Il Gelso

My company was founded in 2003 as a natural generational change of my father's farm to me. This agricultural company, which was developed on a surface of about 3 hectares, focused on the production and on the sale of hazelnuts' in shell to wholesalers.

It takes its name from the centenary mulberry tree, which grows in the centre of our farmyard. In the past, these plants were very common in the area as they were used to feed the silkworms, which used to eat the mulberry's leaves. However, this type of breeding has now disappeared. Thus, the mulberry trees - of which very few specimens remain - are in memory of a tradition that has disappeared over time.

Given the constant reduction in profit margins - even in consideration of the small reality -, I began to transform my hazelnuts, into baked goods. Following, I began a direct sale of confectionery products - all with hazelnut base.

The increase in production and the sale of finished products has quickly become the major income of the farm - to the point that I was led to transform my company into a real pastry artisan enterprise. Notwithstanding, I still use my hazelnuts as the main ingredient of all my products; in case I lack nuts, I purchase the missing ones from some neighbours, which also operate on my same territory.  

My products range from sweet (cakes and biscuits) to savoury (hazelnut breadsticks); additionally, all the recipes - which have been revisited by me - contain the ingredients of the Langhe tradition.