A revamped recipe, a certified supply chain, and increased attention to packaging sustainability. These are the elements that characterize the new preservative-free Pesto alla Genovese presented by Polli, a historic Italian brand founded in 1872 and a leading player in the pesto and vegetable preserves market.
This innovation is the result of an investment program developed in recent years in the Italian basil supply chain, with the goal of offering consumers a product that maintains its flavor and quality while eliminating the use of preservatives.
The pesto is made with 100% Italian basil from a certified supply chain and is processed within 24 hours of harvest. The leaves are picked early in the morning and processed quickly to preserve their color, aroma, and organoleptic characteristics.
The main innovation lies in the recipe itself, which completely forgoes preservatives while maintaining the tradition and distinctive flavor of Genoese pesto. This choice reflects growing consumer interest in products featuring simpler ingredients and transparent production processes.
Along with the recipe, Polli has also updated its packaging. The product is available in a double 90-gram format and features packaging that, according to the company, reduces CO2 emissions by 25% compared to the previous solution. This was achieved through the use of lightweight jars, glass produced in Italy with a higher percentage of recycled material, and new, lower-emission lids.
The company thus emphasizes the link between the quality of raw materials, supply chain traceability, and environmental sustainability, elements that today represent an increasingly important part of the food sector's development strategies.
Founded over 150 years ago, Polli closed 2025 with a turnover of €191 million, 78% of which was generated in foreign markets. The group operates in 60 countries, has four production plants, and annually processes approximately 5.300 tons of basil leaves, producing over 210 million packages. The company employs approximately 410 people and has three direct sales subsidiaries in Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
