World pizza day: celebrating the history and global love for pizza

Every year on 17 January, World Pizza Day honors a dish that has delighted taste buds for over 2,000 years. From Neapolitan classics to creative toppings like potatoes, pizza transcends borders as a global favorite.

In 2017, UNESCO recognized the “art of Neapolitan pizza makers” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, emphasizing pizza’s cultural and historical importance. The date also aligns with St. Anthony Abbot’s feast day, the patron saint of pizza makers and related trades.

Globally, pizza generates significant economic activity, with 2024 revenue forecasted at €160 billion. Italy alone contributes €15 billion annually, producing 2.7 billion pizzas—a whopping 46 pizzas per person each year! Italians favor quality ingredients, unlike the global market’s penchant for variety. Surprisingly, Americans lead in per capita consumption, devouring 13 kg of pizza annually compared to Italy’s 7.8 kg.

In Europe, Italy ranks first in consumption, followed by Spain (4.3 kg), France (4.2 kg), and Germany (4.2 kg). The rise of food delivery apps has further fueled pizza’s popularity, with some services reporting an order every two seconds.

TasteAtlas data reveals the Margherita as the world’s favorite pizza, followed by Montanara, calzones, and American-style varieties. At the bottom is Italy’s own Mimosa pizza, topped with corn and ham.

Pizza prices vary across Italy, with Sassari being the priciest (€14.67) and Livorno offering the most affordable option (€8.67).

No matter your preference—classic or adventurous—let’s savor pizza’s rich legacy today!

Police handler saves woman with clever pizza code

Norwich restaurant charges £100 (Rs 10,000) for adding pineapple topping on pizza

 

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