OSIMO – Extraordinary experience for Shortbread Microbiscuit Factory, cooperative in Osimo (AN) where they work 23 kids with disabilities who produce excellent quality biscuits every day, the result of a rigorous selection of raw materials, mostly coming from the Marche region. A delegation led by one of the founders, Jacopo Coronawent to Boston, where she was a guest of Collettey’s cookies. It is a beautiful American reality founded by Collette Divitto, a girl with Down syndrome, popularizer of social issues and inclusion, who created a small laboratory where recipes for biscuits intended for large-scale distribution are studied.
The laboratory, in the heart of Boston, was transformed into a container of ideas in which the Frolla boys tried their hand at creating new types of biscuits. A sort of bridge between Italy and the United States but which aim to be real “biscuits of inclusion”. And in fact, the slogan of the project is “let’s change the world with sweetness”. Two types of biscuits were worked on in the laboratory: a classic one, American style, with peanut butter. And then the flagship of Frolla Microbiscottificio, that Cookies much loved by consumers because it is made with genuine products from the Marche region. This time, however, there is a variant: yes chocolate but gluten-free, with the aim of broadening the concept of inclusion also to those who are forced to give up a certain type of product. Soon the visit will be reciprocated, with an American delegation that will reach the Marche but in the meantime the biscuits will immediately go into production in the Osimo laboratory.
Frolla’s visit to Boston was enriched by a very important institutional moment. In fact, the delegation was received at Italian consulate directly from the console, Arnaldo Minuti, who showed great enthusiasm towards the Marche cooperative. Jacopo Corona, co-founder of Frolla, presented the consul with a biscuit-shaped plaque with the aim of strengthening the relationship between Italy and the United States on issues related to inclusion. The consul asked Frolla to help spread this culture of social enterprise in American schools, and in the coming weeks all useful initiatives will be undertaken to pursue this prestigious objective.
Collette Divitto, founder of Collettey’s cookies, greeted the Frolla delegation like this: «I started my business with the determination of someone who wanted to do it alone. Despite my disability, I wanted to give hope to many young people through work inclusion. By networking and community, creating a global movement. I saw deep values in Frolla that are also mine, it was wonderful to have them here.”
Jacopo Corona – co-founder of Frolla – also takes stock of this trip to Boston. «It was a wonderful experience – he comments – and it was invaluable for our kids who had the opportunity to deal with a culture different from ours. I would like to strongly thank Collette for her hospitality and cooperation but also to the Consul for the way in which she welcomed us and inspired us to continue our activity as best as possible. We return to Italy very happy, grateful and enriched by an experience that we will never forget.”
