PRIMA Brand Book

BrandBook

EDITO ABOUT MANIFESTO HISTORY SOURCING CRAFTING RANGES ESSENTIAL OILS

RECOVERY AROMA ESSENZA

Edito

Since its creation, Agrumaria Reggina has distinguished itself in the production of natural ingredients mainly intended for professionals in the nutrition sectors.

Today, leveraging our expertise in botany and our capacity for innovation, we are taking a new step with the creation of PRIMA, our branch dedicated to the world of fine perfumery.

PRIMA embodies our ambition to enrich the finest olfactory creations with natural ingredients of exceptional aromatic qualities, produced in a sustainable manner over time.

The choice of the name PRIMA is really meaningful. It evokes the origin, the primacy of nature and raw materials. Each ingredient of PRIMA tells an authentic story, from its origin to its transformation, offering perfume creators a platform where natural raw materials are key protagonists in every development. PRIMA is therefore aimed at all perfumers who wish to place natural raw materials at the center of the creative process.

We invite them to discover our catalog of ingredients with distinctive olfactory notes and stories deeply rooted in nature.

Felice Chirico CEO & CCO Family Member

ABOUT

A story of Nature

At PRIMA, we believe that every natural raw material carries within it the expression of its terroir.

The soil from which it draws, the water that nourishes it, and even the air that blows on it are fragments of its story. They shape its personality and influence its character.

In a word, they are markers of its unique DNA. According to us, the art of the extract producer lies in its ability to beautify the facets of each materials without altering its essence. As citrus and fruits experts since 1985, we harness our knowledge passed down through generations and our cuttingedge technologies to fulfill our ambition:

Providing worldwide perfumers with ranges of olfactive solutions capable of enhancing the naturalness of their compositions in a powerful and authentic way.

Our History

Crafting Naturals in Italy

Since 1985

5 generations of passionate family members

120 collaborators engaged from citrus fields to commercialization

40 years of expertise in the field of fruit and citrus extraction

A story of Passion

We consider PRIMA as the most emotional platform of Agrumaria Reggina, founded 40 years ago and specialized in citrus and fruits transformation for the food & beverage industry.

PRIMA is the result of several years of research and development, conducted in the Calabrian laboratories of Agrumaria, and committed to translate the beauty of fruits into a new language and for new applications: that of perfumery.

Already playing on the realm of feelings, we made the choice to bring our innovations to the noses of our customers.

That is why, in the late 21st century, we extended our industrial capabilities and enriched our technological tools. Today, our range of fragrance ingredients comprises more than 40 unique references, all infused by our passion towards nature and our taste for innovation.

By weaving these diverse essences into our creations, we continue to craft an olfactive identity that is both timeless and transcendent

A story of the Land

Our sourcing approach is definitely linked to our history. As Italian crafters, we have been born and raised in the rugged lands of Calabria, surrounded by citrus. These raw materials, at the source of our inspiration, have deep roots in Italy’s rich botanical culture.

Italy, a renowned hub for botanical cultivation, has greatly influenced the creation of the well-known Eaux de Cologne, the forerunners of Western perfumery. This heritage guides our unique approach to sourcing ingredients for PRIMA.

By selecting the finest botanicals, we ensure that each ingredient tells a story of authenticity and tradition, blending our rich history with the art of modern perfumery. Embracing our heritage while charting new territories, we embark on a journey beyond our familiar shores.

Drawing from our expertise in citrus utilized across various sectors, we now turn our attention to sourcing exotic ingredients from distant lands. Our meticulous selection process remains unchanged as we forge enduring partnerships with suppliers, ensuring the aromatic integrity of each ingredient reflects its native terroir. This commitment to quality, synonymous with our ethos, extends to our evolving palette of ingredients destined for perfumery.

Sustainability in Sourcing

Our love for the land is at the heart of our sourcing approach. Aware of the economic and environmental impact of agricultural activities on local areas, we aim to source as locally as possible to promote local activity, preserve sometimes ancient farming knowledge, and limit transportation impact.

We also encourage the implementation of healthy agricultural practices within our network of partner producers, with whom we maintain ethical and long-term partnerships. This ensures optimal product quality from both an organoleptic and safety perspective. Circularity is also a key concept in our sourcing approach, as we work on reusing by products from our productions to feed animals on neighboring farms and produce amendments that enrich the soil of our own plantations.

We believe that by incorporating sustainability into our natural raw material sourcing practices, we contribute to the long-term viability of these cherished terroirs, both in terms of the environment and traditional knowledge.

Discover our journey towards sustainability on agrumariareggina.it/ourimpact

Organic Cultivation

Focusing on organic production and land rotation methods.

