EcorNaturaSì

EcorNaturaSì S.p.A. Società Benefit stands as a key figure in Italy's organic and biodynamic sector, operating as a producer, wholesaler, and retailer. The company's origins trace back to 1985 when a group of friends, including current president Fabio Brescacin, established a small cooperative store named Ariele in Conegliano. This initiative was driven by a shared commitment to anthroposophy and biodynamic agriculture, aiming to provide healthy food while respecting the earth.

Fabio Brescacin, a graduate in agriculture from the University of Padua, has been a central figure since the beginning, driven by a vision to create a more sustainable agricultural model. His journey began after observing lifeless, chemically-treated farms, which sparked his interest in biodynamic farming. This led to the creation of Ariele, followed by the founding of the distribution company Gea in 1987, which later became Ecor S.p.A. in 1998. The current EcorNaturaSì entity was formed in January 2009 through the merger of Ecor, the wholesale distributor, and NaturaSì, a network of organic supermarkets founded in Verona in 1992. This vertical integration created a comprehensive ecosystem from farm to consumer.

The company operates a multi-faceted business model. It manages a network of over 300 affiliated organic and biodynamic farms across Italy, some of which it directly participates in, such as Fattoria Di Vaira. This ensures a stable supply chain and supports small producers by planning crops and guaranteeing fair prices. Revenue is generated through its retail operations, which include over 300 NaturaSì branded supermarkets across Italy, operating under a mix of direct ownership, partnerships, and franchising. The stores offer a wide assortment of over 9,000 certified organic and biodynamic products, including fresh produce, packaged foods, and personal care items. EcorNaturaSì also distributes products to independent specialized stores. The business model is rooted in creating a transparent and ethical supply chain that benefits all stakeholders, a principle reflected in its status as a "Società Benefit" (Benefit Corporation) since 2021. This legal status formalizes the company's commitment to creating a positive societal and environmental impact alongside profit.

A cornerstone of the company's philosophy is its ownership structure, with the non-profit Libera Fondazione Antroposofica Rudolf Steiner as a key shareholder, ensuring that profits are reinvested to support the mission, including educational initiatives and agricultural support. This structure is designed to maintain the company's independence and mission-driven focus. The company also engages consumers through initiatives like bond offerings that fund organic farming projects.

Keywords: organic food retail, biodynamic agriculture, sustainable food systems, Italian organic market, farm-to-fork, ethical business, specialty food distribution, organic supermarkets, Fabio Brescacin, agricultural cooperative, Società Benefit, anthroposophy, food supply chain integration, certified organic products, sustainable farming, healthy food, environmental stewardship, community-supported agriculture, organic wholesale, natural products