A 100-year history of innovation and health in the agri-food sector

Fiorentini Alimentari is a historical Piedmontese company founded in Turin in 1918, which stands out in the Italian agri-food panorama for its ability to interpret innovations and intercept the evolving tastes of consumers.

© Fiorentini Alimentari S.p.A.Simona Fiorentini, marketing & sales manager of the family business.

Founded in the last century, the company was set up with the innovative idea of proposing products that were unique at the time. Already in the 1950s, the founder's grandfather, Leonildo Fiorentini, offered in his Turin shop foods that he discovered around the world, such as couscous, unleavened bread, spices, and exotic fruits. This is the perfect example of the curiosity that still drives the Fiorentini brand today and forms part of the family's DNA.

© Fiorentini Alimentari S.p.A."This pioneering spirit meant that, 25 years ago, we were the first to import peanut butter, which was a niche product in Italy back then. Ten years ago, Fiorentini innovated further, turning the peanut butter line and all other nut-based spreads into healthy ones. Today, the healthy recipe is gluten-free - it boasts a high peanut, almond, and hazelnut content (over 90%), it is free from added sugar, and contains no palm oil. Peanut butter is available in the 100% peanut, Creamy, and Crunchy versions, thereby raising consumer awareness of the possibility of eating healthily without sacrificing taste," explains Simona Fiorentini, marketing & sales manager of the family business.

"The most popular products include the single-ingredient hazelnut, almond, and peanut lines. The consumption of nuts is growing strongly, even dieticians recommend them as part of a balanced diet, given their effectiveness in balancing diets in a healthy and tasty way. I think it is worth stressing that scientific research has also highlighted the benefits of dried fruit, whose fats, although present in high percentages, are mainly 'good' unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as Omega-6 and Omega-3."

In order to respond to the nutritional needs of sportsmen and women, Fiorentini has created the Super Protein line, consisting of snacks and biscuits with a high natural protein content, actively contributing to a market that is increasingly attentive to health and psycho-physical well-being."

"As far as the origin of the raw material, I am of the opinion that, when we talk about a 'short supply chain' for dried fruit, it is necessary to make the appropriate clarifications. We are talking about products whose demand is considerably higher than what can be sourced locally. Our almonds come from Italian and Spanish supply chains, and our peanuts from Argentina. The climate in Italy also prevents certain crops from growing, plus volumes have been recently affected by climate change, which has, in some cases, halved nut production."

Argentine peanuts are particularly sought after for their flavour. Market forecasts indicate a potential drop in quotations due to expectations of a production record by 2025, with high initial stocks and increased availability also from the US. In addition, the permanent elimination of export duties by the Argentine government will help reduce costs for exporters, boosting the competitiveness of the Argentine product.

In order to maintain its leading position in the sector, Fiorentini has made strategic investments over the past three years in the healthy snack, rice cracker, and nut spread segments.

"New high-capacity and flexible production lines are currently being installed with the aim of increasing production capacity by 30% for salty snacks and 50% for rice crackers and sweet snacks. These strategic interventions will enable the company to adequately meet the growing demand for healthy snacks, guarantee high-quality products to consumers, and significantly increase capacity."

Fiorentini Alimentari promotes the values of healthy eating and wellness through partnerships, such as the consolidated one with Chieri '76, the Serie A1 women's volleyball team, combining sport, health, and the importance of teamwork.

For more information:
Fiorentini Alimentari S.p.A.
Via Marco Biagi 8
10028 Trofarello (TO) - Italy
+39 011 4704568
[email protected]
www.fiorentinialimentari.it