The finest chestnuts since 1946
- S. Michele di Serino, Serino (AV) -

As part of the development project, the Gaetano De Feo Chestnut Hub expands in Serino (AV) through a new entrepreneurial model aimed at combining nature conservation with the local economy and sustainability.

The processing plant for fresh chestnuts from the local I.G.P. chestnuts and Marroni di Serino area has been established in an unspoiled site in the PIP area near the namesake exit of the Avellino-Salerno motorway junction.

This is a "greenfield" project plant that has provided greater flexibility and freedom in the factory layout and production processes through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, efficient processes, and sustainable practices.

The reasons behind the significant investments made to expand the production unit are aimed at anticipating the market through the Chestnut Hub's first step in the "green" transition phase towards compliance with the ESG standards – Environmental, Social, and Governance – as outlined in the UN 2030 agenda and the European Green Deal.

This initiative aligns with the new environmental awareness now widespread among citizens, in recognition of emergencies such as the climate crisis, which have recently led to amendments in the Constitutional Charter.

• In Article 9, "the Republic protects the environment, biodiversity, and ecosystems, also in the interest of future generations. State law regulates the methods and forms of animal protection." The reference to future generations represents the incorporation into the Constitution of the concept of sustainable development, whereby natural resources cannot be exploited limitlessly without consideration for those who will come after us.
• In Article 41, where it has been added that economic initiative "cannot proceed in a manner that damages health, the environment," in addition to the already established "safety, freedom, human dignity."

The facility is part of the "green communities" as outlined in law no. 221/2015, article 72, aiming for environmental sustainability while considering economic and social implications. It utilises resources from the rural and mountainous areas of Serino, the primary production area of "MARRONE DI SERINO" / "CASTAGNA DI SERINO", recognised at the European level as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

The challenge of industrial sustainability at the Chestnut Hub facility has been addressed with:

• Reduction of energy demand through photovoltaic systems generating 518 kW
• Reduction of potable water consumption through collection and reuse of rainwater for cleaning of yards, photovoltaic panels, and other non-food production uses
• Reduction of emissions into the atmosphere through filtration
• Optimisation of energy consumption through the use of LED lighting both indoors and outdoors
• Installation of innovative machines with digital features, characteristic of Industry 4.0, enabling rapid processing across various stages to preserve the freshness of fruits harvested from local forests and areas. This avoids storage in containers, which even in minimal quantities can lead to the degradation of quality if not stored in low-temperature environments.

Lastly, it is noteworthy to highlight that the presence of the facility in the heart of the I.G.P. "MARRONE DI SERINO" / "CASTAGNA DI SERINO" area results in the classification of the fruit as "zero kilometre", further benefiting environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, it should be added that achieving high product quality not only strengthens the company but especially benefits the agricultural producer, who is assured of collecting the harvested production and obtaining the best possible price in a market increasingly focused on quality, absence of degraded or waste products, and uncontaminated by instant processing through calibration and associated weighing for each size.

This also allows for the identification of the producer of individual batches.

In this context, it is evident that the facility, in addition to sustainability, will have a role in environmental conservation with significant effects on the local agricultural economy, primarily focused on chestnut production.

This achievement has been made possible not only through company investments but also by utilising resources from the National Operational Programme Enterprise and Competitiveness 2014-2020, Axis VI, aimed at overcoming the effects of the crisis within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its social consequences, and preparing for a green, digital, and resilient economic recovery (the so-called React-EU Axis), under the DM dated 10th February 2022.

The plant aimed at increasing and optimizing the production capacity of Gaetano De Feo's Chestnut Hub in accordance with Industry 4.0 guidelines will enhance the environmental sustainability of its production process, with positive effects on the natural protection of the IGP Serino Chestnut Brown production area and the local economy.

The new machinery constitutes an enhancement of the company's machine park, elevating the level of technological advancement and improving productivity indices, including from a qualitative standpoint. This allows for the expansion of an existing production unit - the Chestnut Hub - enabling the technological and digital transformation of the enterprise, transitioning towards the circular economy paradigm, and improving energy sustainability.

The programme has been "financed as part of the European Union's response to the COVID-19 pandemic".