La Coccinella is the name of a brand new organic food shop situated at 65, Main Street, St Julian’s that aims to give a unique gourmet, organic and gastronomic experience to its customers.

If there’s one thing that all Maltese have in common, it’s the fact that we all love good food. And La Coccinella caters for this in a very big as well as healthy way.

Offering organic chilli, olives, goji berries and much more grown in Malta, this shop is a true gastronomer’s paradise. Organic pasta, oil and flour made in nearby Italy and organic shortbread biscuits from Scotland are also on offer, as well as Riedel crystal, Leopold household goods and Nkuku Eco fair trade homeware.

Continuing with the fresh approach in the wine selection, Prima Luce wine made from organic grapes is on offer, as well as Snow Leopard Vodka, the profit from which goes to help endangered the species of the title.

Future projects include making jam, different chutneys and many other organic products. Most importantly, La Coccinella offers all this at prices to suit all pockets.

The idea started off in the mind of the late Daniel Reginiano, founder of Ladybird Organic Farm in Dingli. He was a firm believer in food of the highest quality, as he knew that the better the quality, the better the taste. La Coccinella aims to continue his commitment to gastronomy, as the owners and staff believe in food that is free from pesticide and synthetic fertilisers. They also wanted to share as much genuine farm produce as they can.

Organic foods are produced using methods that do not involve synthetic inputs such as pesticides and chemical fertilisers. Organic food production is heavily regulated in the European Union and all the food produced must comply with the strictest regulations.

Going organic is a choice many make; however, many others opt for more traditional foods and La Coccinella has made arrangements for them too. High quality conventional food products are also on offer. However La Coccinella is a firm believer in supporting organic producers and furthermore, believes that this support will eventually give us better food and a better planet.

Although one may assume that growing vegetables organically will involve less complicated work, the opposite is in fact the case, because there are no pesticides or chemical fertilisers to make life easier, so the whole process is more labour intensive. Organic crops also grow more slowly because farmers refrain from using growth hormones, while organic fertiliser is also more expensive.

La Colcinella’s most popular products so far are the organic items from Ladybird Farm which is planned to be expanded in the New Year. Fresh fruit and vegetables in season will be available, but La Coccinella always lets mother nature take her time.

On their travels, the owners (the Cini Reginiano family) came across great products at the Salone Del Gusto in Turin in November and they ordered many products which will be in stock in time for the Christmas rush. Hampers prepared to suit all customers, including a pink hamper for the ladies with pink vodka, pink prosecco and champagne truffles are also available.

La Coccinella opened in early November and has pleasantly surprised its owners by selling out on quite a few goods, proving that organic and natural foods are high on the list among local customers. The shop reflects the family’s travels: they try food around the world and bring it back home. Their mission is also to find ways of promoting and developing the traditional skills of the artisans they meet whilst building a culture for taste.

 La Coccinella is at 65, Main Street, St Julian’s.  Tel: 2756 3031. Find them on Facebook.com/LaCoccinellaMalta