The Guarino Natural Garden, a family-run farm nestled in the Caudina Valley of Benevento, Italy, has seen a surge in demand for its organic, short supply chain products. Specializing in growing and processing organic fruits and vegetables, the farm is known for its high-quality strawberries and an array of fruit preserves.
Luigi Guarino, who manages the farm with his brothers Stefano and Agostino, shared the farm’s journey. “We are a family-run farm that, for three generations, has specialized in growing and processing short supply chain fruit, certified organic. One of our main products is strawberries, which we grow in protected areas and process into high-quality preserves. The first structured strawberry orchard was planted by my father, Francesco, who, with tenacity and perseverance, passed on to us a passion for sustainable, low environmental impact production and a spirit of dedication. We converted the land to certified organic in 2012.”
The Guarino Natural Garden produces a variety of fruits, including pears, kiwis, cherries, pomegranates, peaches, and apricots, which are transformed into delicious preserves and juices. The farm also grows and processes vegetables and wheat, offering products such as juices, pasta, and flour.
The farm’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its cultivation practices. “We grow and process strawberries of the Sabrina variety, a sweet fruit of medium to large size characterized by firm flesh. This variety has a high resistance to cold and sudden temperature changes, making it well-suited to cultivation in our area, located at 300 meters above sea level,” Luigi explained.
Harvested early in the morning, the strawberries are quickly transported to the processing plant adjacent to the fields. There, they are processed under low heat stress to preserve their nutritional and organoleptic properties before being packaged. The farm favors online and direct sales channels, avoiding intermediaries to keep costs down and maintain a personal connection with customers.
“We want to reach all those families who consider food to be a fundamental aspect of health,” Luigi stated. “We guarantee a fresh product, shipped within a few hours of harvesting, and suitable even for young children. The short supply chain helps us to have a personal and direct relationship with the end customer, fostering trust between producer and consumer.”
Guarino Natural Garden recently showcased its products at Cibus 2024, one of the most prestigious events in the agri-food sector. “We are very proud of our debut at Cibus 2024,” Luigi said. “We are ready and willing to present our specialties to professionals, enthusiasts, and buyers from all over the world.”
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