A study sponsored by the Italian “Antica Gelateria del Corso” ice cream brand has revealed interesting data concerning the consumption of ice cream, as well as Italian preferences. The idea that ice cream is “Made in Italy” seems to be a key factor in determining their choice: brands such as “Bronte Pistachio” and “IGP Piedmont Hazelnut” are the most popular. The consumer will always search for the local product, in this case those from Italy, but also the study has found that the quality of the raw materials as well as the nutritional value of ice cream – in terms of mental well-being – and the foodstuff’s ability to evoke memories and the sensation of pleasure.
The study, which was conducted primarily through research and online monitoring of social networks, blogs and forums, has also found that 53% of Italians consider ice cream a summer essential; 49% of Italians highlighted the product’s ability to promote mental well-being and happiness, and finally 38% of Italians consider it to be ambassador of Italian cuisine due to its unmistakable taste.
Given how Italians feel about ice cream, a new way to choose the ice cream and eat it has emerged: not just that it is fresh and tastes good, but that it must also be the bearer of deeper values. From this we arrive at “Slow Gelato”: a flag bearer of the ‘Made in Italy’ campaign, made with local ingredients and intrinsically linked to the Italian regions (Bronte pistachio, fresh mountain milk, IGP Piedmont hazelnuts and Sicilian lemon are the most popular), which not only promotes psychological and physical wellbeing, bringing pleasure to both the palate and the consumer’s mind.