Fruit for Pleasure: The Organic Tradition of the Ofanto Valley, In Our Hands

welcome to Ofanto Valley Fruit for Pleasuree, our dream come true here in the beautiful Ofanto Valley.

We are a Antonia and Nunzio, and every day we passionately cultivate our ambitious goal: producing “fruit for pleasure”. It is a double pleasure, which fills our hearts and delights the palate. Because we believe that food should be an authentic experience, made of real and healthy flavors, and that the thought of enjoying a fruit should never harm either health or the environment.

Our History: A Legacy That Lives and Renews, From Generation to Generation Since 1847

Our history does not begin with us, but has its roots in a distant past, in 1847. It is the year in which the first Nuncio Balducci, my husband's great-great-grandfather, moved here to San Ferdinando di Puglia. He was granted two hectares of land, which he worked with his "own hands", planting the first thirty olive trees in Pozzo Colmo.

Fu Raffaele Balducci, Nunzio's grandfather, to trace the furrows, piece by piece, with the work of a lifetime, following the rhythms of the seasons and counting only on the strength of his own arms.

Today, the love for this fertile land has remained unchanged. It is me, Antonia, and my husband Nuncio, to carry on this precious legacy. Nunzio grew up among these fields, alongside his father, a farmer, since the age of fifteen.

And I, Antonia, with my training as a food technologist, I brought my vision for an agriculture that looks to the future without forgetting its roots. Together, we have strengthened the value of the experience that has been passed down to us, renewing it with constant reflections and the deep belief that respect for nature is the key.

We have added new plots to the family lands, and to the ancient and luxuriant olive trees, the generous vines and the elegant peach trees, we have added the colours and scents of apricots, azaroles, cherries, figs, prickly pears, persimmons, almonds, apples, pomegranates, medlars, pears and plums.

The name Ofanto Valley is our homage to these sun-kissed lands, which extend right next to the northern bank of the river of the same name. It is a name that encompasses all the tradition we have inherited, and that we strive to honor every day.

Our Commitment: A Different Agriculture, From Integrated Pest Control to Organic

The real turning point for our company was in 2001, when Nunzio and I met and shared the awareness that conventional agriculture was going in the wrong direction. We decided to take action.

In 2007, we have taken the first big step, adopting the method of integrated struggle for our vineyard and olive grove, strictly applying the Puglia Region regulations.

Da June 2013, we are proud that our entire production of table grapes and extra virgin olive oil is certified BIO and supplies numerous Italian GAS companies.

In 2016 we have extended the conversion to organic to apricots and peaches. Today, with every fruit we grow, we renew our commitment: to spread the principles and advantages of organic and sustainable practices, not only to those who already know them, but also to those who still ignore their beauty and value principles.

In our products, in our harvest, there is all this: the history of a family, the warmth of the South, the artisanal care and the commitment to an agriculture that respects the land and those who live there. We hope that by tasting our fruits, you too can feel this pleasure, made of taste and heart.