A brand that focuses on the aromas and flavours of the most authentic part of Southern Italy, Sibat Tomarchio, operating since 1920 and still a family owned company, is the market leader in Sicily in the sector of fruit drinks. Its longevity and success are based on a number of factors ranging from the choice of the raw materials used to the ethics and vision of its management. It is on the strength of this that Sibat Tomarchio crossed the domestic boundaries to join the international scene in the sector of fruit beverages. We have been working on expanding our presence on the international market for four years, says Lorenzo Libè, Marketing Manager of Sibat Tomarchio. We are currently present in 15 markets, from North America to Europe, to China. After the successful introduction of the organic PGI line, for the 2017 season we will be introducing two new propositions: a 275 ml glass line (Deliziosa & Autentica), targeted at mainstream food service and a 1 lt pet PGI line, targeted at premium retail.
The flavours’ secrets
There are three secrets to getting delicious flavour. First of all, we only use citruses and fruits from Sicily, from the local supply chain, some of which are organic and certified. For example, the prickly pear juice comes from the northwest of Mount Etna. The distinguishing aspect we are focusing on is a project involving the production chain. We are working together with the district of Sicilian citrus, which includes the Consortium of Red Sicilian Oranges, the PGI Syracuse Lemon, the PDO Orange of Ribera, and the Tangerine of Ciaculli. Our drinks feature 16-20% fruit juice, which is higher than the market average. Second, the water we use is sourced from Mount Etna, which has a peculiar mineralization and thus a unique taste. The third secret to delicious drinks is to use revisited, traditional, craft processes. For example, we still use essential oils of citrus fruit, which we buy from the local growers. We were the first in our industry (fruit juice) to introduce a traceable organic raw materials’ supply chain, that is a short, monitored and controlled supply chain. We maintain close relationships with growers, we talk to them directly, and we know the places where the fruit is cultivated, we consider the wine sector as our role model on this. We feel socially responsible towards our local community, and we buy our juices only from local processors – by doing this, we contribute to add value to the local supply chain. The turnover from exports is divided into 30% from retail and 70% from food service. A growing segment is the specialty B2B where we can bring to our customers our expertise in the citrus base beverages, together with a customized service. Our motto is ‘big enough to do the job, small enough to care.’
The new line
Tomarchio BIO (Organic) is the first project in the Sicilian citrus industry with a controlled chain, thanks to a collaboration with the citrus district of Sicily and Producers Association PGI. Seven organic products which remind us about the fragrances, the harmony and the colors of Sicily. Aranciata Rossa with 16% juice from “PGI Red Orange of Sicily” , Limonata with 16% juice froma “Siracusa Lemon PGI”, Aranciata with 16% juice from “Orange Ribera PDO”, Tangerine with 16% juice from Sicilian Tangerine, Chinotto, Gazzosa and Cola with juice from “Siracusa Lemon PGI” and organic grape juice.