The story of Nieddittas

“For us, sustainability means taking care of the sea, the people, and our land. Every day we work to give back value to what we’ve been given: a unique environment, a vibrant community, and a future to build together.” 

On the western coast of Sardinia, where the waters of the Gulf of Oristano meet the mistral wind, the Cooperativa Pescatori Arborea has been working in harmony with the sea for more than fifty years.

Founded in 1967 by nine fishermen, the Cooperative has turned local fishing tradition into a story of innovation and sustainability. 

Nieddittas is one of Italy’s leading mussel producers, selling around 17.000 tonnes of mussel per year. With 179 employees, the Cooperative is an integral part of the Arborea community. Within its teams coexist Sardinian, Argentine, Cuban, Indian, and other nationalities — a human richness that reflects its inclusive and cooperative spirit.

The value of the ASC certification

The ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification is a globally recognised standard for responsible aquaculture. It is issued by an independent, non-profit organisation that sets rigorous environmental and social criteria to ensure seafood is farmed in a way that respects the environment, protects biodiversity, and supports fair working conditions and community wellbeing. Products carrying the ASC label provide consumers with independent assurance that they come from aquaculture operations meeting these high sustainability standards. 

Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s requirements reflect Nieddittas values: protection of the environment, care for the people working on the farm, and support for the local community. For this reason, the company decided to pursue ASC certification in 2023 and it is still the only company in the country producing ASC certified mussels. 

As Cristiana Mura, Quality Manager, explains:  

“Obtaining the ASC certification was not an easy task, but it was a natural next step in our journey — a mark of quality for consumers and a daily commitment to responsible practices that protect both people and the environment.” 

Beyond production, Nieddittas actively supports its region: from cultural initiatives to urban renewal projects such as Spazio Nieddittas in Terralba, designed to bring people together and enhance public spaces. 

Each year, the Cooperative also welcomes adults and school groups to its Corru Mannu site for guided visits exploring wetlands, biodiversity, and circular economy initiatives — an opportunity to share knowledge and foster environmental awareness among younger generations.

How Nieddittas was born from the Sardinian Sea

Mario Giana, one of the nine founding fishermen, recalls his first steps into fishing: he was only 13 when, in Marceddì, he went out to sea with the older fishermen. A few years later, together with eight others, he realised that building a better future meant changing perspective. That was how the Cooperativa Pescatori Arborea was born — nine men united by a desire to make a difference and to secure a better future for their families. 

In the 1970s, the Cooperative began its first farming trials in Corru Mannu, using simple wooden poles fixed into the seabed of the Oristano Gulf. Growth was slow but steady. By the 1980s, a modern purification and shipping centre was built, and the focus shifted fully to mussel farming. 

Soon after, the Nieddittas brand was born — its name inspired by the Sardinian word nieddu (“black”), the colour of the mussel shell and a symbol of local identity. Created in 2013, the logo transforms a single mussel shell into a delicate flower: an emblem of harmony, nature, and Sardinian pride. 

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