Destilerías Ibiza and Ibiza Delicatessen are prime examples of how tradition, quality, and forward-thinking can turn local products into true ambassadors of a region. Juan Tur Fluxà, co-owner of these two companies that strongly embrace local culture, shares his vision for the present and future of Ibizan gastronomy.
How do you view the development of local products today and for the future?
Currently, we have a growing clientele that is well-informed and appreciates the quality of products. This allows us to focus our efforts on higher standards, which is essential for staying competitive in the market. The future looks promising if we continue to prioritise quality and authenticity.
Your company has more than 15 years of history. How has this journey been?
Yes, we have surpassed 15 years, and we are very proud. From the beginning, we chose to work with our own herbs and plants, which led us to create our own botanical garden. We are committed to being small high-end producers, which has allowed us to retain customers seeking something unique and artisanal. We strive to improve every day.
You produce different types of herbal liqueurs: ibicencas, artesanas, and payesas. What are the differences between them?
Ibicencas herbal liqueurs are regulated by a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), which means they must adhere to specific standards to guarantee their quality. It’s a traditional recipe with clear parameters. Artesanas herbal liqueurs, on the other hand, are more personalised creations. We use plants from our garden and carry out long natural macerations without any additives or chemical essences. Lastly, payesas herbal liqueurs, or ‘grandmother’s liqueurs’, pay homage to the traditional family recipes of Ibiza and Formentera. These are made as they were in the past, harvesting plants in June and allowing them to macerate for months, preserving their historical essence.
But aren’t artesanas and payesas herbal liqueurs considered Ibicencas under the PGI?
That’s correct. According to the current PGI regulations, they are not included under that designation due to specific requirements established when it was created. This has led to some traditional and artisanal varieties being excluded from this classification, despite their deep roots and quality. We trust that, in the future, local institutions will revisit these criteria to strike a balance that further values and protects the richness and diversity of the island’s products.
Do you think changing these regulations would be beneficial?
I believe that adjusting certain aspects of the regulations could be very positive. Allowing all Ibizan herbal liqueurs, whether distilled or macerated, to be produced and bottled on the island would help strengthen the identity of our local products. This would not only highlight the authenticity of Ibiza’s herbal liqueurs but could also significantly boost the island’s economy. We are confident that, by working together, we can achieve a framework that benefits everyone.
More information
Phone: +34 649 19 22 85
Website:
www.destileriasibiza.es
www.fluxaibiza.com
www.ibizadelicatessen.es
Besides herbal liqueurs, have you developed other product lines?
Yes, we love creating. We have launched a line of spicy sauces, perfect for the more daring, as well as different types of all i oli, which have been very well received. We aim to position Ibiza’s name worldwide through our products.
Do you export your products?
Yes, we sell in several countries. The number of visitors we receive each year allows us to showcase our products, and many seek them out later in their home countries. It’s a way of taking a little piece of Ibiza to the world.
What challenges do you face as local producers?
One of the major challenges is the lack of industrial spaces, which can hinder the growth of local companies like ours. However, we trust that the authorities will make decisions that allow us to continue progressing.
Finally, what role does craftsmanship play in your business philosophy?
Craftsmanship is fundamental to us. We respect traditional processes, those that convey our history and culture. We aim to offer unique products that reflect the essence of Ibiza, always with the highest quality.
