Nino Mallaci, the Capramal Project, and his Messina goat salami
A dream that becomes a reality and an added value for the territory, in the words of the protagonist
Riccardo Zingone 20/09/2025 0
The Story of Nino's Goat Salami
To tell the story of the goat salami produced by Antonino Mallaci Bocchio—or Nino, as he's known to everyone—we need to take a big step back and listen to his history, which is rooted in an old family business dedicated to agriculture and animal husbandry.
"I come from a family of farmers and ranchers," Nino says. "I've always been fascinated by this world, which is rich in values and feelings, but also requires huge sacrifices."
As a boy, Nino split his time between school and the family business. After earning his surveyor's diploma, he decided to leave his studies to dedicate himself fully to the work, which at the time was primarily raising cows. "Our grazing lands were located between Mistretta, Cerami, and Agira, which required a lot of organizational and financial energy," he explains. In the late nineties, in his twenties, he and his father decided to build a barn on their land in the Calogno district, in Cerami but adjacent to Mistretta. Since then, all of his work has been focused there.
Like many livestock farms, Nino's also had goats and pigs. "I remember as a child," Nino continues emotionally, "I would often watch the preparation of various cured meats, including goat salami, which was made by mixing goat meat, naturally lean, with the leftover scraps from processing pork. I never forgot those flavors, those smells, and those healthy traditions. For a long time, I set a goal for myself to keep them alive through my business and my retail shop."
La Dispensa del Massaro and a Found Dream
Fast forward to today, Nino opened a store in Santo Stefano di Camastra, where he started La Dispensa del Massaro. The goal was to promote and sell cured meats from the Nebrodi Black Pig, a product of local excellence, along with select beef. However, the thought of the goats continued to "graze" in his mind, along with the project of bringing their related culinary traditions to everyone's tables.
At one point, Nino had the opportunity to buy a number of certified Messina goats, an indigenous breed with roots between the Nebrodi and Peloritani mountains, prized for the quality of its milk and the goodness of its meat.
"With the purchase of this flock," Nino says, "I felt I was close to realizing my dream, but I was also aware that I had to acquire more knowledge to be able to produce a quality cured meat that honored both tradition and modern standards."
He decided to attend a specific course in Alba, Piedmont, an area with a long and established tradition in raising goats and producing cured meats. After various experiments, he succeeded in producing his own goat salami, finding the right balance of compactness, resistance to slicing, preservation, flavor, and aroma.
A Product that is a Synthesis of Tradition and Innovation
Nino's long and complex journey, supported by his family, culminated on September 18th with the official presentation of the Capramal project in Santo Stefano di Camastra. The event was attended by administrators, technicians, friends, and curious onlookers, all drawn by this tasty new product.
The gastronomic experience of tasting the goat salami was enriched by specialties produced by other local businesses: the Spina Santa company from Nicosia, which specializes in producing goat cheese, and the Casaleni company, which has long offered excellent gastronomic products. Thanks to these synergies, it was discovered how the Messina goat salami is particularly enhanced when paired, for example, with sweet provola cheese and fig jam.
A perfect synthesis of the values expressed by the Messina goat salami is captured in the words of Dr. Serena Nigrelli, the agronomist who followed Nino during the bureaucratic process: "Nino's salami is one that should be savored with your eyes closed, because that's how we can grasp unique sensations that take us back in time."
All that's left is to wish Nino and his dream-come-true sincere good luck. The territory needs this energy, vision, and enthusiasm so that our beautiful traditions can transform from memories into concrete realities.
Contact info@halaesanebrodi fro more information.
You may also like...
Halaesa Nebrodi 22/06/2025
Short Movie Fest in Pettineo from June 26th to 28th
Forty-eight short films in competition, made by artists from different parts of the world, divided into three screening sessions; an evening dedicated to the nomination announcements and another dedicated to the awards ceremony. All enriched by guided tours of the Fiumara d'arte works, workshops for children, musical entertainment, and, of course, insightful tours of the host city: Pettineo.
These are the numbers with which the first edition of the Short Movie Fest, the international short film festival conceived and organized by the municipal administration and the Small Shaker theatrical association, presents itself to the public. It is framed within the much larger project called "COAST AND ALESINE VALLEYS: AN ITINERARY TO REDISCOVER THE VILLAGES OF CASTEL DI LUCIO, MOTTA D'AFFERMO, AND PETTINEO."
The project, which we have already covered previously (
Along this journey, which will unfold during the month of June, in addition to the Short Movie Fest, other interesting activities will come to life, such as: "Risalendo la storia" (Retracing History) (Castel di Lucio-Pettineo-Motta d'Affermo), "Medievalia" (Castel di Lucio, June 29), "Il filo di Arianna" (Arianna's Thread) (Castel di Lucio), "Residenza d'artista" (Artist Residency) (Pettineo), "1 km di tela" (1 km of Canvas) (Pettineo).
