Located at the foot of the Maritime Alps, in the province of Cuneo, Fratelli Castellino is one of the main operators in the field of chestnuts/brown chestnuts, both fresh and processed. Over the years, it has developed processing and preservation techniques that enable it to obtain very high quality products that are sold both on the domestic and foreign markets.
In summer, the main products for the fresh market are strawberries and small fruits with other typical local products such as strawberry grapes, borlotti beans and 'Ramassin' plums. Some of these products are also available in a frozen version in order to supply the food industries and thus be able to draw maximum added value from the processed fruit and vegetables.
Over the years, the main sector certifications (ifs, global gap, etc.) have been implemented to meet the needs of all types of customers; the company has also steadily increased the share of organic products marketed in order to exploit the potential of this market segment as well.
ALL OUR PRODUCTSFratelli Castellino was founded by Eugenio and Valter Castellino in 1986. The first production site consisted of a small facility where chestnuts were processed on an artisanal level and tomatoes and other local agricultural products were marketed.
Subsequently, the range of products distributed expanded as the customer base grew.
In 1992, the company moved to its current premises, which would be expanded in the years to come. Machinery was installed that allowed industrial-type processing of the chestnuts; this enabled the company to start serving foreign customers, specifically from Northern Europe.
Very important subsequent steps were the installation of a drying plant and, at a later stage, a mill dedicated exclusively to the production of chestnut flour allowed Fratelli Castellino to enter new markets. During this same period, the first deep-freezing plant was installed to create new commercial outlets for fruit products.
In 2000, machinery was adopted to industrialise the drying and milling processes; thanks to constant process improvement, the distribution network expanded as far as Asia and North America. At the same time, the company became certified to market organic products, in the initial phase of a market that would see a steady increase in the years to come.
Starting in 2016, the company was personally involved in the revival of strawberry grape cultivation, both by improving the cultivation processes together with the other members of the 'Uva Fragola del Piemonte' consortium and by creating the 'Lady Froly' brand.
Today, the company is part of and actively supports the activities of the 'Castagna Cuneo I.G.P.' consortium.
Linked to the products
Dalmassin plums, known locally as 'Ramassin', were introduced to Piedmont by communities of Benedictine monks around the 12th century. Cultivation began in the second half of the 19th century and they are still a highly representative local fruit.
Blueberry cultivation was introduced in the area in the 1970s with a strong increase from the 1990s onwards. The province of Cuneo is currently the main area in Italy, with a large part of production allocated to foreign markets. Completing the range of typical local products are strawberry grapes and beans. The former was imported from the American continent in the 19th century as a rootstock to combat the phylloxera problem and then established itself thanks to the particular aroma and flavour of its berries. The Borlotto bean was introduced into the Cuneo area in the 1940s to develop, creating an economic and social fabric that has strongly characterised the Cuneo countryside. Despite the fact that volumes are smaller than in the past, it is a much sought-after product by both Italian markets and importers.
The Monregalese/Basso Piemonte territory has a strong fruit and vegetable tradition. The product that most characterises the territory is the chestnut, the cultivation of which has origins that date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. At that time, in fact, to remedy endemic poverty and a very poor diet, the first chestnut groves were planted in the hills, whose fruits, consumed in the simplest ways and rich in sugary and protein substances, sustained the population for centuries. In the early 2000s, production dropped dramatically due to the 'Chinch bug', which was gradually defeated, returning to full production around the year 2015.
The first strawberry planting in the town of Peveragno dates back to the post-war period; cultivation techniques were imported by local emigrants from nearby France. This crop saw constant growth until the 1980s and is still present today, albeit with smaller volumes produced.
The colour of our flavours
other products
Our company is distinguished by the trademark “Castagne Cuneo I.G.P.”, a symbol of our excellence.
Equally fundamental are the numerous certifications acquired that guarantee the high quality and safety of our products, as well as our company's commitment to the highest standards.