Local Fruit Sourcing

A major part of our rawmaterials come from Italy to support local agriculture and reduce transport impact.

Use of Discarded Fruit

Using aesthetically imperfect fruits to emphasize quality over appearance.

Sustainable Communities

Ensuring sustainable agriculture and worker safety though SEDEX and GLOBALG.A.P standards.

*A patch of earth where nature and culture intertwine, creating exceptional living materials. Our Main Italian Terroirs*

Geology, topography, and climate are the main environmental factors that characterize different terroirs. The cultural practices and all the associated expertise are also key determinants of a terroir.

We strongly believe in the importance of Terroirs. That is why we offer upon request to our clients raw materials from Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) certifications.

The terroir of Bergamotto di Reggio Calabria DOP is characterized by its mineral rich volcanic soils, warm Mediterranean climate, and salty sea breezes. These conditions promote the slow maturation of the fruits, intensifying their aroma and flavor. The region is shielded by the Aspromonte mountains, providing a barrier against the cold northern winds. Each bergamot, handpicked, captures the essence of this unique terroir, steeped in centuries of tradition.

The Clementine di Calabria IGP thrives in the exceptional terroir of Calabria, in southern Italy. The orchards benefit from a warm Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine and moderate rainfall. The region’s alluvial soils, rich in nutrients and well-drained, are particularly suited for citrus cultivation. These fertile lands, composed of silt, clay, and sand, promote vigorous growth and excellent fruit quality. The emblematic cultivation practices include controlled irrigation and meticulous pruning, ensuring clementines with a sweet flavor, juicy flesh, and intense aroma.

The Arancia di Ribera DOP, located in the western Sicilian region, is a unique citrus gem in the world. It benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate and soil made highly fertile by mineral-rich alluvial deposits and marine sediments from the surrounding mountainous and marine areas. The moderate altitude of the orchards provides optimal sun exposure, promoting even ripening and a bright, colorful peel. The fruits are renowned for their juicy flesh, balanced flavor, and captivating aroma. They truly embody the excellence of Sicilian citrus production.

Bergamotto di Reggio Calabria DOP (POD)

Clementine di Calabria IGP (PGI)

Arancia di Ribeira DOP (POD)

The terroir of Limone di Siracusa IGP is a region bathed in Mediterranean sunshine and bordered by the Ionian Sea. The lemon groves are often nestled along the coast, benefiting from the sea’s moderating influence on temperatures. The contrast between warm daytime temperatures and cool nights promotes the accumulation of sugars in the fruits. The naturally mineral-rich soil provides the trees with essential nutrients for growth, contributing to the exceptional quality of the lemons. Limone di Siracusa IGP is thus renowned worldwide for its deliciously tangy taste, enchanting aroma, and thick, glossy skin, making it truly unique.

The terroir of Arancia Rossa di Sicilia IGP is a mosaic of microclimates, ranging from coastal plains to the steep slopes of Mount Etna. What sets this terroir apart is its mineral-rich volcanic soils and its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, which influences the climate. The warm daytime temperatures and cool nights promote a unique concentration of sugars and antioxidants in the oranges. Coastal winds and morning mists provide the necessary humidity for its growth. Each orange, imbued with this terroir, offers a symphony of flavors and aromas characteristic of Sicily.

The Mandarino Tardivo di Ciaculli is unique due to several distinctive factors. Firstly, its late-ripening nature is an essential characteristic: it is harvested well after the normal citrus harvest season, typically between January and April. This peculiarity is due to its longer maturation cycle, allowing it to develop a richer flavor and thinner skin. The topography of the Palermo valley, with its numerous hills, acts as natural barriers, limiting sudden climate changes that could disrupt the growth cycle of the citrus fruit. Lastly, the ancestral expertise and keen eye of the cultivators in this exceptional terroir contribute to the high-end reputation of this lateripening fruit.

Blessed by the magic of the Ionian and Mediterranean Seas

Limone di Siracusa IGP (PGI)

Arancia Rossa di Sicilia IGP (PGI)

Mandarino Tardivo di Ciaculli

Crafting

At the crossroads between heritage and innovation

50.000+ m2 of industrial areas

160+ days of raw material processing per year

3 core ranges of natural extracts dedicated to the fragrance market

A story of Savoir-faire

Once the best citrus fruits have been selected, they are defoliated and mechanically processed in our workshops without thermal stress.

The combination of cold processing and distillation guarantees the true aromatic profile of the fruit. Passionate about citrus fruits for generations, we have developed a unique expertise in the selection and processing of fruits. We make it a point of honor to ensure that all operations conducted on our raw materials are as respectful as possible of their original quality, a condition sine qua non to reveal authentic and vibrant aromas.

