“We know exactly where our bees fly and which flowers they visit”
Interview with Walter Caruso, Sales Director
For nearly a century, Apicultura Vangelisti s.r.l. has been crafting one of nature’s purest and most beloved delicacies: honey. But behind the golden jars lies far more than just a sweet treat. This is the story of a family business rooted in tradition, guided by values, and driven by an enduring passion for bees, biodiversity, and craftsmanship. What began in the Tuscan countryside in 1929 has grown into one of Italy’s leading honey producers – trusted by partners across retail, food, pharmaceutical and professional sectors. Through a thoughtful blend of authenticity, product expertise and modern business strategy, Apicultura Vangelisti shows how enduring heritage and bold innovation can successfully shape the future of a natural product.
European Business: Mr. Caruso, how has Apicultura Vangelisti evolved over time?
Walter Caruso: We started out in 1929 as a family-run beekeeping business – and our identity is still shaped by that same family spirit. Vangelisti is the surname of our founder, and his descendants are still actively involved. Over three generations, we’ve built our philosophy around three pillars: deep knowledge of the raw material, uncompromising quality control, and strategic diversification across different sales channels.
European Business: Which industries or customer segments are currently most important for you?
Walter Caruso: Our key customer segments include retail, food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and the professional sector – such as bakeries, pastry shops, and gelaterias. Each has different needs, so we tailor our products and packaging accordingly. In pharma, honey is used in syrups and supplements; in food production, it’s valued for its natural benefits. We see strong potential in health-driven and organic markets, where demand for functional, natural ingredients continues to grow.
European Business: Where does your honey come from, and how do you select and work with your suppliers?
Walter Caruso: Our honey comes from all over Italy and Europe. Different monofloral honeys – like orange blossom, acacia, or chestnut – depend on specific regions and climates. For instance, we work with cooperatives in southern Italy for orange blossom honey and partner with beekeepers in Hungary for acacia. We know exactly where our bees go – right down to the flowers they visit.
European Business: Are you also exporting your products?
Walter Caruso: Export is an area of increasing focus for us. Currently, about 5% of our turnover comes from international markets. We’re targeting premium markets where consumers appreciate the unique characteristics of Italian monofloral honeys. This isn’t about mass production – it’s about differentiation and quality.
European Business: Sustainability is a major issue today. How do you contribute?
Walter Caruso: Sustainability is deeply embedded in our company culture. We use gentle processing methods at low temperatures to preserve the honey’s natural properties while keeping energy consumption low. We’ve also installed solar panels that now supply 70% of our energy needs. And we’re actively investing in biodiversity projects, including tracking bee populations in protected areas.
European Business: Climate change must be a concern for your sector, isn’t it?
Walter Caruso: Absolutely. Honey is only produced during specific flowering periods, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate, we suffer losses in both quantity and quality. For example, this year we saw very low acacia yields due to poor weather during blooming. We need to act as sentinels, constantly monitoring climate patterns and adjusting accordingly – because in our business, nature sets the pace.
European Business: What innovations are you exploring to stay ahead?
Walter Caruso: We’re investing heavily in organic products and clean-label solutions, as these areas continue to grow steadily. Consumers want fewer additives – and honey, as a pure, single-ingredient product, fits perfectly into that demand. It offers natural sweetness along with valuable nutritional and functional benefits. At the same time, we’re updating our marketing channels to better tell our story and highlight what makes us different.
European Business: And what about your participation in trade fairs?
Walter Caruso: Trade fairs are important for building relationships and exploring new markets. This year we exhibited at SIGEP in Rimini through a partner, and we plan to attend more international events like Anuga in the future. These events are great for connecting with both customers and potential collaborators.
European Business: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the company?
Walter Caruso: Our vision is to continue growing without losing our soul. Our goal is to steadily increase our export share, tap into promising niche markets, and strengthen our position as a reliable and high-quality partner in the honey industry. The entry of Dea Capital Alternative Funds—whose role in the agricultural sector is to invest in the first stage of agri-industrial transformation—has enabled a faster phase of development in management, organization, and strategy. At the same time, we remain firmly committed to our core values: craftsmanship, sustainability, and long-term relationships. Above all, we believe that behind every jar of honey lies a story of nature, dedication, and timeless craftsmanship—one that deserves to be shared and preserved.