The BBC Good Food Winter Show 2024
Last week marked a monumental milestone for Castruriali as we made our official debut at the BBC Good Food Winter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, from November 21st to 24th, 2024. This was not just our first public appearance but also an opportunity to introduce the essence of Sicilian tradition, embodied in our authentic extra virgin olive oil, to a wider audience.
We want to extend a heartfelt grazie mille to everyone who supported us during this journey. To our amazing team, who worked tirelessly to make this event possible, and to our customers, who took the time to engage with us, taste our product, and share their thoughts—we couldn’t have done it without you.
The Journey Begins
In November 2023, Castruriali was born—not just as an idea but as a tangible, ambitious project rooted in the rich soil of Castroreale, Sicily. This trip was the beginning of something extraordinary: a mission to revive the ancient, rare Nustrali olive variety and bring its exquisite flavour to the world.
I was joined on this pivotal journey by my trusted friend and business partner, Marco Rappazzo, whose deep connection to the region made this venture possible. Together, we explored the village and its surroundings, accompanied by Marco’s brother Luca Rappazzo and his family. It was a meeting of minds, hearts and shared purpose as we sought to uncover the secrets of Nustrali—a native variety steeped in tradition and almost forgotten by time.