Family Project Revives Abandoned Groves in Italy’s Sannio Region

Key Takeaways

• Restored 50 original trees after 2015 Benevento flood
• Added ~2,000 new trees across 100‑480 m elevation
• Monovarietal Mosaico won Gold at 2026 NYIOOC
• Uses organic fertilizers and water‑wise management in hilly terrain
• Hosts tastings and farm‑to‑table events to promote Sannio

Pulse Analysis

The 2015 flood that devastated the Benevento area became a catalyst for Settemisure’s founders, cousins Francesca and Mariarosaria Tancredi and their cousin Alberto Di Santo. Returning to their ancestral land in Solopaca, they salvaged fifty family olive trees and used the experience to map and reclaim abandoned groves throughout the Sannio region. By emphasizing indigenous cultivars, they give voice to a terroir that has long been overlooked, positioning the area as a niche source of high‑quality, character‑driven olive oil.

Sustainability sits at the core of Settemisure’s operations. The growers employ organic fertilizers, precision irrigation and a traditional orchard layout that respects the hilly topography ranging from 100 to 480 meters. Harvested fruit moves swiftly to nearby, technologically advanced mills, preserving flavor integrity. This approach paid off when their Ortice‑based monovarietal, Mosaico, earned a Gold Medal at the 2026 New York International Olive Oil Competition, signaling the brand’s readiness to compete internationally and expand export channels.

Beyond production, Settemisure leverages agritourism to amplify regional awareness. Tastings, farm‑to‑table events and guided tours invite visitors to experience Sannio’s landscape, cuisine and heritage, fostering local economic vitality. The initiative mirrors a broader Italian trend of revitalizing abandoned agricultural land to meet rising global demand for authentic, traceable products. As climate pressures intensify, Settemisure’s model demonstrates how heritage, sustainability and strategic branding can converge to create resilient, premium‑value agribusinesses.