The story of Pistì, a company founded in the heart of Sicily, in Bronte, province of Catania, is a tale of passion, tradition and innovation. In little more than twenty years, Pistì has managed to become a major player in the Italian and international confectionery industry, bringing with it the authentic flavour of Sicily and, in particular, the Bronte pistachio, known as the island's green gold.

Bronte: The Land of Pistachio

Bronte is a small town on the slopes of Mount Etna, world-famous for its pistachio production. With its 25,000 inhabitants, Bronte accounts for almost 1% of the world's pistachio production, a surprising figure considering the relatively small size of the community. On average, around 4 million kilos of pistachios are harvested every even-numbered year, while the odd-numbered years are rest years for the plants, which accumulate energy for the following season. This two-year rhythm, known as 'year on' and 'year off', is a unique characteristic of pistachio cultivation in Bronte.

The Bronte pistachio is distinguished by its intense flavour and emerald green colour, making it a prized and much sought-after product. Cultivated on around 3,000 hectares of volcanic soil, the pistachio ripens slowly, with harvesting taking place between late August and early September. This long ripening gives the fruit a rich and complex flavour that makes it inimitable.

The Origins of Pistì

Pistì's adventure began in 2002, when two young Sicilians, Nino Marino and Vincenzo Longhitano, decided to set up an artisan workshop for the production of typical Sicilian sweets. Marino and Longhitano, who were just 23 years old at the time, had a dream: to bring the flavours of their land to the world, keeping intact the tradition and quality they had learned to love since childhood.

Vincenzo, originally from Bronte, had grown up with pistachio culture and from a young age delighted in inventing new recipes using this precious ingredient. Out of this shared passion came the idea of creating a workshop that would produce not only pistachio sweets, but also a wide range of Sicilian specialities: nougats, martorana fruit, crunchy nuts, chocolate, almond specialities, panettone and colomba.

Pistì's small workshop thus began to make a name for itself thanks to the quality of its products and its attention to detail. The debut at Cibus in Parma, one of the most important international food fairs, marks the beginning of a successful path. Orders start arriving in increasing numbers, and the company soon finds itself in need of expansion. This led to the purchase of an entire pastry shop in the centre of Bronte, where Pistì began to produce on a larger scale, while keeping the artisanal quality intact.

Company Growth

Pistì's success continues to grow, and in 2009 the company inaugurated a 4,000-square-metre production space, a real pastry workshop built on Etna's volcanic slope. This space, although not a large factory, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that allows the company to maintain a very high level of production while preserving the craftsmanship that distinguishes Pistì products.

One of the most innovative features of this workshop is its energy self-sufficiency: the energy needed for production is generated thanks to 3,000 square metres of photovoltaic panels installed on the building. This choice reflects Pistì's commitment not only to product quality, but also to environmental sustainability.

Today, Pistì employs around 200 people at peak production times, with a special focus on the inclusion of young women, who make up 90% of the workforce and who, according to Marino, demonstrate exceptional precision and care in the production process.

The Pistachio Chain

One of the keys to Pistì's success is the direct management of the entire production chain, from the pistachio grove to the shelf. The company was among the first to receive authorisation for the sale and processing of 'Pistacchio verde di Bronte DOP', a designation that guarantees the origin and quality of the product.

Pistì owns around 60 hectares of land dedicated to pistachio cultivation, but demand for this ingredient is so high that the company is forced to buy a significant part of its requirements from external producers. In total, Pistì uses around 500 tonnes of pistachios every two years, and to meet this demand it turns not only to the local market, but also abroad, importing pistachios from countries such as Iran, Greece, California, Turkey and Spain.

This approach allows Pistì to guarantee a constant supply and maintain a high quality standard, regardless of market fluctuations or local production difficulties.

International Market Expansion

Although Pistì is deeply rooted in Sicily, the company has always had an international outlook. Already in its early years, Pistì began exporting its products outside Italy, conquering markets in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, California and Japan. Today, 30% of the company's production is for export, with a presence in 41 countries worldwide.

Pistì's success on foreign markets is the result of a careful strategy and constant commitment to maintaining the standards of quality and authenticity that distinguish Sicilian products. The company has been able to enhance the 'Made in Italy' brand, offering products that combine traditional craftsmanship with innovation, and that are able to meet the needs of a global public that is increasingly attentive to the quality and origin of food.

The company's flagship product is the pistachio cream spreada true best-seller that has conquered the Italian and international markets thanks to its intense flavour and versatility. This cream, made with the prized Bronte pistachio, is perfect both to enjoy on its own and as an ingredient for cakes and desserts.

The Brontese Panettone: A Novelty for the Christmas Holidays

For the Christmas holidays, Pistì has introduced a novelty that is already causing quite a stir: the Panettone Brontese. This special leavened product is filled with Bronte Pistachio Dop cream and covered with white chocolate and pistachio grains. The Panettone Brontese is the latest example of Pistì's ability to combine tradition and innovation, creating products that bring out the authentic flavours of Sicily in a format that can be enjoyed all over the world.

The recipe for Panettone Brontese is a tribute to the Italian confectionery tradition, but with a touch of originality that makes it unique. The soft and fragrant dough of the panettone, combined with the richness of the pistachio cream and the sweetness of the white chocolate, creates a perfect balance of flavours and textures. This product is available in a 900 g gift box, designed to be a refined and original gift during the festive season.

Objectives and Future Prospects

2019 was a year of great growth for Pistì, with turnover reaching EUR 45 million, up from EUR 30 million in 2018. The company has set an ambitious target for 2020: to achieve a turnover of between EUR 55 and 58 million, with a balanced distribution between the domestic and international markets.

These results are the result of an unwavering commitment to innovation and quality, combined with a strategic vision that has enabled Pistì to successfully expand into foreign markets. Marino and Longhitano are convinced that the company's future lies in its ability to continue to grow while keeping intact the values and philosophy that have guided Pistì from the beginning: a passion for the authentic flavours of Sicily, attention to quality and detail, and a commitment to sustainability.

Conclusion

Pistì's story is an example of how passion, dedication and entrepreneurial vision can transform a small artisan workshop into an internationally successful reality. From Bronte, a small town on the slopes of Mount Etna, Pistì has been able to bring the authentic flavours of Sicily to tables all over the world, becoming a symbol of excellence and quality.

Pistì's future looks bright, with new products on the way and expansion into new markets. The pistachio spread and Panettone Brontese are just two examples of how the company continues to innovate while remaining true to its roots. With production that follows the entire supply chain, from the pistachio grove to the shelf, and a constant commitment to quality and sustainability, Pistì is ready to face the challenges of the future and continue to grow, bringing the best of Sicily to the world.