“Quality is at the heart of our commitment in the almond industry.”

Giovana Campobasso

Giovanna Campobasso: “Quality is at the heart of our commitment in the almond industry.”

From Valenzano, in the heart of Puglia, Aziende Campobasso SRL has established itself as a benchmark in the processing of nuts, especially almonds. We spoke with Giovanna Campobasso, the face and voice of this family-run business with a global outlook.

Can you tell us about your company and its role in the almond market?

Aziende Campobasso SRL is a family-owned business based in Valenzano, in the province of Bari, specializing in the selection and processing of nuts, with almonds accounting for about 90% of our business. We mainly serve large-scale retail, the confectionery industry, and wholesalers. We are not just packers: we continuously invest in technology to ensure a clean, safe, visually appealing, and top-quality product. We also own a farm with over 100 hectares of almond orchards, allowing us to deeply understand the entire supply chain.

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How would you describe the current situation of international almond prices?

2024 was an extremely unstable year. Despite abundant production in California and Spain, prices rose unjustifiably. Californian producers set a minimum price threshold below which almonds could not be sold, influencing the entire global market. Now, with very positive forecasts for the 2025 harvest, prices are expected to decline. However, we will see what the next season brings.

What does the international market demand in terms of quality?

First and foremost, the absence of foreign bodies (stones, twigs, plastic, metals). Ground harvesting, which is increasingly widespread, has increased the risk of contamination, which is why we have invested in advanced machinery using X-rays, infrared, and artificial intelligence to ensure a clean product. Customers also want a healthy, intact product free from mold and defects. Appearance is increasingly important, especially for retail: a light-colored, well-shaped almond is synonymous with quality.
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What are the main challenges related to climate change?

Two key issues: water scarcity and late frosts. In Puglia, water is becoming increasingly scarce, so we have adopted precision agriculture techniques, including sensors and double-line subsurface drip irrigation. To combat late frosts, we are planting extra-late flowering varieties such as Penta and Makako. The challenge is finding solutions that are both environmentally and economically sustainable.

What characteristics do international buyers look for?

There is growing attention to safety, traceability, and origin. In recent years, Mediterranean almonds have gained ground over Californian ones due to superior taste and nutritional profile. Additionally, risks linked to aflatoxin in imported almonds are pushing the market toward more controlled production.

Is sustainability an important value for your company?

For Aziende Campobasso, environmental sustainability and the development of Italian almond growing are key pillars of our identity. We collaborate with universities and research institutions on precision agriculture projects that optimize crop management, water use, soil conservation, and processing phases, ensuring high-quality products and greater market competitiveness. Within the company, we self-produce nitrogen for production processes, have installed photovoltaic systems across all our facilities, and use fully recyclable mono-material plastic packaging.

For us, sustainability is a concrete commitment, not a marketing strategy.

What advice would you give to those looking to invest in almond cultivation?

First, thoroughly understand your territory: altitude, climate, water availability. Then choose the varieties that best adapt, especially considering frost risk. Finally, rely on skilled technicians and focus on quality. A well-designed and properly managed orchard is absolutely profitable.

How do you see the evolution of the European market compared to California?

The Californian model has dominated for years, but Europe is now building its own path, more focused on sustainability and varietal diversity. Varieties such as Guara, Antonieta, and Lauranne—which we also grow—offer excellent results and are increasingly in demand.

What are the future strategies of Aziende Campobasso?

Remaining competitive means continuing to invest in technology, constantly improving quality, and building strong relationships with suppliers and customers. We do not compete on price: our customers seek a product that is good, safe, attractive, and sustainable. This is what we will continue to build our future on.

Looking ahead

From precision agriculture to innovation in processing facilities, combined with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, Aziende Campobasso exemplifies how tradition and technology can coexist to deliver an excellent product. In a sector increasingly focused on quality, traceability, and environmental impact, Giovanna Campobasso’s vision highlights a clear direction: creating value through expertise, respect for the land, and attention to detail. Because in the almond world—now a daily food rather than a seasonal one—the future belongs to those who combine passion and professionalism.
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The SES is a label that identifies Agromillora's value proposition based on super-intensive cultivation.