Speciality Food Magazine -November/December 2025

cook confidently while exploring new recipes, regional shapes, and flavour pairings that take their cooking to the next level.” According to Antonietta Kelly, senior trade analyst at the Italian Trade Agency, Italian cuisine represents an attractive lifestyle to British consumers. “For UK shoppers, Italian food represents authenticity, simplicity, and a lifestyle. It is strongly associated with high- quality, fresh ingredients and it is widely regarded as a healthier, more wholesome choice, thanks to its roots in the Mediterranean diet. Italian cuisine has become a staple in British households, not only for its comforting flavours but also specialityfoodmagazine.com 27 ITALIAN FOOD & DRINK SOPHIE ZIEGLER-JONES SUMA SALLY ASSINDER GAROFALO ANTONIETTA KELLY ITALIAN TRADE AGENCY BECKY GILL EMILIA’S PASTA COMMENTATORS for the ease with which its dishes can be prepared at home.” The visibility of Italian chefs in British society plays a key role in the growing awareness and appreciation of Italian food, she continues. “A significant role in the growing popularity of Italian food in the UK has been played by an ever-increasing number of Italian chefs. Fromwell-established names such as Giorgio Locatelli, Francesco Mazzei, and Aldo Zilli, to a new generation of up-and-coming young talents, these chefs have helped bring authentic Italian cuisine to a wider audience through their restaurants, media appearances, cookbooks and culinary events.” FORTHE LOVEOF ITALY Italian cuisine is adored by Brits – here's why, and how to make the most of this valuable opportunity F or generations, the British public have loved Italian food almost as much as their own... If not more so, some would argue. Pasta with a flavour-filled sauce is without doubt one of the most popular weeknight meals in the UK, but our love affair extends far beyond that. Panettone at Christmas, Italian coffee, Aperol... even the approach that Italians have to food and drink – think family get togethers, warmth and generosity – is appealing to us. All of this adds up to form a particularly valuable opportunity for fine food and drink retailers. “Italian food remains a cornerstone of UK eating habits. It’s comforting, familiar, and rooted in quality ingredients and simple preparation,” explains Sophie Ziegler-Jones, comms and PR lead at Suma. “For speciality retailers, it’s a category that consistently performs, offering customers trusted flavours with room for premium and ethical differentiation.” Sally Assinder, UK marketing and account manager at Garofalo, agrees. “Italian food represents familiarity and inspiration for UK consumers. It is the cuisine people turn to for something quick, comforting, and universally loved, yet it also provides endless opportunities to elevate everyday cooking. A bowl of pasta can be as simple as supper in 10 minutes or as creative as a restaurant-quality dish at home. At Garofalo, we see pasta as the perfect balance between accessibility and aspiration. It allows consumers to