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Italy: constant innovation, from zero residue (Mutti) to organic production (Valfrutta)

15/06/2022

Press release
CONSERVE ITALIA Soc. Coop. Agr.
Italy,
WPTC
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Italy continues to focus on the qualitative development of products for niche markets, whether it be investing in virtuous agricultural practices or focusing on products that are part of a process to reduce environmental impact. 

Mutti: zero residue
At the end of April, an official public communiqué from the Italian Ministry of Economic Development reported the authorization given by Minister Giorgetti for an EUR 8 million investment project presented by the Mutti company, with the aim of developing innovative agricultural practices and new pre-treatment processes resulting in finished tomato products with no agro-pharmaceutical residues after industrial processing. The innovation agreement drawn up with Mutti and Fiordagosto also aims to improve traceability from field to shelf through the use of technologies such as Blockchain.

 These operations will be carried out at the processing plants of Montechiarugolo (Parma) and Oliveto Citra (Salerno). The Department of Economic Development is providing approximately EUR 1.6 million in grants to support the implementation of the project, which will provide jobs for thirteen new staff. "Innovation plays a central role in the sustainable growth strategies of companies in the agri-food sector, allowing them to put on the market products in which quality is always the result of a careful manufacturing process that also aims to protect the environment and provide guarantees for consumers," stated Minister Giorgetti.

Conserve Italia: #ValfruttaGreen project
Valfrutta has been very sensitive for many years to its impact on the ecosystem and to the sustainability of its business. The brand offers consumers a range of products conditioned in eco-sustainable packaging, where every step of the production cycle is designed according to stated goals for protecting the planet, from cultivation in the fields to transport by rail, from renewable energies to the recovery of waste, and this includes the packaging.

The new tomato line consists firstly of an organic puree in a recycled and 100% recyclable glass bottle, made of 86% recycled glass, with a 22% saving in CO2 emissions compared to the use of usual clear glass. Secondly, it includes a new fine pulp in Tetra ReCart packs, available in packaging that reduces CO2 emissions by 83% compared to other materials (source: Istituto per l'Energia e la Ricerca Ambientale (IFEU) study for Italy), and is obtained from more than 70% renewable raw materials derived from plant sources.

The new "Valfrutta Green" line stands out on the shelf with its striking and recognizable eco-sustainable packaging, with a label that highlights its characteristics: respect for the environment and its resources, a permanent commitment to keeping CO2 emissions to a minimum, a 100% Italian production chain and FSC or organic farming certifications.

Sources: parmatoday.it, mise.gov.it, finanzaonline.com, myfruit.it, corriereortofrutticolo.it