The terms ‘marmalade’ and ‘jam’ are not synonyms of each other: ‘marmalade’ is a product prepared with citrus fruits (lemon, orange, tangerine and, more rarely, citron, grapefruit, and bergamot); ‘jams’ are produced with any other type of fruit (or such vegetables as onion). Another difference is the percentage of fruit used for the preparation, which must be at least 20% for marmalade, 35% for jam, 45% for extra jam.
It is known that the word ‘marmalade’ comes from the Portuguese 'marmelo', or quince. Based on the Roman cookbook attributed to Apicius, dating back to the fourth - fifth century AD, it emerges that ancient Greeks used to boil quinces with honey (in greek ‘melimelon’, that is to say ‘honey apple’), in order to obtain a preserve.
Today, in the market of marmalades and jams the diversification of tastes is steadily increasing. However, this market is ‘simple’ and its evolution has been essentially based on the introduction of dietetic versions of these products as well as broadening of the types of fruit mixes and organic lines. In this domain, ‘Casa Giulia’ is one of the players which have more committed themselves in order to innovate and segment both target and market.
This company was founded in 2001 in the heart of Abruzzo, in an area characterized by a traditional agricultural vocation. Rita Bellelli, Marketing and Communications Manager, explains: «Our production philosophy meets some fundamental concepts: quality of raw materials, genuine products, advanced technologies, production process, in respect of both tradition and innovation». Casa Giulia guarantees the highest degree of food security: the entire production process is subjected to strict and steady controls, from the fruit selected at the entrance to the checks carried out on-line, up to the analysis performed on finished products. Casa Giulia has acquired the most important Italian and foreign certifications - ISO 9001:2008 - ISO 22000, IFS, BRC, ICEA - attesting to the quality of the product, the organic certification, and the production process in accordance with high quality standards.
It is an important partner for the realization of brand product (private label), too, because, thanks to its experimental laboratory for cooking, it can test and develop custom-made recipes, as Rita Bellelli explains.
Consumer tailored
The line 'Classica' is characterized by the high amount of fruit it contains (60-65%). 22 flavours can satisfy every need: cherry, peach, apricot, plums, figs, kiwi, quince, orange, lemon, grape, chestnut cream, strawberry, blackberry, black cherry, blueberries, raspberries, mixed berries, sour cherries, Williams pear. As for citrus mixes: strawberry-lemon, peach-orange, orange-lemon.
The line 'Biologica Zuccheri della Frutta e Agave', is a tasty excellence, the result of a careful selection of raw materials obtained thanks to organic cultivation and ingredients which are perfectly blended in order to always ensure the utmost genuineness of the products. This line is characterized by the use of agave juice, a 100% natural sweetener with important properties, rich in fructose, which does not alter the taste of the fruit. Several references are available: cherry, peach, apricot, strawberry, black cherry, blueberry, mixed berries, Williams pear, plums, tangerine, quince, orange, raspberries, sour cherries.
The 'Royal Blend Gourmet' is a line of jams ideal with cheeses, white meats, or in order to garnish desserts. It is proposed in four original recipes for special combinations: strawberry and balsamic vinegar, orange with brandy, sour cherry with maraschino, mixed berries with maraschino. 
The new product line ‘Agavì’ consists of fruits with a low glycemic index. It was born from a careful scientific research and combines agave juice and selected fruit. Combining health and taste, ‘Agavì’ addresses consumers who want to follow a balanced diet, sportsmen and sportswomen, children who need energy, people with problems concerning glycaemia. The products of this line are excellent for breakfast and snacks. It is available in 6 flavours – orange, strawberry, apricot, peach, blueberry, plums – and has a modern packaging, with bright, strongly appealing colours. ‘Agavì’ is also 100% organic agave juice, ideal for sweetening coffee, drinks, and in the preparation of pastries. It is a natural sweetener extracted from the root of agave plant, its colour is similar to the one of honey, but does not leave any aftertaste. It is composed of fructose and has a low glycemic index. All these products are highly customized, prepared with high quality raw materials and without using dyes, preservatives, allergens, or GMOs. All the jam lines by Casa Giulia are suitable for consumers who suffer from celiac disease.
