Pasta Armando: Quality Rooted in the Italian Supply Chain, with an Eye on International Markets
Respect for the land and farming communities, care for the wheat and attention to market needs: these are the principles guiding De Matteis Agroalimentare Società Benefit in the production of Pasta Armando, made with 100% Italian durum wheat sourced from the Armando Supply Chain. Established in 2010, the supply chain now serves the Italian market and reaches 60 international markets.
The company’s goal is to combine high-quality raw materials with human expertise and the most advanced technologies to produce pasta that brings out the distinctive characteristics of the land where the wheat is grown. Fabrizio Nucifora, Brand Sales & Marketing Director at De Matteis Agroalimentare S.p.A., explains the company’s production model and philosophy.
What principles underpin the Armando Supply Chain, and how does the company work with farmers?
«Pasta Armando is made exclusively with 100% durum wheat sourced from the Armando Supply Chain, an alternative model of cooperation between industry and agriculture. It was established in 2010, following an idea by company president and Cavaliere del Lavoro Armando Enzo De Matteis, with the aim of growing the highest-quality wheat in Italy. The ‘Patto Armando’ is the agreement that the company enters into directly with Italian farmers participating in the supply chain, formalised through a dedicated contract. Farmers undertake to sow the durum wheat varieties agreed upon with De Matteis and cultivate them in accordance with strict production specifications. These are designed to achieve a high protein content of at least 14.5%, compared with the legal minimum of 10.5%, as well as a high gluten index. Both are essential to producing high-quality pasta with excellent firmness and flavour. In return, the company provides on-field support from dedicated agronomists and commits to purchasing the harvest at a guaranteed minimum price, which increases according to quality, particularly protein content and compliance with the production specifications. This arrangement gives farmers greater income certainty and the opportunity to achieve better returns».
Environmental protection is also a key priority.
«Protecting the environment starts with a decision the company made back in 2010: establishing an Italian supply chain for the durum wheat used to produce Pasta Armando. Sourcing wheat domestically helps reduce emissions associated with logistics. The production specifications also regulate the use of plant protection products, defining the types and quantities permitted, as well as the conditions under which they may be applied in the fields. This agreement safeguards the product, the end consumer and the land».
It is no coincidence that Pasta Armando was the first pasta made from conventionally farmed wheat to obtain the ‘Zero Pesticide and Glyphosate Residues Method’ certification from the independent certification body Bureau Veritas.
«With the Armando Supply Chain, we have effectively created a virtuous cycle that makes high-quality agriculture compatible with respect for the land. It generates value and employment for the local communities involved and brings a wholesome, flavourful, genuinely Italian product to consumers’ tables».
Care is also taken throughout the production process.
«Bronze-die extrusion and a high protein content of 14.5% make Pasta Armando a gourmet product, ideal for bringing out the best in everyday recipes».
One of your strengths is undoubtedly your ongoing dialogue with chefs.
«For almost ten years, we have maintained a partnership with Chef Alessandro Borghese. This collaboration is built on a shared commitment to bringing high-quality products to the table every day, with full traceability of the raw materials’ origin. It has led to the development of products such as Spaghettone, Penna Liscia and Pasta Mista, which have been warmly welcomed by foodservice professionals and consumers alike».
Turning to the Italian Cuisine Festival in Switzerland, what is your assessment of the event?
«The chosen format, based on a ‘dialogue’ between chefs and pizza makers and designed to foster collaboration, follows the same path that defines our company philosophy. Fine dining is a crucial gateway to international markets. This approach has already delivered results in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan, to name just a few».
The event will also see you working alongside a partner with whom you have a long-standing relationship.
«Our partnership with Maistà Food has been going strong for almost four years, to the satisfaction of both parties. Alongside the pleasure of sharing this new experience, we have enthusiastically chosen to take part in the Italian Cuisine Festival in Switzerland because we want to bring our products to a commercial channel that we consider strategic and extremely important to our business».
