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Since the Unification of Italy..
When the world was different from what it is today, when there were no computers or airplanes or televisions, when automobiles were but few and primitive, and candles and oil lamps brightened the darkness, “Balena” anchovy paste was already here.
Those were the days of Giuseppe Verdi, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Giuseppe Mazzini, Richard Wagner and Alessandro Manzoni’s book The Betrothed (I Promessi Sposi). These people and their society already enjoyed a modern delicacy that was extremely versatile in the kitchen. It was suitable for a huge variety of dishes, from the most elaborate recipes to what we would call an “instant snack”. In those early days, emphasis was on first courses, while today’s world leans increasingly towards quick solutions.
With such a long past, “Balena” is beyond history. It stands apart as it did then, as it does now and as it will in the future thanks to is constant wholesomeness. “Balena” anchovy paste is not made with any ingredients that are not top quality salted anchovies…and a bit dedication on our part!
It is a product that is and always has been Italian, and it is so simple that it is inimitable.
These features are behind our slogan:
Something Very Special!
How anchovy paste was born
It all began among the beautiful islands of the Tuscan Archipelago where salting anchovies had been done since ancient times. Then, the islanders created a condiment by finely chopping salted anchovies and then pounding them in a small mortar. Around the middle of the nineteenth century, this basic condiment led to the development of a new product called “anchovy paste”. It was no longer a lumpy impasto, but rather a refined, smooth product without bones. Not a cream, but a “paste” in order not to lose the flavour and essence of the fine anchovies.
How anchovy paste was born
It all began among the beautiful islands of the Tuscan Archipelago where salting anchovies had been done since ancient times. Then, the islanders created a condiment by finely chopping salted anchovies and then pounding them in a small mortar. Around the middle of the nineteenth century, this basic condiment led to the development of a new product called “anchovy paste”. It was no longer a lumpy impasto, but rather a refined, smooth product without bones. Not a cream, but a “paste” in order not to lose the flavour and essence of the fine anchovies.
Our trademark
It was nearly 1880 when the founder’s name was used to develop the logo which, from that moment on would be the “Balena” trademark. The family name, which means “whale” in Italian seems to have been created to inspire the trademark: a spouting whale swimming on the surface of the sea struck by a zigzagging red bolt of lightning. According to an oral tradition handed down for generations that bolt symbolizes quality which, like a powerful electric discharges, gives the product its strength and quality.
The Tube and the Tricolour
Over the years, production equipment became more modern and ingenious and the tube was chosen as the ideal container for the anchovy paste. Initially the tubes were made of tin, and only much later was the change made to aluminium, and it was marked not only with the “Balena” logo, but also with the Italian tricolour, as an homage to the newly created Italian State (1861). By virtue of that decision, made more than one hundred years ago, the Italian tricolour on our tubes has been officially recognized as one of the distinctive and inimitable symbols of “Balena” anchovy paste. Over these many years we have constantly focused on enrichment. This was important for how the product would develop in the ensuing decades: identifying new sources which, while respecting the old rules, further improve the original recipe. As the product became increasingly popular, the number of clients grew and “Balena” anchovy paste acquired an ever larger group of very loyal and devoted customers.
Balena Today
Following the example set by the founders, the current managers of Balena S.r.l. continue to respect the old production methods and traditions. And, they have strengthened the company, expanding the domestic market and entering many markets abroad.
>The tradition continues
>
>Following the example set by the founders, the current managers of Balena S.r.l. continue to respect the old production methods and traditions. And, they have strengthened the company, expanding the domestic market and entering many markets abroad.
>The tradition continues
>
Food Safety
The world of fish-processing is as fascinating as it is demanding. “You don’t mess with fish” is an old saying, and there can never be too many checks to guarantee the wholesomeness of our products. Considered an example of qualitative excellence among food producers by the Tuscan Healthcare System, Balena cooperates actively with the local health service (ASL) veterinarians to perfect its processes down to the smallest details using the most careful and modern control methods. Each product is subjected to chemical and microbiological testing before it is put on the market and throughout its shelf life. This is done by the finest testing institutes that are certified according to the strictest standards of quality-management systems and accredited by the Italian government’s Ministry of Health.
Technology
Aside from the critical process phases that must be done entirely according to the old and original craft methods, all the rest has been and continues to be constantly updated with modern technologies. We place special emphasis on health controls, conducting chemical and microbiological tests on each batch from the first step and throughout the product’s shelf life.
Aside from the critical process phases that must be done entirely according to the old and original craft methods, all the rest has been and continues to be constantly updated with modern technologies. We place special emphasis on health controls, conducting chemical and microbiological tests on each batch from the first step and throughout the product’s shelf life.
Balena S.r.l.: a timeless guarantee
From the business standpoint, the attention the company devotes to all its clients – from the traditional wholesale trade to the newer supermarkets and chains – is legendary. “Balena” anchovy paste, long acknowledged as the market leader, is readily available even in the smallest, outlying traditional stores and in most supermarkets and superstores. Today, Balena S.r.l, with its strong organization and well-diversified clientele is one of the most important speciality food industries in Italy. However, the spirit that started it all – the search for top quality, not on the whole, but in each and every tube that is prepared just as it was more than one hundred fifty years ago with artisanal care – lives on.