EARTH MADE IN ITALY
MADE IN ITALY BEGINS WITH THE LAND.
Gloria Terrae is a Sicilian agricultural company growing Italian organic cotton in Ramacca, on the Catania Plain at the foot of Mount Etna. For us, Made in Italy begins with the cultivation of the raw material: from selecting the seed to working the land, long before textile manufacturing begins.
Most of the cotton used by the Italian textile industry is imported. Spinning, weaving and garment manufacturing may all take place in Italy, even when the fiber comes from distant countries. This separation makes it more difficult to trace its origin and understand the conditions in which it was produced.
We are bringing cotton farming back to Sicily, producing organic, traceable cotton fiber for brands and textile companies seeking Italian cotton with a clear and documented origin.
ABOUT US
THE PEOPLE OF GLORIA TERRAE
The cultivation of Sicilian cotton brings together people with different backgrounds and areas of expertise. In Gloria Terrae’s fields, agronomists, farmers and fiber specialists work together throughout the growing season, caring for the plants at every stage of development, through to harvest.
GET TO KNOW US
COTTON GROWN AT THE FOOT OF MOUNT ETNA
We grow several cotton varieties in our fields, selected for their fiber characteristics and intended use. Long-staple cotton is destined for the textile supply chain, while varieties with shorter fibers are also used for ornamental purposes.
The warm climate of the Catania Plain, the characteristics of the soil and water availability all influence plant growth. Cotton cultivation requires careful irrigation management, with interventions adapted to soil conditions and the course of each growing season.
We follow the cotton throughout its growing cycle, monitoring plant development and choosing the most suitable time to harvest in order to preserve fiber quality.
DISCOVER SICILIAN COTTON
SELECTED ORGANIC FIBERS FOR THE ITALIAN NEW ELEGANCE.
SOFINE is Gloria Terrae’s textile brand, bringing organic cotton grown in Sicily into the world of fashion and Italian manufacturing. Through the expertise of spinners, weavers and specialized companies, the fiber is transformed into yarns, fabrics and products for a range of applications.
SOFINE works with brands, designers and companies seeking quality materials with a documented origin and characteristics suited to their production requirements. The project connects cotton grown in Italy by Gloria Terrae with the expertise of the Italian textile supply chain.
DISCOVER SOFINE
AN OPEN-AIR LABORATORY
THE FIELD BECOMES RESEARCH.
In Gloria Terrae’s fields, cotton cultivation goes hand in hand with agricultural research. Through the Etna 26 project, we study the hybridization of different cotton varieties, with the aim of developing an Italian cotton seed suited to Sicily’s climatic conditions.
Our research also extends to cotton flowering and the activity of bees, through a study exploring the production of cotton honey. Both areas of research stem from direct observation in the fields and the possibilities offered by the crop.
DISCOVER OUR RESEARCH
01 / FROM THE FIELD
COTTON RETAINS ITS NATURAL FORM.
Some of the cotton grown by Gloria Terrae is intended for ornamental use. When the bolls mature and open, we select and harvest the most suitable stems. These are then dried to preserve their natural structure, with the white cotton fibers still attached to the open bolls.
DISCOVER ORNAMENTAL COTTON
02 / IN DIFFERENT SPACES
NATURAL STEMS, NEW ARRANGEMENTS.
Ornamental cotton can be used in bouquets, floral arrangements and decorative installations of different sizes. From small details for the home to shop windows, events and hospitality spaces, the stems can be displayed individually or combined with other natural elements.
EXPLORE ITS USES
03 / THE MATERIAL
A FORM THAT LASTS.
The height, curve and arrangement of the cotton tufts make each branch different. Dried cotton retains its appearance over time without water, with irregular shapes and natural tones that suit a variety of interiors and styles.
EXPLORE ORNAMENTAL COTTON