Over the years we have observed that the term 'organic' is not necessarily a guarantee of quality in itself (salty pasta sauces full of tomato paste, high in sugar or water in the first few ingredients). There seems to be a lot of what we would term 'industrial organic' out there, so 'organic', on its own, is not a criteria we use for selecting our range.

Montebello, our new range of pasta, grains, and sauces, is a quality different to this. Named after the monastery in which it started forty years ago, this range is artisan-made organic from a co-operative called Alce Nero, in the Marches, Italy. Perched on a hill over looking the rolling countryside that surrounds the town of Isola del Piano, sits a 600 year old monastery that today serves as a proud and symbolic headquarters for Montebello.

 

 

When Gino Girolomoni, then the young mayor of the nearby town began renovations in the 1970s, the area was desolate and alienated. Farmlands had been left to waste and whole generations had moved to the cities. Patiently however, Gino began to promote initiatives hoping to provide the region with a sustainable economy using traditional organic farming methods. The monastery renovations were completed and abandoned farm houses were used to house local farmers while they learnt about organic methods and sustainability. Eventually a mill, a pasta factory and a wooden storehouse were built to accommodate the growth that this pioneering co-operative was generating.

 

More than thirty years on, Montebello and the surrounding region have become synonymous with organic farming and Gino Girolomoni is recognized as a pioneer of the organic movement in Italy. The co-operative has continued to grow with over thirty local farms joining and following its principles.

You can buy Gift vouchers in four wonderfully indulgent denominations.

 

You can now treat a special someone to $10, $25, $50 or $100 worth of happiness from our shelves.

Alternatively, we have a selection of gift hampers ideal for personal and corporate gifts.

    

Apply for your Sabato Customer Card today.