Gourmet products
Cheeses and charcuterie. A few months ago, the website TasteAtlas published a ranking of the best cheeses in the world, with a special emphasis on Italy... and how can we prove them wrong? When it comes to cheese, you'll be spoilt for choice in every region! If, in recent years, the French are crazy about burrata or buffalo mozzarella, we still advise you to eat these fresh products on the spot: the trip could alter them. On the other hand, hard and semi-hard cheeses can be transported well. Among the must-try cheeses: the indisputable Parmesan from Emilia-Romagna, the grana padano from Lombardy, the Roman pecorino (to grate on your carbonara pasta!) or the caciocavallo that you will find in Puglia, Basilicata or Calabria.
Italian products are also internationally renowned and many hams and sausages have been awarded the DOP (Denomination of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) label. These products are easy to transport: for hams, butchers often offer vacuum-packed affettati (slices). This packaging is ideal and allows for a long shelf life. Emilia-Romagna is particularly well known in the country for its cured meats, such as mortadella, Parma ham or culatello from Zibello. But no matter which region you visit, you will find different variations of coppa, cured hams and salami to take away!
Wines and liquors. Italy is one of the world's leading wine producers and its production is vast and varied: each region has its own favorite wine. Among the most famous, the famous lambrusco of the Po Valley, a traditionally red and sparkling wine, and the Tuscan chianti. The south of the country is not to be outdone when it comes to red wine, so you can bring back a bottle of Primitivo from Manduria or Salice Salentino from your vacation in Puglia. As far as sparkling wines are concerned, prosecco is unbeatable. This wine from Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia is, along with Aperol or Campari, the basis of the famous spritz. Finally, the most famous liqueur of all is limoncello, a lemon liqueur served as a digestive. If you are visiting the Amalfi Coast, this is a must!
Coffee and chocolate. Coffee lovers should pack a Bialetti moka coffee maker. This Italian brand is the queen in this field. You will find smaller and larger versions in different colors. Environmentally friendly (no disposable filters), the moka coffee maker makes a good, strong and tasty coffee.
Italy also produces very good chocolates that will delight the gourmets. If you visit Turin, you will love the gianduja: this chocolate and hazelnut paste is a delight!
Dry goods. In souvenir stores, you will see countless packages of colored pasta. These can be a great gift idea, but be aware that this colorful pasta is more of a tourist attraction than a traditional Italian dish! Opt instead for pasta that is more difficult to find in France, such as orecchiette in Puglia, for example.
Another specialty of the heel of the boot, the taralli. These little salty snacks baked in the oven are a delight to slip into your suitcase! Sweet cookies are also easily transportable and each region has its own speciality. Just to name a few and make your mouth water: Piedmont's baci di dama , Saronno's amaretti or Tuscan cantucci .
Oil and vinegar. Italy is, along with Spain, one of the world's leading producers of olive oil. Aluminum cans are often offered for larger quantities and allow for more serene travel. Another must-have for salads is balsamic vinegar. Originating from Emilia-Romagna, from the province of Modena to be precise, glassa (a balsamic vinegar cream) can also be enjoyed on parmesan. A great gift idea!
Local crafts
In addition to these travel souvenirs from the Italian culinary tradition, you should also know that the handicrafts are very rich in the country. Here are some examples of made in Italy products, the assurance of a unique know-how.
Ceramics. Ceramics are particularly honored in Puglia: the pumo, a local lucky charm that adorns the entrance of houses, is a very nice souvenir during a stay in the region. Campania, Capodimonte in particular, is also famous for its porcelain, and Calabria for terracotta.
Glassmaking. It is on the island of Murano, near Venice, that this craft is the most developed. The work of glass dates back to the 13th century and the techniques of elaboration allow to obtain refined pieces, decorated with gold or colored ̶ the Italian technique of millefiori is particularly famous. Several glass factories are present in Venice and Murano, among them Barovier & Toso, whose reputation is well known.
Leather. Why not succumb to a beautiful handbag, wallet or belt? Tuscany is known throughout the world for its leather work. These pieces are of high quality and stand the test of time. Tuscan leatherwork is the fruit of a centuries-old tradition, and it is also one of the jewels of Made in Italy, a guarantee of excellence.
Fashion and design. Milan, the capital of fashion, is the place where the Italian luxury industry is on display, particularly in the four streets of the fashion quadrilateral (via Manzoni, via Monte Napoleone, via Sant'Andrea and via della Spiga), the temple of Versace, Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. Italy is also known for its design and brands such as Alessi or Kartell will delight lovers of beautiful decorative objects.
This chapter offers, of course, only a few examples to which one could add so many others, from Neapolitan santons to the handicraft of Cremona's violin makers, for the musicians. In each region, your suitcase will be weighed down with gastronomic and artisanal souvenirs!
