Bergamot, the land

4.9.2025

If you taste a Bergamot, be ready to travel through the mistery of the Greek Calabria, land of myth, isolated, wild, rural.

Inside the scent of this wonderful fruit you will find the hospitable and spiritual. The scent of a Greek landscape, in food, in religious traditions, in craftsmanship, in idioms: remember that between the Aspromonte and the Ionian, many elders still speak the language of Homer!

They will say to you:

“In the heart of Calabria, between sun-kissed hills and sea, grows the Bergamot of Reggio—a rare and precious fruit that tells the story of an authentic land.”

“Its unique fragrance, cherished around the world, embodies the essence of a place rich in millennia-old traditions and a genuine way of life.”

“Here, not only does bergamot thrive—an entire village comes to life. Strolling through its ancient alleys, breathing in the scent of citrus groves, means rediscovering an authentic rhythm of life.”

“Today, you can take home not just the taste of bergamot, but also the unique experience of this territory. Explore real estate opportunities in the village: a home among citrus groves, an authentic retreat in a land perfumed with bergamot.”

“Come visit our bergamot groves, taste the essence of Calabria, and let yourself be captivated by the idea of living here…”

IF NOW YOU ARE INTERESTED TO BUY A PROPERTY, WHERE BERGAMOT GROWS, click on the following picture and contact our no profit entity, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH US, which promotes the culture of repopulating abandoned villages in Calabria: APS COMUNITA’ BENEDICT…www.aps-benedict.org

(Eng. traslation): Where is Bergamot, discover its village, find a property, live there

This fruit grows in the Grecanic area (which preserves deep Byzantine traces), from Pentedattilo to Bova, passing through Amendolea, Gallicianò, Roghudi, Chorìo, Roccaforte, Condofuri, Palizzi, Staiti, Sant’Agata del Bianco, Brancaleone, up to Africo, where the stranger is still a deity.

Our producers lives in the area of the urban archaeological park of Brancaleone Vetus (“ancient”), which looks down on the so called “Valley of Armenians” and its villages.

Cascade of Amendolea

The gaze ranges from new Africo to the marina of Bruzzano, not only on bergamot plantations, but also on ancient vines and ancient olive trees.

The native goats, balanced on the steep walls of the mountains, among small groups of abandoned houses, have a prehistoric beauty.

Brancaleone Vetus

THE SEA OF CORRADO ALVARO

The sea, in front of the land of bergamot, is like you’ve never seen it before. Needless to say that it is Caribbean: in the Greek navies of Calabria “the deserted sea lays like a child’s painting on the arc-shaped, white and solitary coast“, wrote Corrado Alvaro, a famous writer native of San Luca.

Corrado Alvaro

On the sandy beach, from Melito to Brancaleone, it will be easy to follow the turtle hatching: the environmentalists of the Caretta turtle Calabria Conservation association will guide you in the exploration.

This way your journey in Calabria, through the scent of bergamot, will become also a real experience of the richness of sea and a chance to learn new things.

Overall, you will find inside this sensorial experience, also the reminiscence of the museum of the Greek-Calabrian language of Bova, so named after the German linguist Gerhard Rohlfs.

Pentedattilo ghost village

He was the first to support the  origin from Magna Graecia of the spoken language still living in the Hellenophonic villages and in the most inaccessible slopes of the southern Aspromonte.

The Greek Calabria is “like a relic” of 2500 years ago.

Africo Ruins in the Grecanic area

Local Shepherds are as repositories of secrets and ancient knowledge. For example, the music and the tarantellas “remember the sacred dances of the Greeks”.

This is the reason why the nuance of the green fruit of bergamot takes you directly in the land of the village of Pentedattilo, a small village which was recovered (this is a few houses perched on a rock that stands out like a giant hand)…You will discover, incidentally, that its name is the same greek word for a hand with five fingers!

House in the stones

Now Pentadattilo backs to life thanks to the commitment of the Pro Pentedattilo association.

