Guide to
importers & distributors
Il Mercato – Fine Foods from Sicily Il Mercato by VitaSicula Srl., Piazza San Sebastiano 5, I – 98036 Graniti (ME) Sicily 0039 0942 29 5 29 info@ilmercato.biz www.ilmercato.biz
Karin and Salvatore Romano sold their Italian bar and deli in northern Europe and moved back to Sicily to set up Il Mercato in Graniti, a small village in the Alcantara Valley near Taormina. They produce and sell their products locally and abroad and also work with young local producers. They say they are driven to try and find new ways of transforming traditional local raw materials into new and exciting products, always maintaining typical Sicilian flavours. Each year they invite friends and helpers from abroad to help out during the olive harvest, giving them a chance to find out how quality olive oil is made. Products include pestos, tapenades (black olive, spicy black olive, sundried tomato with pinenuts, peperoncino, Sicilian wild fennel), extra virgin PDO olive oil, freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil and caper spiced sea salt. Specialist areas: Sicilian spicy black olive tapenade, black olive jam, Sicilian caponata (eggplant peperoni antipasti), the company’s own PDO-certified extra virgin olive oil handpicked and cold-milled in Sicily, giant capers from Salina, walnut pesto with basil and Malvasia soaked sultanas, and Sicilian sweet red orange marmalade handcut from whole local tarocco oranges Extra Virgin Olive Oil Missa Uno This oil has PDO status and olives are handpicked, selected and cold pressed within six hours. The oil is called Missa Uno because the olive trees grow in Contrada Missa Uno in Graniti. Available in 0.25 L bottles with oil pouring tap.
Black Olive Jam Slightly salty yet candied black olives are the main ingredient of il Mercato’s Black Olive Jam, which combines the strong salty flavour of black ripe olives with the sweetness of sugar. This handmade jam is said to be ideal with mature cheese such as Parmesan, Sicilian Pecorino, Spanish Manchego or mature cheddar. Available in a 110g jar.
Caper spiced sea salt / Sale speziato ai Capperi This uses freshly harvested capers from the island of Salina and sea salt from Trapani. The salt can be used to season tomato salad, Caprese salad, fish, pasta sauces, dips and boiled vegetables. It comes in individual 95g glass jar with salt grinder top.
Olives Et Al
1 North Dorset Business park, Sturminster Newton, Dorset DT10 2GA 01258 474300 sales@olivesetal.co.uk www.olivesetal.co.uk Olives Et Al supplies marinated olives, extra virgin olive oils, antipasti, balsamic vinegars, dressings and marinades, freshly roasted nuts, snacks and accessories. The company, which launched in 1993, still uses some of its original recipes and techniques whilst continually developing, creating new recipes and inventing new products using ingredients from farmers and producers it trusts. Ingredients are sourced from across the Mediterranean – olives from Greece, Italy, France and occasionally further afield; olive oils from Spain, Italy and Greece; and spices from around the world. It supplies independent retailers as well as foodservice and larger retail and leisure attractions. It also does some private label work for clients and can develop specific products to suit different markets and applications, providing advice on pack style and brand development. The company says it is well versed in all aspects of sales, marketing, warehousing and distribution of speciality foods. In addition to holding full BRC Accreditation, it operates retail and foodservice outlets of its own. Brands on offer: Olives Et Al
Naturvie
Soler Romero
Psaltiras
Specialist areas: All ingredients are sourced and selected with care from trusted suppliers and producers, says the company. Most products are made in Dorset using artisan, traditional and authentic processes and techniques. Marinated olives Naturally ripened and fully matured olives are graded and inspected by hand before water-curing and marinating. The classic olive is a best seller. Mixed green and black olives in extra virgin olive oil with chilli, garlic and black pepper are prepared to a Sicilian recipe from Ragusa. Available in retail jars as well as 2.5kg and 5kg foodservice or deli packs. 260g jars have a trade price of £2.56 each
Extra virgin olive oil Olives Et Al works with artisan olive oil producers in Spain to produce this single estate extra virgin olive oil specifically blended to suit the British palate. Fruity without overpowering, with just enough bitterness and pepperiness to bring out its character, it’s a great all round, everyday oil, says the company. Available in 500ml bottles (trade price £4.62) and 5L tins for decanting or foodservice.
Roasted nuts Olives Et Al says it has developed a unique and innovative method for roasting and spicing nuts that captures freshness and depth of flavour. Freshly kiln roasted almonds spiced with a sweet but hot North African-style harissa chilli paste are a best seller. Available in 160g jars (£2.57 trade) and 2kg foodservice bags.
Vol.12 Issue 6 · July 2011
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