La Maruna

This activity began life as an association in the 1980s and in 2003, thanks to the drive of Robert Rocci, it became a cooperative, now headed by Marco Re. The 17 original founder members have now been joined by a hundred or so more, all with the same objective: to promoted the sweet chestnut, a prized autumn fruit in the Upper and Mid Susa Valley which in 2010 was granted the PGI denomination. Regarded as the common chestnut’s noble brother, it is still cultivated with traditional techniques in compliance with a strict production protocol which envisages the clearing of undergrowth, no treatment with chemicals and the use of solely natural manure. The chestnut growers deliver their fruits fresh to the cooperative, where they are sized and packaged accordingly. Then, in collaboration with local firms, they are transformed into cream spreads, candied and preserved in syrup, and whole and chopped marrons glacés. The Tum brewery in Cavour also uses them to make a craft beer, while some members produce specialities with hazelnuts.

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