When you think of the products that best represent the pride of Valchiavenna’s territory, Acqua Frisia, produced in Santa Croce di Piuro, occupies a rather special place. Production ceased back in 2014 bringing the threat of both the loss of a veritable economic heritage and a previous standard bearer for the territory. In May 2018, Frisia’s assets were purchased by the French company, Wild Waters Ventures which, once modernisation has been completed, is preparing to relaunch onto the market as early as the first months of 2020.

Plans for distribution envisage a first phase which will embrace the local market (Valchiavenna and Valtellina) where the company will also introduce a home delivery service. Shortly afterwards the intent is to extend its scope to incorporate other parts of Lombardy and Milan, again incorporating a delivery formula with a gradual expansion on a national scale. Frisia is to kick-start again ambitiously, and doing it in a sustainable fashion, with due consideration to the environment by choosing glass instead of plastic. “We take very seriously the responsibility for the return of Acqua Frisia to the social and economic fabric of the valley. That’s why we look very carefully at the territory in which we operate” explained Peter Farrell, 44, married with three children, and Manager of the Santa Croce plant, “We choose local providers in order to create a supply chain which is as short as possible. Our model points towards taking on an important role with the delivery of water on a door to door basis, especially in the large conurbations like Milan, where we expect to be active very early”.