Our facilities today comprise more than 50.000 square meters of technical installations dedicated to processing and research and development in the fruit and botanical environnement.

We are constantly in search of innovative processes to offer natural solutions in line with the expectations of different markets, while remaining anchored in our values of sustainability and extreme sensorial quality.

Sustainability in Crafting

We are fully aware that the sustainability of our activities also largely depends on the actions taken at the processing operations level. That is why environmental stewardship has increasingly become a focal point for our entire corporate system, encompassing the management of environmental processes.

Through our program «The Future We Shape», we put in place a serie of forward-thinkng measures designed to embody our commitments.

Our approach is mainly based on the notion of circularity, considering that nature, from raw materials to natural resources, is so precious that it deserves to be respected throughout all transformation chain.

Water Management

Minimizing waste and purfying water for sustainable use.

Muds and Agricultural Amendments

Repurposing water purification by-products for agricultural use.

Renewable Energy System

Generating a major portion of our energy from renewable sources.

Rainwater Utilization

Reusing rainwater and treating greywater to save potable ressources.

Biogas Production

Producing electricty from biogas through the re-use of our ultimate by-products.

Raw Material Optimization

Working on smart processes that maximize the value of raw materials in the production of ingredients.

A comprehensive Food Safety Management System

Environmental Management System certification

Farm assurance program, translating consumer requirements into Good Agricultural Practice.

Occupational Health and Safety Management Certification

OUR RANGES

Essential Oils

Essenza Recovery Aroma

Essential Oils

The Mastery of Classics

A timeless, trustworthy, and vibrant collection produced in the purest tradition of citrus extraction.

Timeless

Each of our essential oils is produced in accordance with traditional extraction methods, respecting the needs of the raw material. The citrus peels are first mechanically cold-pressed to capture the volatile compounds and the fresh notes they release. The resulting emulsion is then filtered and centrifuged to obtain a 100% pure and natural essential oil. This technique fully respects the original olfactory profile of the fruits, offering extracts that are as timeless as they are sophisticated.

Trustworthy

Our Calabrian site also features a steam distillation unit that we use to refine our essential oils, ensuring complete control over production. Through distillation, we are able to reduce the terpene content and increase the solubility of our citrus oils. This technique also allows us to develop special ingredients, including colorless or furocoumarin-free oils, ensuring optimal quality and safety for use in any fragrance or composition.

Vibrant

The various extraction methods we employ permit us to preserve the delicate and vibrant essence of the fruits, which are carefully selected for their aromatic qualities. The essential oils obtained concentrate the pure and fresh notes characteristic of the citrus fruits from which they are derived, making them ideal materials to enhance fine fragrances with natural vitality.

Essenza

The power of circularity

A responsible, fusing, and smart collection, tribute to the nobility of raw materials.

Responsible

Essenza is a range of natural extracts obtained from botanical by-products, recovered after an initial processing operation for the food/flavor industry. It enhances the aromatic content of by products from fruits and botanicals, such as pulp, skin, leaves, and fibers, which are typically discarded after the first extraction. These materials then enter a new infusion cycle before being purified and concentrated.

Smart

Almost exclusively colorless, Essenza offers perfumers the possibility to enrich their palettes with multiple nuances through ingredients that conventional processes do not always allow, such as peach or tea, which do not produce essential oils.

Fusing

The applied processing methods produce extracts with great olfactory richness. Characterized by their both powerful and radiant notes these extracts are used as boosters in the most sophisticated fine perfumery compositions.

Recovery Aroma

In the pursuit of sustainability and exquisite depth of fragrance, we continue our efforts in circularity by recovering the discarded aromatic oils during the final stages of concentrated juice production. These oils are captured and blended with a portion of folded essential oil. This process leads to the deposition of oily parts that carry a rich aromatic profile, very true to the fruit’s scent, within the machinery.

Unlike traditional methods that result in the evaporation of certain notes during extraction, this blending method ensures that no nuance of the fruits is lost during processing.

The quest for exhaustivity

A green, agile, and multifaceted collection, enhancing the olfactory beauty and complexity of citrus fruits.

Multifaceted

The Recovery Aroma range presents complex extracts due to the richness of their olfactory nuances. The authenticity of the fruity aromas of citrus is thus preserved in the olfaction. These ingredients bring depth and tenacity to compositions, imbuing them with persistent zesty notes.

Green

Agile

Via Nazionale Gallico, 167 89135 Reggio Calabria - Italy

t +39 0965 650 382 agrumariareggina.it

prima@agrumariareggina.it