Now there is a bar, shops, a hostel and a popular hotel. Every year the Pentedattilo film fest brings international cinema operators to the scene. And many fans: usually from 26 to 31 August. And here, you will find in every bar a very tasteful juice of bergamot!

Etna volcano, a sight of Sicily from Aspromonte

WHERE STAY / LOCAL ARTISANS

You sleep in characteristic B&Bs or in hotel houses. Hospitality is often managed by local cooperatives.

Cascade of Maesano

The flavors of the kitchen and of bergamot awaken pastoral memories. And only in Bova it is possible to choose between seven restaurants, which offers bergamot flavored dishes. Organic is a fact.

Greek-speaking village of Bova

Further, here you will find the wooden or terracotta souvenirs, which are of fine craftsmanship, called the “pinakes“, the votive tablets that the Greeks printed in honor of Demetra, or the “musulupare“, carved wooden containers, with anthropomorphic forms, to shape the cheese.

Quiet Nature in Aspromonte

Artisans made them in Melito, near Condofuri.

Seafront of Melito

Along with collars for goats, bagpipes and old tools that are real pieces of art. Other local artists create delicious Greek madonnas with cherry, olive, medlar and chestnut branches.

The mysterious monolith “Pietra Cappa”

The ceramists elaborate Greekism in a contemporary key.

Reggio Calabria

In their workshops on the outskirts of Reggio Calabria they mold enchanting artifacts that tell stories and myths of the Grecanic area, and of bergamot.

Castle Ruffo, near Amendolea and Condofuri

The designers in their small workshops in Delianuova (on the slopes of Aspromonte) realizes bijoux for high fashion with what nature offers: berries, leaves, pine cones, woods sea urchins, shells, starfish.

Also bergamots, citrus fruits, vine shoots, crystallized bread, hemp and hard stones. Land and sea become catwalk jewelry.

Delianuova in the Winter

Conclusively: “The unique fragrance of Bergamot is born here, in Calabria, among citrus groves overlooking the sea and hills rich in history.
This precious fruit is the symbol of an authentic and unparalleled territory.
But there’s more than just bergamot here: there’s a vibrant village that welcomes and offers the chance to make a dream come true.
Imagine a home surrounded by greenery, immersed in tradition, nature, and unique flavors.
Today, you can take home not just bergamot, but also a piece of Calabria.
Visit our bergamot groves and let yourself be captivated by the real estate opportunities in the village. The future smells of authenticity!”

IF NOW YOU ARE INTERESTED TO VISIT THE LAND, WHERE BERGAMOT GROWS, click on the following picture and contact our trusted hospitality, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH US, which promotes the tourism in the old fashioned villages in Calabria: VILLA TIGANI...www.villatigani.com/

calabria

Esplora una regione bagnata da due mari e coperta di boschi di pini, misteriosi paesi, habitat naturali, biodiversità, enogastronomia. Programma una visita turistica presso l’operatore di fiducia, VILLA TIGANI, Davoli

REMEMBER THE ELDERS MOTTO:

“Where bergamot is born, the soul of Calabria lives.”

“The scent of a fruit, the story of a land.”

“Bergamot: the essence that tells our territory’s tale.”

IF NOW YOU ARE INTERESTED TO BUY A PROPERTY, WHERE BERGAMOT GROWS, click on the following picture and contact our no profit entity, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH US, which promotes the culture of repopulating abandoned villages in Calabria: APS COMUNITA’ BENEDICT...www.aps-benedict.org

(Eng. traslation): Where is Bergamot, discover its village, find a property, live there

THEY ALSO SAY: TASTE AND VISIT THE VILLAGE AND THE HOMES

“Not just bergamot: a village to live in, a home to love.”

“A unique fruit, an authentic village, a secure investment.”

“Live where bergamot grows.”

“Take home the bergamot, discover the village, experience Calabria.”

“From fruit to home: the scent of bergamot guides you to the village.”

“Invest in authenticity: bergamot, land, and tradition.”

SMAF – Export Activation

3.7.2025


OUR BUSINESS PLAN

A new era is coming; our company is developping new skills, avaling of our mature expertise. This is an introduction, we are actively searching partners and clients.

