Italy

Italians love food and quality ingredients and, thanks to the culture of the Mediterranean diet, they are particularly prone to consume fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. Moreover, they are increasingly careful to consume natural foods and healthy snacks, to reduce daily sugar consumption and to favour dishes that combine the excellent taste of ingredients with personal wellbeing.

Popular Uses

California Prunes are a great snack for those who practice sports and want to re-charge themselves during or even after their training. Moreover, thanks to their great versatility and naturally sweet taste, California Prunes are an excellent ingredient for creating innovative, sweet and savoury recipes suitable for all seasons.

 

Local Events

Race for the Cure is the yearly run event organised in Rome and in other Italian cities dedicated to breast cancer awareness. California Prunes participated as a sponsor in 2018 and organised a workshop dedicated to nutrition. Product samples were distributed at the end of the races to all the participants.

TuttoFood, which takes place bi-annually in Milan, is one of the most important exhibitions dedicated to food in Italy. In 2019 California Prunes took part with a dedicated booth and the extremely popular and well-received workshop “Food Innovation: the unexpected pairings with California Prunes” delivered by the Chef Peter Sidwell.

 

Cultural Significance

Prunes are appreciated in meat-based dishes like roasts and stews, where their sweetness enhances the taste of meat, especially game. They are also recognised as a ‘natural’ ingredient in breakfast, along with cereals, yoghurt and citrus juices. The benefits of prunes as facilitators of good intestinal functioning have long been recognised by consumers and particularly appreciated by women.