The 11th edition of “Casa del Gusto” took place on October 10 and 11, an event clearly described by its organizers as a showcase of gastronomic excellence from the regions that are part of Conad Adriatico.
MareVivo Tops the Podium
The title of overall winner of the event was awarded to MareVivo, which also triumphed in the “super fresh” category. MareVivo has always focused on the quality of its products, as well as on sustainability, protecting the marine environment of Salento through its production systems.
One of the company’s key features is the short supply chain of its Castrense Mussel, with a shelf life of up to 10 days. Harvested in the waters of the Bay of Castro by its own fleet and purified in its facilities—also based in Castro—this product is backed by continuous research, including an in-house microbiological laboratory and one of the largest bivalve purification plants in Italy.
A total of 220 local producers took part in the event—just a fraction of the 858 who were part of the “Conad world” in 2017, which saw a total turnover of €246 million and a projected 15% increase for the current year. So not just folklore, but an event that brings producers and customers together, showing how traditional products reflect the identity of both the land and its people.
Other Awards Assigned by the Jury
At the end of the two-day event in Monsampolo del Tronto, a jury of eight tasters led by Gino Celletti awarded various companies across different categories. The “chocolate” award went to Italdea Ciock, while the winner in the cheese category was Ca.form. The “various goods” category was won by a start-up, Mamma Regina, while Cantine Tollo from Montepulciano received the award in the “liquids” category. The winner in the “non-food” category was Pierpaoli srl. Additionally, the jury assigned four special prizes: Giammarini was recognized for its Venezuelan dark chocolate, Pasta Montemonaco for its legume flour pasta, the start-up Antica Acetaia della Marchesa for its grating balsamic vinegar, and Camondol for its 48-month aged Iberian cheese.
Miss Italia as Patron of the Event
Miss Italia 2018, Carlotta Maggiorana—originally from the region—was present at the two-day event in Monsampolo del Tronto as its official patron. She also presented the awards to the companies. During the award ceremony, Maggiorana said: “I don’t eat much, but I eat well—so I’m definitely in the right place.” Federico Stanghetta, Sales Director of the Conad Adriatico Consortium, also emphasized the connection between Miss Italia and the companies at the event, stating: “With Casa del Gusto we showcase the excellence of Italian taste, so it seemed fitting to have as guest of honor the embodiment of beauty—especially from our own region.”
