23 Dec “The Consortium for the Protection of Arugula from the Piana del Sele IGP joins Origin Italia.”
The Consortium for the Protection of Arugula from the Piana del Sele PGI, of which Altamura OP is a member with President Alfonso Altamura in the Board of Directors, has officially joined Origin Italia, the association that brings together the main Consortia for PDO and PGI agri-food products in Italy. In the course of 2022, the Consortium certified one million kilograms of arugula with the Protected Geographical Indication label, allowing its use on packaging. This significant achievement was reached through collaboration with 85 associated producers in the province of Salerno, where Ovidio’s piquant herb reveals distinctive flavors and nutraceutical properties.
“For us, it represents a significant first milestone,” comments President Vito Busillo, emphasizing the importance of this step forward. The Piana del Sele IGP arugula now stands as a prominent player in the PDO economy. A report presented by Ismea and the Qualivita Foundation highlighted a growing trend, pushing the productive value of protection labels to exceed 20 billion euros. In 2022, the certified production value for IGP arugula reached around 12 million euros, a figure that represents only a fraction of its untapped potential.
The Consortium’s work has just begun, and the increasing demand provides very positive prospects. The consumer demand for transparency and healthiness from Italian, European, and global consumers is becoming increasingly evident. In addition to the intrinsic qualities bestowed by nature upon arugula, the PGI certification adds an additional layer of trust in the production processes. The Consortium’s arugula represents a forefront in future agriculture, characterized by reduced environmental impact, the use of electric machinery, decreased water consumption, and waste elimination.
Acknowledging the journey ahead, the Consortium can rely on a strong and cohesive team, ready to face future challenges with determination.
As highlighted in a press release, IGP arugula is a true “superfood.” Thanks to the presence of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, it offers anti-inflammatory properties. Its richness in beta-carotene, vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin, flavonoids, and isothiocyanates like sulforaphane makes it a potent antioxidant and anticancer agent. It contributes to overall well-being, strengthening nails and bones with calcium and providing bone protection through vitamin K. With only 25 calories per 100 grams, it is also a low-calorie product. Arugula is particularly recommended for pregnant women due to its folate content, which, when transformed into folic acid, helps prevent fetal malformations and supports proper child growth. Campania’s IGP arugula reaches global markets, enriching tables worldwide with its unmistakable flavor and distinctive beneficial properties.
