This startup deals with the production, promotion, distribution, research and development of dried food products and ingredients, focusing closely on the demands of final customers.
U&D Italia interpret dried vegetable products as a new potential for sustainable consumption, used to create well-balanced meals, ready-made sauces for pasta or rice, cooking stock, oven-ready products, snacks, salads, and many other read-to-use foodstuffs.
All our products fall within current dietary trends: zero waste, alkaline-promoting, clean label, organic, vegan, “high in …” some particular super-food, and they are all quick and easy to use.
The implications of using dried products regard both the alimentary value along with environmental and energy issues, since the characteristics of dried vegetables help to reduce food wastage, transport fuel costs, and derived CO2 emissions.
As regards the latter we think it is important to underline that:
- We use raw materials produced during the periods most suited to the phenological development of the plants, resulting in lower resource and energy costs for farmers
- Drying the vegetables ensures that surplus production is also used and not discarded
- All the plant foliage and fruits are used without generating waste
- These raw materials would not otherwise be marketed due to their inadequate appearance and size
- The slow drying process retains the original organoleptic properties.
- The extended shelf-life of up to 24 months at ambient temperature offers considerable energy savings on refrigeration while also reducing household food wastage.
- The significantly reduced weights and volumes make transport costs much more sustainable
OUR PRODUCTS
Our complete production range is certified and utilizes mostly Italian raw materials, both biological and conventional, providing the following characteristics:
- All products are designed for quick and easy preparation
- Zero kitchen waste without consumers needing to chop, peel, or clean, all of which generate food waste.
- The proposed mixtures provide particular flavours resulting from the development of original recipes.
- The products provide healthy nutritional and dietary values
- The product lines cover the gastronomic preferences for all seasons of the year
- New product lines are under development for specific groups like children, adults, the elderly, sports activists, Thermomix cooking appliance users, etc
- All the products are prepared using high quality raw materials to create healthy mixtures without any additives, flavours, or preservatives
The spread and sharing of healthy food, also on a cultural level, helps reduce disease and demand for medicines and health facilities, with an overall positive social and economic effect.
OUR BUSINESS MODEL
During the early stages of development (2022 - 2023) our products will only be sold on the Italian market, through specialized shops and an e-commerce channel. Supply relations will be developed in parallel with HoReCa and collective catering operators.
Our e-commerce business management plan involves the development of specific dedicated digital services for B2C sales rather than B2B, based on a web portal and Android/iOS apps.
Consumers using our digital channel can fill in a customized profile regarding their nutritional requirements (+ protein, + fibre, - sugars, - calories), generating their own “personal products” that include their preferred ingredients.
The nutritional and/or gastronomic characteristics can be assessed in real-time and they are provided with a nutritional and calorific breakdown for their product.
Finally, a nutritional label can be printed with the option of customizing the package layout.
Users will be able to use their private profile to record all their product creations, giving them constant access to the nutritional and calorific values of their purchases, along with information and advice from nutritional professionals and experts.
The second phase of development (2023 - 2024) will feature a consistent expansion of the service with new recipes, functions, and formats.
The business plan will be completed in a third phase of development (2024 - 2025) with entry to the EU market, concentrating in particular on northern European countries.