Did you know that you can find Italian products inUK’ Supermarkets? Of course, you might have suspected that, but do you know which ones are they food brand that Italians use? Read my list of the most common products available in the UK.
The ultimate list of Italian products available in the UK
1. Farchioni and Filippo Berio Olive Oils
Olive oil is very important and withouth it you won’t be able to cook any Italian meal, we use normally extravirgin olive oil. Farchioni and Filippo Berio oils are two high quality Italian brands commonly found in UK supermarkets.
2. Ferrero Rocher and Nutella
The iconic brand Ferrero produces two of the most delicious sweets in the world, the so-international Nutella and the always adored Ferrero Rocher. I cannot believe that Nutella was created by mistake, nearly, when Pietro Ferrero to save on chocolate decided to add hezelnuts, in 1964
3. Scotti Rice
This company was started in 1860 by Scotti’s brothers and since then the company never stopped to sell rice. What I really like of the company is that they suggest very nice recipes on the back of the packet.
4. De Cecco Pasta
Another iconic brand for Italians is De Cecco, this company was created before the first world war and then rebuilt. My personal opinion is that the consistency of this pasta is different from other brands: you can certainly get the perfect al dente pasta.
5. Martini & Rossi
Have you recognised the logo? It belongs to this famous alcholic beverage company founded in 1863 in Turin. They produce the famous Martini vermouth for the aperitifs but also sparkling wines. You should really try the Martini prosecco and cava.
6. Parmigiano Reggiano
The authentic Parmesan cheese is called Parmigiano Reggiano and costs about £24 per Kilogram. This is the real Parmesan only and you must try this brand to understand what we eat in Italy: “The name “Parmesan” is often used generically for various simulations of this cheese, although this is prohibited in trading in the European Economic Area under European law”.
7. Giovanni Rana Tortellini
Giavanni Rana is an established Italian brand, they have been producing fresh filled past for over 50 years. I have to say that in English supermarket there are more inventive recipes, such as chicken and pancetta tortellini, these are not sold in Italy but we appreciate the fact that brands must adapt culturally to the country where goods are exported to.
8. Lavazza Coffee
Lavazza is really “Italy’s favourite coffee“, this is for sure one of most used coffees too. In England, you can find it not only in supermakets, but also in Wetherspoons pubs, I was impressed to see such a quality coffee sold for £1 or so in the well-know chains. As often happens, price doesn’t always mean quality.
9. Galbani Fresh Cheese Products
Galbani produeces mozzarella, mascarpone, ricotta and so on. Even in this case, the company was founded at the end of the 19th century, in 1882 and still maintains its success.
To conclude, you can savour some authentic Italian taste in England too. But the thing that strikes me the most is that all successful brand mentioned above represent historic and long lasting Italian brands.
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