The popularity of Italian food globally is going from strength to strength as Italian food companies turn to exports in the face of ailing local demand. Italians have been very active in protecting their unique food offerings, there are now 266 products from Italy that have a protected indication of origin (DOP), compared to 216 French products. Since opening in New York in 2010, Eataly has become one of the city’s busiest shopping destinations attracting around 10,000 customers a day, and even more on weekends. As a result, consumers in major cities all over the world are becoming increasingly familiar with quintessentially Italian produce such as Prosciutto di San Daniele, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana or Gragnano Pasta. “Italian Products from Italy” benefit from a healthy image, especially in countries where food culture is not as strong. Italian food is often associated with quality and freshness of ingredients. It is also associated with tradition and it’s seen as a less processed type of cuisine. But where is “Italian Food” a big selling point?
DURUMWHEAT, CHEESE AND OLIVE GAIN TRUST WHEN “MADE IN ITALY” –
Marks & Spencer, UK
Simply M&S Macaroni has been repackaged. This authentic Italian pasta is suitable for vegetarians, it’s made in Italy using durum wheat and it cooks in seven to nine minutes. The product retails in a 500g pack.
Sainsbury’s, UK
Sainsbury’s Pesto & Goats’ Cheese Tortelloni cook in three minutes. This fresh egg pasta with pesto and goats’ cheese filling is made in Italy and it’s suitable for vegetarians. It retails in a partly recyclable 400g pack providing two servings.
Morrisons, UK
M Signature Wm Morrison Pesto Alla Genovese is made in Italy with fragrant basil, sweet pine nuts, cheese and extra virgin olive oil. This premium product is suitable for vegetarians, contains no artificial colours or flavours, and retails in a recyclable190g pack.
“THE BEST REGION FOR THE BEST INGREDIENT” –
Tomato & Mascarpone pasta sauce: Sainsbury’s, UK
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Tomato & Mascarpone Pasta Sauce is described as a velvety pasta sauce that is expertly made in Italy using ripe Emilia-Romagna tomatoes, creamy Lombardian mascarpone and tangy Pecorino Romano from Lazio, and is delicately seasoned with a dash of basil.
Semolina Rigatoni#21: Giant Eagle, Us
Giant Eagle Market District Semolina Rigatoni #21 is now available. The enriched product is made in Italy from wheat grown and milled in the region of Puglia to retain all its important gluten, giving great pasta its signature texture and fresh bread-like flavor.
Italian Prosciutto di Parma: Woolworths, Australia
Woolworths Gold Italian Prosciutto di Parma is made in Italy using traditional methods, with specially selected pigs born and raised in the 10 regions of central-northern Italy and produced in accordance with DOP specifications in the Parma Province, Italy.
DRESSINGS, MEAT AND ICE CREAM: UPCOMING CATEGORIES IN ITALIAN ORIGIN –
White Condiment with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP, Sainsbury’s, UK
Sainsbury’s White Condiment with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP is suitable for vegans. The product is made in Italy and retails in a recyclable 250ml bottle which provides sixteen servings.
Dried Bresaola beef: Auchan, France
Dried Bresaola Beef has been repackaged with a new look. This Italian origin product retails in a 90g pack containing eight slices and bearing the Protected Designation of Origin logo.
Pistachio gelato: M&S, UK Marks & Spencer Dessert
Menu Pistachio Gelato is made in Italy with Sicilian pistachio nuts. This product is suitable for vegetarians and retails in a recyclable 500ml pack.