This Italian company was founded in 2016 to exploit the economic potential of a patent that allowed the extraction of bergamot juice by maximizing the quantity of polyphenols contained per liter. Bergamot is a citrus fruit appreciated all over the world. 90% of the world production of this fruit is concentrated in a small area of the Ionian coast in Reggio Calabria, southern Italy. The fruit is processed and squeezed to obtain its essence with very high antioxidant properties, which is also in great demand in the field of cosmetics and beauty products. Although this fruit has excellent organoleptic properties, the taste is very bitter and is not considered pleasant by many. In order to obtain a product pleasant to the taste and with the organoleptic properties of the bergamot unaltered, the company founder decided to mix the bergamot juice with the Trentino apple juice. The apples of Trentino, thanks to the conformation and location of the land and where they are grown, are among the best in Europe for their organoleptic characteristics and crunchiness.
The patented production process involves the following stages:
- The raw material consists of apple juice (with a certain acidity to balance that of citrus) and peeled bergamot. Bergamot is used with albedo and pulp.
- The mixture consisting of albedo and bergamot pulp (from 10% to 30%) and from Trentino apples (from 70% to 90%) is ground in a fruit juice mill and is subsequently cold-pressed.
- Ascorbic acid is added to the juice thus obtained to avoid oxidation. Finally the juice is centrifuged and pasteurized.
The final product is a fruit juice with no added sugar with the following composition: 80% apple juices, 20% bergamot juices, antioxidant, ascorbic acid.
Apple and bergamot juice is rich in vitamin C and helps protect cells from the oxidation process and contributes to normal vascular health. In the juice there are, in large quantities, vitamins B1 and B2, A and E.
Juice consumption also helps to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels; increase lean mass and decrease fat mass; reduce weight. The juice that the Italian manufacturer offers is particularly suitable for those who want to supplement the diet with active principles with scientifically proven beneficial properties. It is a natural drink that can be easily integrated into any diet regimen at any time of the day, it can be consumed both for breakfast and as a snack or they can be an ingredient for an aperitif. Thanks to the vitamins and minerals of the fruit it is suitable for athletes after they have made a considerable effort.
The product is offered in different formats:
- 250 ml glass bottle in packs of 18/24 pieces;
- 250 ml cans in packs of 24 pieces;
- 3 liter bag in box. The product is packaged in an aseptic vacuum bag with a tap.
The Italian producer would like to sell the products abroad and they are willing to cooperate under distribution and commercial agency agreements. The distributors will sell fruit juices to wholesalers and to the retail chain. The agent, on the other hand, will represent the product in these categories.
Advantages & innovations
- The Italian producer has patented a method that allows you to obtain a fruit juice that contains flavonoids such as brutierhydrin and melitidine which are in the albedo - the white layer between the skin and the pulp of citrus fruits - of the bergamot and which have "statin-like" properties.
- The Italian producer processes native fruit varieties: Calabrian bergamot and Trentino apples.
- It is an organic and healthy product, with a high antioxidant, vitamin C vitamins B1 and B2, A and E content and no added sugar.
- Thanks to the organoleptic properties, it helps protect cells from the oxidation process and contributes to normal vascular health. It also helps to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels; increase lean mass and decrease fat mass; reduce weight.
- The apple/bergamot juice is prepared from fresh and healthy fruits according to good manufacturing practices and under sanitary conditions appropriate to foodstuffs (Reg. EC 2004/852). According to supplier's declarations, fruits and process aids do not come from or contain genetically modified organism.
Stage of development
ITALY
Partner sought
The Italian producer is looking for trade intermediaries specialized in the agro-food sector and in particular in the area of organic, vegan and healthy foods.
Under the distribution services agreement, the international partner will place the products to wholesalers, vegan shop, café, vegan and healthy foods e-commerce platform.
The commercial agent will represent the product to the wholesalers and the small retail chain. The partner must be able to represent the features of the products, in particular that they are obtained by Italian fruits and that they are healthy, no sugar added and that they are easy to fit into any food regime.