What is aristeu
Aristeu aims to support farmers in adjusting part of their production to the needs of its market, with the long term goal of expanding the product range and increase farmers’ earnings through clients polls and product testing.
The company’s name comes from the hero Aristeos, whom Greek authors credited with inventing key agricultural practices. Revered also in fourth-century BCE Sardinia, he was believed to have introduced beekeeping, oil production, and cheese-making. The name reflects Aristeu’s ambition: to support Sardinian farmers in a challenging economic landscape while introducing Swiss clients to fine Sardinian products!
The logo depicts a Nuragic boat, a bronze model of a Sardinian vessel dating back around 3,000 years. It symbolizes the connection between the two sides of the sea, while also referring to the means of transport that will be used for shipments.
How does it work
Aristeu keeps logistics simple through its system of orders and deliveries: each autumn, once farmers declare how many products they can provide, the online shop opens for a few weeks.
Clients can purchase in the online shop – up until the limits set by the farmers are reached. Payments are made by bank transfer.
With the money received, Aristeu then buys, collects and stores the goods in its warehouse in Nugoro. Aristeu personally handles transport by van and ferry up to four times per year – depending on order volumes and van capacity.
Deliveries go to depots associated to cooperatives and purchasing groups, or to large WG. Clients collect their orders from there, and must therefore be associated to a collection point.
Packaging is kept deliberately minimal, lightening workload for farmers and costs for consumers, and staying true to Aristeu’s commitment to sustainability. Some farmers requested that their packaging be kept even when selling through Aristeu. This choice was respected.
Behind aristeu
Aristeu is a sole proprietorship company. The only person working behind Aristeu is its founder, me: Peppe Congiu.
I recently moved back to Sardinia, where I grew up. Environmental engineer by training, I am now looking to explore the fields of agriculture and sustainable architecture. In my nine years in Switzerland I discovered Community Supported Agriculture through the Gemüsegenossenschaft “Meh als Gmües”, of which I am a member.
The incredible network of similar projects in Switzerland, the basin of aware people and the amazing infrastructure they built, inspired me to develop Aristeu.
Aristeu is the first project I am working on since being back in March 2025. It should provide an income for the first years, and in the future, a channel to sell my own products next to other farmer’s. I am trying to buy a farm at the outskirt of my hometown, Núgoro, to share the space with friends and practice permaculture.