Business Name: “SMAF- Export Activation”
– Developed by SMAF Ltd, Society for Mediterranean Authentic Food

Our aim is transforming the current export company into a new distinctive asset, scalable and customizable according to each client producer.

A. “Secure Export” Project – Integrated Food & Legal Offer. Its Objective:
– To provide Italian producers, whether Calabrian or from other regions, with comprehensive legal coverage, reducing risks and facilitating entry into new markets.

– Offer Structure (3 Modular Levels)

LevelContentTarget Segment
Basic– Legal export checklist- Support with customs codes- Labelling consultationSmall businesses just starting out
Advanced– Contract review and analysis- NDA, licensing, distribution, and agency support- Trademark registration in Italy/EUCompanies with active exports
Premium– Due diligence on foreign partners- Trademark registration in USA/Asia- Compliance monitoring + litigation supportProducers with established markets
meeting of team of business people

B. Included Legal Services
(Provided within SMAF Ltd by the partner law firm)

  1. Export Contracting
    • Distribution, licensing, and agency agreements
  2. Trademark Registration
    • Italy, EUIPO, WIPO (for USA, China, etc.)
  3. Due Diligence
    • Reliability and solvency checks on foreign distributors
  4. Legal Protection & Disputes
    • Assistance with international legal disputes
  5. Compliance
    • Food labeling in accordance with EU and non-EU regulations
    • Compliance with safety and traceability standards

C. Law Firm – Export Company Collaboration Model

AspectDetails
PartnershipLaw firm acting as outsourced legal partner
BrandingCo-branding of the mixed consultancy “SMAF Export-Activation”
Revenue SharingFixed fee or % for each activated service
TrainingWebinars and free introductory consultations for export clients
Ongoing SupportOn-demand legal service upon request

D. How to Present the Project to Producers

  • Dedicated landing page: “Export Safely with Our Legal Experts”
  • PDF informational brochure
  • Case Study: “How a Calabrian company registered its trademark in France and signed a deal with a French importer”
  • Project showcased at trade fairs or during meetings with buyers

E. How we help you

  • LOGISTICS: SMAF Associates LTD uses or searches conveyors to achieve the best shipping. In particular, SMAF Associates LTD organizes food transportation by air, sea, road and combined transport.
  • CUSTOMS: Practical customs clearance by means of competent shippers both via sea and land. SMAF Ltd is able to quickly customs clear your goods to and from abroad thanks to our customs service that takes care of all customs procedures:
  • Definitive export;
  • Definitive import;
  • Entry into free circulation;
  • Temporary exportation;
  • Temporary importation;
  • Introduction customs warehouse;
  • Introduction VAT deposit;
  • Assistance for the issue of an approved exporter certification.

Through the domiciled procedure and the AEO certification issued by the Customs and Monopoly Agency, customs clearance takes place in a rapid and direct manner. Our partners manage, on request, a private customs warehouse and an IVA deposit and are ready to provide you with an attentive advice on your customs practices thanks to the competence and the multi-year experience of our customs department which will give you the best way to customs operations of your business.

  • INSURANCE: Insurance coverage through insurance agencies established in the industry, in the following fields:
  • Civil Liability or contractual obligations incumbent upon the forwarder, Carrier, Logistic Operator, Depositary.
  • Rates and conditions are the best in the international market and are a real competitive advantage.

Our work allows you to outsource the burden of:

  • Identifying insurable risks and describe the insurance interest
  • Treating the insurance conditions and support the customer in evaluating the most appropriate proposal
  • Fulfilling contractual obligations
  • Acting to get the liquidation of the claim.

We also offer concrete help in correctly assessing and covering the liability risks assumed by law or by contract in respect of:

  • Errors / omissions committed during execution of the mandate
  • Loss or damage suffered by the goods taken for shipment / transport / storage
  • Insurance for account.
  • EXPERTISE: In order to carry out transport we may need insurance inquiries, our company uses authorized experts who also solves this specific problem.