Our Italian Producers | The Story Behind Valentina
THE STORY BEHIND THE LABEL
Made in Italy. Chosen by Valentina.
From the countryside of Piedmont to your table.
At Valentina, we believe great Italian food begins long before it reaches the table. It starts with the people who grow the ingredients, the knowledge passed through generations and the care taken at every stage of production.
Our forthcoming own-branded collection is being produced by Azienda Agricola Mariangela Prunotto, a family agricultural producer based in Alba, in the Langhe region of Piedmont, northern Italy.
Meet our Italian producer
Prunotto's agricultural heritage spans generations. The business traces its roots back over 150 years, with the present family's farming story beginning in the early 1900s. What started with growing fruit and vegetables has evolved into preparing preserves, sauces and regional Italian specialities.
A story shaped by generations
Early 1900s — Farming by hand
The family worked the land with traditional methods, using horses and oxen to help cultivate their fields.
1950s–1960s — A changing countryside
The family was an early adopter of tractor farming in the Alba area, supporting more efficient cultivation.
1980s — A thoughtful approach to farming
Prunotto began selecting pest-resistant plants and monitoring growing conditions closely, reducing reliance on conventional chemical treatments.
1990s — From field to jar
With the involvement of Roberto and Marco, the family expanded into making sweet and savoury preserves. Mariangela's preparation of preserves and the continuation of family recipes are central to the producer's story.
Today — Italian flavours shared worldwide
Prunotto's products reach customers beyond Italy while the business remains committed to its agricultural roots.
From orchard and field to jar
One of the distinctive features of Prunotto's approach is the close connection between cultivation and processing. The producer explains that fruit and vegetables from its own harvests are carefully prepared soon after picking, helping maintain their characteristic flavour and aroma.
Prunotto's range includes fruit preserves, tomato sauces, antipasti, vegetables in oil and other specialities. Individual ingredients and production methods vary by product.
Rooted in Alba and the Langhe
Alba is situated among the hills of the Langhe, a Piedmont region celebrated for its vineyards, agriculture and culinary traditions. Here, the rhythm of the seasons has shaped the way families grow, preserve and share food for generations.
Respect for the land
Prunotto describes a long-standing commitment to environmentally conscious cultivation. It reports following sustainable organic-farming principles and participating in an agri-environmental programme since 1995.
Careful crop management
The farm selects resilient plant varieties, monitors pests and growing conditions and uses targeted interventions.
Renewable energy
The producer uses solar energy as part of its efforts to reduce environmental impact.
Water and resources
Prunotto also reports water-reuse practices and careful management of resources.
These statements describe the producer's farming practices, not a claim that every finished Valentina product is certified organic. Product-specific claims will be confirmed once the range is finalised.
Why Valentina has chosen Prunotto
We look for Italian producers who care about ingredients, tradition and the character of the food they make. Prunotto's agricultural history and focus on careful preparation reflect the qualities we want our own-branded collection to represent.
Our Valentina range is currently in development. As products are introduced, this page will grow to include more about each item, including serving suggestions and details of the finished collection.
A little more about your product
For ingredients, allergens, nutritional values and storage guidance, always check the packaging of the individual finished product.
Explore our Italian food collection or contact deli@valentinadeli.co.uk.
Learn more about our producer: Prunotto — Our Story.