To expand the rich offer of events, interesting cultural and musical events are scheduled to be hosted at Palazzo Minneci (Motta d'Affermo), such as the upcoming Euterpe Fest planned for June 26, 29, and 30.
The three evenings of the Short Movie Fest will be hosted by the duo Alessandra Storniolo-Filippo Di Pietro and will feature the renowned musician and composer Nino Nobile and the comedian Roberto Anelli as guests.
The jury will be composed of Francesco Nucara (Director of Photography), Michele Tarzia (filmmaker), Giovanni Puliafito (composer), and the Small Shaker Theatrical Association.
Riccardo Zingone 14/06/2026
Agri Med Europe: the Nebrodi embrace the Mediterranean
The Spirit of Agri Med Europe 2026 and the Value of Hospitality
A magnificent celebration of the people, welcoming its guests in the best possible way. Ultimately, this is what Agri Med Europe 2026 was all about: a massive, choral embrace through which an entire territory chose to showcase itself to the world by sharing the very best it has to offer. Welcoming the international delegation brought with it several values and meanings that go far beyond a standard moment of institutional courtesy. Indeed, it reinforced the principle that the Mediterranean must be interpreted as a place of encounter rather than conflict; that territorial boundaries must be overcome through cohesion among peoples; and that the word guest—a term that in antiquity simultaneously encompassed the concepts of "the host" and "the hosted"—proved that the principle of hospitality was an undeniable aspect of human dignity. These are tough concepts to swallow in times when there is endless talk of barriers, border defenses, and "racial" or ethnic distinctions. Thanks to the political activity of the D-MED Political Committee in strengthening dialogue among Mediterranean countries, and to the hospitality offered by a small corner of the magnificent Nebrodi mountain range, an exceptional example of welcome, intercultural dialogue, and mutual friendship was put on display.
The Conference: "What is Needed from Europe to Support Agricultural Producers"
Agri Med Europe was therefore conceived and realized to grant visibility to the Nebrodi region through its cultural and traditional values. The agri-food and ceramic sectors channel themselves perfectly into this path, serving as a genuine expression of local identity. The exhibitors' stands (nineteen dedicated to Nebrodi agri-food products and six to ceramics from Santo Stefano), carefully positioned along the charming side streets lining the long Via Vittorio Veneto in Santo Stefano di Camastra, revealed themselves to visitors only as they passed by, making it impossible to spot them from a distance. This image, which the organizers perhaps unintentionally offered to the public, serves as a metaphor for the hard, silent, and sometimes invisible work behind companies that struggle daily to keep their businesses running amidst restrictions, bureaucracy, and often incomprehensible regulations.
Institutional Dialogue with MEP Antoci and Territorial Marketing
These were the key themes that emerged from the dialogue between producers and Europe during the meeting held between the exhibitors present at Agri Med Europe and MEP Antoci, at the foot of the Mother Church of the city of ceramics. The numerous speeches that followed reinforced the need for mutual collaboration between operators and institutions, based on and supported by a careful territorial marketing plan, as the only way to provide concrete answers to the various sectors that form the social and economic backbone of the territory. These insights and requests were promptly welcomed by the MEP who, as a supporter and practitioner of the "politics of doing," made himself available to listen closely to the producers. Together, they are working on a comprehensive territorial organization project that takes into account the needs, critical issues, and enormous potential that sometimes struggle to express themselves due to a lack of up-to-date marketing strategies.
Equally interesting and meaningful was the participation of the I.I.S. "A. Manzoni" of Mistretta, represented by the Hospitality School based in Santo Stefano di Camastra. The synergy sparked between this institution and the Slow Food Nebrodi operators—which materialized in the presentation of several iconic local dishes—further reinforced the concept that agri-food traditions must not only be preserved but, above all, passed down from generation to generation, recognizing food as a powerful expression of identity.
The Official Inauguration and Folk Traditions in Celebration
The strong emotional charge following the ribbon-cutting ceremony—performed by the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union, the Egyptian Mohamed M. Abou El Enein, and the President of the D-MED Political Committee, MEP Giuseppe Antoci—was palpable throughout the entire event. It accompanied the delegation and the audience until the manifestation closed late in the evening. This emotion quickly turned into amazement at the very first musical notes, which accompanied the striking dances of the Giants of Mistretta through the streets of Santo Stefano. These iconic symbols of the Nebrodi city's identity were followed by festive performances from the Amastra folk group, the Santa Cecilia Musical Association of Santo Stefano di Camastra, the cheerleaders of the I.C. Tusa-Mistretta, and the large, colorful group of the Jews of San Fratello (Giudei di San Fratello). This wonder was immediately evident from the vast number of smartphones held high in the air, eager to capture unique images to show back home or to share instantly via social media livestreams, thus providing an exceptional and deeply meaningful promotional opportunity for the territory.
The Final Message: The Strategic Centrality of the Nebrodi and Sicily
Drawing from these sensations, impressions, and the resulting economic development prospects for the region, Agri Med Europe delivers a powerful message: the Nebrodi area, bolstered by its biodiversity and authenticity, can and must play a strategic role in the economic and social development of the territory, thanks to the recognized and reinforced central role of Sicily within Mediterranean economic and trade routes.
