Find Authentic Italian Products in the UK: Guide for Italian Cuisine Lovers

Italian Cuisine: A Global Excellence

Italian cuisine is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated in the world, with its rich variety of regional dishes, authentic flavors, and culinary tradition dating back centuries. From famous pizzas to decadent pasta dishes and irresistible cheeses, Italian cuisine is synonymous with culinary excellence. That’s why wherever you go, it’s unlikely not to find an Italian restaurant nearby. But what happens when you want to cook 100% Italian in the comfort of your kitchen abroad?

The Nostalgia for Italian Products

Far from Italy, the nostalgia for authentic Italian products can be deeply felt. Among the most sought-after products abroad, you’ll find high-quality pasta, fresh cheeses, fragrant coffee, and extra virgin olive oil with our distinctive brands. But we can’t forget the fragrant and tasty biscuits or the irresistible freshness of seasonal fruits and vegetables. These products not only satisfy the palate but also instantly evoke the warmth and familiarity of our beloved country.

The Solution: Finding Italian Products Abroad

If you live abroad, you might be wondering how to find the Italian products you need to prepare your favorite dishes. The good news is that there are several solutions at your disposal.

Find Italian Products in Local Stores

If you want to experience the authentic feeling of grocery shopping and find your favorite Italian products, Italian Deli stores are a natural choice. Italian Delis are small specialized grocery stores that you can find in many cities in the UK and other countries. These stores are a treasure for those seeking genuine Italian ingredients. Some of them even offer a deli counter with delights like mini pizzas, arancini, and fresh pastries. If you’re missing an ingredient and need it at the last minute for a recipe, Italian Delis are the ideal place to look. You may also enjoy the cozy atmosphere and Italian hospitality you’ll find in these stores.

One of the oldest and renowned Italian delis is Terroni of Clerkenwell, located in London’s “Little Italy.” This deli offers a wide selection of Italian products, including an exceptional variety of wines.

Discover Italian Products in Polish Delis

A surprising alternative for finding Italian products abroad is represented by Polish delis. Especially during the most important holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, Polish delis offer a myriad of Italian food products. This might surprise you, but Poland is one of the main recipients of exported Italian products, creating a vibrant market for Italian products in the country.

International Supermarkets: A Convenient Option

If you desire a wider selection of Italian products and greater convenience, you may want to visit international supermarkets. For example, Morrisons offers some of the best brands of 100% Italian pasta, allowing you to choose from a variety of formats and types. Additionally, Lidl dedicates an “Italian Week” offering a wide range of Italian products at competitive prices. ASDA is another supermarket that provides a variety of foods produced in Italy. Many of these supermarkets include Italian products in their standard assortment, making it easier for anyone to find their touch of Italy in their own kitchen.

Eataly: The Italian Oasis Just a Click Away

If you’re looking for a true Italian experience, Eataly is an option to consider. This chain of stores offers a wide range of Italian products, but it’s much more than just a supermarket. Eataly includes a gastronomy section with restaurants serving authentic Italian dishes, a high-quality market, and even a wide range of gourmet products. While prices may be slightly higher than local delis, Eataly provides a complete and tasty experience of Italy.

In the next paragraph, we will explore how Italian restaurants abroad can find reliable suppliers of high-quality Italian products, with a particular focus on Prestige Food & Wine.

Do You Own a Restaurant and Are Looking for an Italian Product Supplier?

Prestige Food & Wine Is the Answer.

If you manage a restaurant and your goal is to offer your customers an authentic Italian culinary experience, you need to find a reliable source of high-quality Italian products. In this context, Prestige Food & Wine stands out as one of the best available solutions.

Prestige Food & Wine is renowned for its extensive catalog of top-quality Italian products, including a wide selection of cold cuts, cheeses, fresh fruits, and vegetables. But what truly makes Prestige special is the ability to pre-order fresh buffalo mozzarella, which is shipped directly from Italy. This allows restaurant owners to ensure their customers enjoy authentic and delicious dishes. Imagine a Caprese salad with high-quality buffalo mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil—a delight that will tantalize your customers’ taste buds.

But Prestige Food & Wine’s offerings don’t stop there. Their range of Italian wines is impressive, with a breakdown by region and pairing suggestions. In addition to well-known and sought-after wines, you’ll find lesser-known yet highly surprising options that can amaze your customers.

Another advantage is the online ordering service provided by Prestige Food & Wine. This means you can select the finest Italian products directly from your restaurant and have them delivered the next day, ensuring freshness and quality in every dish you serve.

If you want to stand out by offering authentic Italian cuisine in your restaurant, Prestige Food & Wine could be the Italian product supplier to rely on. Their wide range of products and services will streamline your shopping experience and allow you to meet the expectations of the most discerning customers.

Brexit: What Changes for Food Transportation?

There is a cultural heritage that Italians are well familiar with, the famous “pacco da giù”. This special package contains carefully selected Italian products, often representing what is missed the most when living away from home. However, due to Brexit, sending a package to the UK has become somewhat more complicated.

Brexit has turned the United Kingdom into a non-EU country, making shipments directly to the British Isles subject to customs checks and tariffs. This has resulted in restrictions on which foods can be shipped. In general, it is no longer possible to send fresh meat, fish, dairy products, or eggs to the UK. These restrictions have been imposed to ensure food safety and compliance with customs regulations.

Anyone wishing to send a “pacco da giù“ or any other type of shipment to the UK should be aware of the necessary documents to avoid delays or problems. Some of the required documents include:

1. Commercial Invoice: You must have three paper copies of the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is between private individuals. This invoice must specify the value of the goods, which must always be greater than 0.
2. Certificate of Free Export: A copy of this certificate is required to demonstrate that the shipment complies with customs regulations.
3. Sender’s ID or Passport: A front-and-back copy of the sender’s ID or passport is necessary for identity verification.
4. Sender’s Tax Identification Number: A front-and-back copy of the sender’s tax identification number is required as part of the documentation.

Despite these new rules, with proper preparation and documentation, it is still possible to send your beloved Italian products to the United Kingdom.

Conclusions

Love for Italian products transcends borders and cultures, and thanks to a range of options and suppliers, it is possible to find and savor the authenticity of Italian cuisine even abroad. From Italian Deli stores to international supermarkets and online ordering services, access to these products is easier than ever.

If you are a restaurateur, Prestige Food & Wine can become your trusted supplier to ensure that your customers experience the best of Italy in your restaurant. And despite the new post-Brexit challenges in food transportation, with the right documentation, it is still possible to send your Italian culinary treasures to the United Kingdom.

No matter where you are in the world, Italian products can always be at your fingertips, ready to delight your palate and bring you a little closer to Italy.