Is oil production the new frontier for hazelnut producers? Yes say Romeo Sannazzaro and Massimo Boccia who, in their production facility have produced the first, and presently unique in Italy, example of cold-pressed hazelnut oil. It is made using 100% “Tonda Gentile delle Langhe” nuts cultivated in the Monferrato territory. The project is supported by the University of Turin, the Province and city of Asti, the community of Refrancore and Coldiretti, a farmer’s association. The peculiarity of this oil produced only in Monferrato is in the production, explains 42-year-old Massimo Boccia: “for the first time, it is produced using only raw or toasted hazelnuts. It is a process that differs from that used in France, where Hazelnut Oil is prized.” In reality, the idea was inspired by the farmers’ tradition during the war when olive oil was not available.