Exhibitors in Attendance:
Terre audaci, Gelateria artigianale Giovanni Alferi, Acquafico Garden, Dei Casabona, Il vecchio carro, Il Melograno, Il Cavaliere, La dispensa del massaro, Caseificio Albereto, Dolci tentazioni, Condotta Slow Food Nebrodi, A.Fioriglio, 24 Baroni, Li paternosci, Casaleni Natural Bio, Villa Colonna, Ceramiche Serravale, Nadal, Le Malagioie, Le terrecotte del soleil, Nino Ferrigno, Zolea Art & Design.
Riccardo Zingone 16/01/2026
People of Halaesa Nebrodi: Chiara Dimaggio and her Domus Immobiliare Real estate Sicilia
People of Halaesa Nebrodi: Chiara Dimaggio and her Domus Immobiliare
Face to face with Chiara Dimaggio, a young and brilliant real estate agent operating in the territory of Halaesa Nebrodi.
Through her agency, Domus Immobiliare, she is fulfilling her lifelong dream: making the people she meets happy by sharing her contagious smile with them. One of her slogans says: "Life takes you to unexpected places, Love brings you Home," and Chiara, interpreting this mission with exceptional enthusiasm, has found homes for many people — both Italian and foreign — to whom, above all else, she introduced the territory, its soul, and the people who live there, adding extraordinary value to her delicate and vital work.
Chiara, what is a real estate agent doing in a local tourism marketing group?
At first glance, the role of a real estate agent within a tourism-oriented territorial marketing group might seem distant. In reality, it is not at all. The presence of a real estate agent in a territorial marketing group is not a mere formality: it is an added value. I am firmly convinced that when a town grows, all the businesses connected to it grow as well.
The core objective of GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi is the promotion of the Halaesa Valley territory, and on this front, the group is doing an excellent job. Such extensive promotion can only bring benefits to a business like mine, which for years has invested time, energy, and passion into enhancing the value of the territory.
__.jpeg)
Yours is a young journey, yet rich with experience in the real estate sector.
My business is young, just as I am. I opened my real estate agency at only 22 years old. I remember with pleasure what pushed me to embark on this adventure. I was preparing my last three subjects for my bachelor's degree when, in a moment of high stress, I decided to change direction. It was thanks to a reflection shared by my father that I chose to attend the real estate agent course.
From there, a world opened up: my world. I became licensed for the profession, earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations, and subsequently a master's degree in Public Administration. Today, those degrees are hanging on the wall, because the passion for my work took over and grows day by day. If I am who I am today, I owe it to the professionalism and dedication with which I perform this job. For almost 11 years, I have been making people's dreams come true, and I hope to continue doing so for many years to come.
What role do you play in GMT Halaesa Nebrodi: can you give an assessment and what are the future prospects?
I immediately embraced the GMT™ Halaesa Nebrodi project and the ideas of its creator, Andrea Succi. From the very first meeting, I was struck by his spirit, his determination, and his desire to provide a concrete contribution.
The GMT™ operates in a territory that unfortunately has experienced significant depopulation and economic regression in recent years. However, the group is made up of young entrepreneurs and professionals who deeply believe in the potential of the place where they live. In these two years, through the launch of the website, participation in the recent BTE in Palermo, constant social media promotion, and the creation of travel packages, the GMT™ has helped to make the territory known and achieve its main goal: to grow and improve the entire Nebro-Alesino district.
Will we succeed? Yes, I am certain of it. Can we do more? Absolutely. We can and must always improve, but we have all the skills to do it.
Social media and real estate: putting your face out there pays off.
The growth of my business has been strongly influenced by a constant and effective presence on social media. I say it and I will always repeat it: today, social media is decisive for the growth and image of a business. Once, newspapers were used; today everything passes through social networks, and I have fully embraced this change.
Through videos, I tell the story of the properties, but often also the stories of those who lived in them. I talk about the territory, with particular attention to Tusa, my grandparents' village, the place of my childhood and my heart. Thanks to this work — and I take credit for it — real estate transactions in the municipality of Tusa have increased exponentially, and today the village is known internationally. Putting your face out there is fundamental: people want to know who they are trusting. A logo creates distance; I, instead, build relationships based on trust, friendship, and respect.
What do you expect from the territory and what can be improved?
One of my greatest desires is to see the small villages flourish again. I imagine towns full of life, people, businesses, and lively venues. I wish that even those who live there daily would take an extra step to promote, beautify, and enhance them. I hope that local administrations can intervene with small improvements that, over time, could make a big difference.
I am very confident and, above all, proactive. Who knows, maybe our group, by joining forces, will manage to take giant leaps and surprise the territory around us. I invite anyone who wants to contribute to the growth of the territory to join the Territorial Marketing Group: together we can do great things.