Extra Virgin Olive Oil: a key part of Italian culture and health, purchased by 96% of Italian consumers
Extra virgin olive oil is more than just a staple in the kitchen for Italians - it's considered a social good. According to recent surveys, 96% of Italian consumers purchase extra virgin olive oil, and for many, it represents a symbol of health and well-being. The surveys reveal that Italians view extra virgin olive oil as an essential part of thei...
The Origin Story Of Calzones
If you've ever set foot inside a pizzeria, you've probably seen a calzone. You know, the alarmingly large turnovers that are stuffed with meat, cheese, and vegetables before being baked until the crust turns golden brown. Perhaps you've even eaten one, maybe while using a knife and a fork to keep all the gooey, melty goodness from spilling all over...
A different way to experience Italy's olive oil-making tradition: Oleotourism
Italy is the world’s second-largest producer of olive oil after Spain, with an estimated production of 324,000 tons in the 2023/2024 crop year; needless to say, the olive oil sector is a significant contributor to the national economy, with the market generating approximately USD 3.17 billion in revenue in 2023 and projected to reach USD 4.56 billi...
Why the old man dances
The Romans had a proverb that went ‘The matter is safe: the old man dances.’ What to make of such a saying? There was, apparently, a positive, salutary role for dance in Roman society, so much so that the success or failure of an enterprise could depend on it, perhaps even the wellbeing of an entire community. The ancients themselves explained the...
What Is Botticelli’s Greatest Painting? The 10 Most Iconic Works by the Florentine Artist, Ranked
“He lived in a haphazard fashion,” wrote Italian Renaissance art historian Giorgio Vasari in his biography of 15th-century Florentine painter Sandro Botticelli. “As was his wont.” Whether or not this was true, what is certain is that Botticelli created a graciously drawn world of serenity and beauty in his paintings of religious scenes, mythologica...
Italy celebrates World Nutella Day 2025
World Nutella Day is celebrated globally on 5 February, with fans posting recipes and pictures on social media of the popular chocolate-hazelnut spread. Currently marking its 60th anniversary, Nutella was invented in Italy in 1964 and today is sold in more than 170 countries around the world. Central to the Nutella-themed festivities in Italy on We...
Rai appeals against Ligurian Regional Administrative Tribunal's ruling on the awarding of the Sanremo Festival
The Sanremo Festival 2025 will kick off Tuesday February 11. The first edition of the Festival was in 1951, and since 1955 Rai has been broadcasting the event live. But yesterday Rai's lawyers have filed an appeal against the ruling of the Liguria Regional Administrative Court, which had ruled that the direct entrustment of the organization of the...
Ferrari surpasses expectations and upscales 2025 revenue forecast
Ferrari has exceeded expectations for its 2024 performance and is now accelerating its growth targets for 2025. The luxury car manufacturer recently reported strong results, including higher-than-expected revenues and profits. In light of this success, Ferrari has raised its 2025 guidance, projecting revenues to surpass €7 billion and reaffirming i...
Speck: from ancient tradition to global favorite
Speck has officially entered the Italian consumer basket, the index used by Istat to measure inflation. This inclusion underscores the growing importance of speck in Italian food culture. Known for its nutritional benefits, speck contains no more than 5% salt, is high in protein, delicately aromatic, light, and versatile, pairing well with a variet...
High costs keep electric cars out of reach for many Italians
Despite the growing interest in electric cars in Italy, their high cost continues to be a significant barrier for many consumers. While Italians are attracted to electric vehicles, they still consider the prices too high to justify the purchase. The Italian market is witnessing a renewed interest in internal combustion engine cars precisely due to...
ITA Airways Departs SkyTeam and Moves Toward Star Alliance
ITA Airways has officially exited SkyTeam, marking a major shift in its global partnerships as it prepares to join Star Alliance under Lufthansa’s guidance. While the transition will take time, the airline’s departure from SkyTeam signals the end of an era for Italy’s national carrier and the beginning of a new chapter in its global strategy. So, w...
Italy’s role as a bridge in the transatlantic trade dispute
On Monday, At the informal European Council meeting in Brussels, EU leaders expressed a unified stance against a trade war with the United States but signalled different approaches. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a firm stance, warning that the EU must assert itself and respond decisively if necessary. Itali...