There's one element that unites the region of Gallura and its protagonists: water. And it's called "On the Edge of Water"—the new campaign for Smeraldina, the natural mineral water that flows from the ancient granite rocks of Monte di Deu. " A narrative journey," reads a press release, "among Italy's finest products, where the purity of water that springs from the pristine heart of Gallura meets the authentic stories of contemporary lands, people, and visions."

The role of chefs

Filmed in kitchens, tables, regions, and iconic locations, the campaign gives voice to chefs and restaurateurs who, through their sensitivity and their experiences, share a way of experiencing and interpreting Italian hospitality. "Each Ambassador," the press release states, "interprets a key theme of the Smeraldina universe, transforming the brand's distinctive characteristics into an emotional and cultural experience."

"Sul Filo dell'Acqua" begins with the theme of "Origin," featuring chef Roberto Paddeu of Frades restaurant in Milan , in an imaginary dialogue between two souls of Sardinia: Gallura, where Smeraldina is born, and Barbagia, the chef's homeland. Paddeu explores the value of roots, identity, and return. Just like Smeraldina water, "which springs 300 meters deep in the heart of Monte di Deu after a long natural journey through ancient granite rocks, his cuisine also begins with the local area and opens up to the world."

The long journey

The journey then continues in "Time," interpreted by Federica Ghiani of Osteria dei Mercati in Sassari . "The time of nature, of maturation, and of conscious waiting becomes the center of the story. Just as Smeraldina slowly passes through rocks formed approximately 300 million years ago, acquiring its perfect mineral balance, Federica Ghiani's cuisine is also constructed through slow rhythms, listening, and hospitality. In her story, time is never about waiting, but about care: a gesture dedicated to the guest and the value of shared experience."

From "Tempo" we delve into the theme of "Essence" with chef Francesco Stara of Fradis Minoris in Pula. "The narrative focuses on the purity, harmony, and most authentic identity of Sardinia, values that have always defined the soul of Acqua Smeraldina. Through the chef's sensitivity, the profound connection between territory, nature, and the pursuit of excellence is transformed into a minimalist and contemporary experience, capable of expressing the purest and most authentic side of the island."

Method and innovation

The journey continues through the themes of "Method" and "Innovation," as explained by chef Pasquale D'Ambrosio of Capogiro restaurant in Baja Sardinia . "His approach focuses on listening, discipline, spontaneity, and ongoing research: the same principles that guide Smeraldina's work. Through a "free and spontaneous" cuisine, built on respect for raw materials and a dialogue with the land and its artisans, D'Ambrosio portrays an authentic and contemporary Sardinia. For the chef, Acqua Smeraldina is "the breath of the land": a water that expresses the strength of its land with lightness, elegance, and naturalness, becoming a symbol of a simple yet profoundly distinctive identity."

Finally, through the theme of Vision, interpreted by Milanese chef Claudio Sadler, a leading figure in Italian fine dining, cuisine must leave a lasting impression of authentic pleasure, built on balance, quality, and memory. "Having a Vision means interpreting something that doesn't exist today, but could become important in the future," Sadler says. "A concept that is also reflected in Acqua Smeraldina's identity: a recognizable and distinctive brand, capable of building value over time through elegance, quality, and a focus on experience."

Each episode is a meeting of people and values, tradition and innovation, Sardinia and the world. A story that flows lightly yet profoundly, just like the water that inspires it.

Images and testimonials

Alongside the video episodes, "the project is enriched with a series of testimonials and written interviews published on the Acqua Smeraldina website, featuring chefs and restaurateurs from across Italy. This collective narrative, conceived as a tribute to the excellence of Italian catering, showcases the personal stories, professional journeys, and culinary philosophies of the protagonists, highlighting their authentic connection to the region and the raw materials."

The company

Founded in 1985 by Giovanni Maria Solinas , Smeraldina is a natural mineral water sourced in the pristine heart of Gallura, Sardinia, filtered through ancient granite rocks and characterized by a perfect mineral balance. A symbol of purity and excellence, it is now appreciated in Italy and internationally. Available in a wide range of formats and lines—including Glass, PET, Smeraldina Griffe, and Smeraldina Box—the brand combines quality, design, and innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability. Smeraldina is consistently ranked among the best mineral waters internationally: it won the overall gold medal at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting and Competition in 2019 and 2023, being voted the best mineral water on the planet.

(Unioneonline)

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