Butiga: The farm-to-shelf store reviving culture and tradition in Kaštelir
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
Butiga (Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
The newly opened store, “Butiga”, in the small settlement of Kaštelir in Istria, has been reviving the local farming culture and tradition through local products.
“Butiga” is not just a place for local and healthy food from local producers, but also a place that is reviving the culture, tradition, and identity of Kaštelir and Labinac.
The project was conceived through the collaborative efforts of the Kaštelir-Labinci Municipality, the Kaštelir-Labinci Tourist Board, and the Agricultural Association Vitis.
Butiga (Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
The store is located in the former bus station waiting area and is the result of sustainable tourism development, a primary focus in the Kaštelir region.
Through the products offered in “Butiga,” everyone has the opportunity to explore the authentic flavours, scents, and artistry of the local area.
Butiga (Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
The place is also an opportunity to support local family farms and other producers through direct purchases from them, allowing customers to connect with the people behind each product.
“Butiga” emerged as a product of sustainable tourism development, which is the primary focus in the Kaštelir region. It was founded with the aim of uniting local producers and making the high-quality products of this region available to everyone throughout the year, in a new and different way.
Butiga (Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
The project supports the “Zero kilometer” concept, which entails the fusion of healthy food and social responsibility. Its aim is to reduce the distance between producers and consumers, thereby mitigating the negative effects of mass production and preserving nature and biodiversity. “Butiga” with its offerings allows everyone to purchase healthy and locally sourced products, thus supporting local production and the sustainability we strive for in our daily lives.
Butiga (Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
The store has also been one the key highlights of this summer’s program,”Hello summer in Kaštelir-Labinci” with its “Friday Tasting” events, which, in its new and improved format, has solidified its position as a favourite among many.
Every Friday during July and August in front of “Butiga,” presentations from two family farms and free tastings of their products was held with great success.
Butiga (Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
On Friday, August 25th, the last Friday Tasting event of this year took place, concluding a total of eight events. The first event kicked off on July 7th, where visitors had the opportunity to experience the transformed version of this outstanding event, allowing everyone to taste the finest local products from the Kaštelir region’s family farms.
(Photo: TZ Friday Tasting)
This summer, Friday Tasting was held every Friday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in front of the newly opened store, Butiga, in Kaštelir. Each time, two local producers were featured, and the tastings of their delicacies were complimentary. Those who liked the products could purchase them right away at Butiga, along with numerous other products from local family farms.
(Photo: TZ Friday Tasting)
Throughout the eight Friday Tasting events this summer, visitors had the chance to sample the finest olive oils, top-quality wines, fantastic brandies and liqueurs, and craft beers of exceptional quality. All of this was accompanied by local charcuterie and freshly baked bread.
(Photo: TZ Friday Tasting)
The following local producers showcased their products at each edition of Friday Tasting: OPG Radoš, Monte Formento – Grebac extra virgin olive oils, Vina Legovina, OPG Brčić, Brandystra, OPG Beaković, Vina Cossetto, Oliveri – extra virgin olive oils, OPG Alen Cossetto, and Castellana craft beer.
(Photo: TZ Friday Tasting)
(Photo: TZ Friday Tasting)
“All eight editions of this year’s Friday Tasting events are now behind us, leaving us with fantastic memories and a strong foundation for making this unique event even more high-quality and content-rich in the next season. Until then, we enthusiastically invite you to visit Butiga in Kaštelir, where the best flavours and scents of our local delicacies await you all year round in one place,” organisers said.
