a distinct taste that no other produce can match.
Unique Growing Conditions
The Mediterranean climate – especially in Italy where the temperature stays moderate year round – allows fruits and vegetables to grow in unique conditions, creating produce of exceptional quality year after year. And centuries of harvests have taught Italian farmers the benefits of working with the land and environment as much as possible, through “integrated pest management,” to get the best long-term results with the least disruption of the environment. Communication and transportation options of today allow for swift ordering and delivery from Italy to the
United States, maintaining the “fresh-picked” quality so typical of Mediterranean produce.
BellaVita
Now, Paganini Foods, a food company that imports fine fruits and vegetables from Italy into the United States, is helping to unlock this “best-kept secret” through the launch of its new brand, BellaVita, with its first product offering – Vittoria, Italia (Muscat) and Red Globe table grapes – due to arrive in supermarket produce sections in the Northeast region of the United States in late summer through early fall. BellaVita branded kiwi and blood oranges (Moro, Sanguinello and Tarocco varieties) will be available in early to mid-winter.
Back to top