Agrumaria Reggina’s citrus juices, concentrates and essential oils deliver high-quality flavour and fragrance to a wide range of industries. Applications for the Italian company’s products range from food and drinks to cosmetics, perfumes, oral hygiene, and home care.
Founded by Francesco Chirico in 1985, this third-generation family business has an approach to sustainability with a family feel. That is, it builds lasting relationships with partners, working with growers to encourage sustainable methods of agriculture.
“We are not alone in the world. We need to think of the next generation and partner with all actors that can support us to generate value for the community,” says Agrumaria Reggina’s CEO and co-owner, Felice Chirico.
“Sustainability is an imperative. You can’t do business without integrating sustainability principles into your operation,” says Fresia Messi, Agrumaria Reggina’s Sustainability Specialist.
For Agrumaria Reggina, this has meant developing a circular economy system that not only governs the company’s production process but is fundamental to its concept of what “quality” means. Put another way, a quality product is a sustainable product.
Re-use of waste products is a key part of the cycle. The company blends nutrient-rich waste material to create a natural fertilizer for the citrus orchards, returning vital nourishment to the earth and completing the circle.
“Unlike synthetic fertilizers, natural fertilizers have a much broader range of minerals and organic matter within them, which allows for better water drainage and creates a sustainable soil that lasts a long time,” says Messi.
Naturally, Agrumaria Reggina has its home in Calabria, southern Italy – a region renowned for the cultivation of exceptional citrus fruit, thanks to its unique microclimate. The company also has 14 sales offices across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, as well as a state-of-the-art facility in Egypt.
Agrumaria Reggina harnesses the benefits of pastazzo – a mixture of citrus pulp and fibers left over after the mechanical extraction of juice and essential oils. Traditionally regarded as industrial waste, pastazzo is now recognized as a valuable by-product.
The pastazzo that Agrumaria Reggina uses is collected from its own processes and those of nearby companies. It is then used to fuel a biogas plant that generates electricity to supply the company’s factory. In this way, Agrumaria Reggina sets a powerful example of how to use natural resources to eliminate waste as part of a circular economy.
For Agrumaria Reggina, “waste should be avoided. It’s fundamental that Agrumaria Reggina products are the best in terms of environmental footprint. Otherwise, eventually we will disappoint consumers,” says Chirico.
Alongside reducing waste, Agrumaria Reggina strives towards sustainable practices that prevent resource depletion and environmental degradation, in alignment with SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Calabria produces some 90% of the world’s bergamot citrus fruit. Agrumaria Reggina transforms bergamot’s highly fragrant essence into an essential oil, supplying quality perfume makers – as well as Earl Grey tea manufacturers – with this key ingredient.