ITALIAN FOOD MARKETS: THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Food markets are the beating heart of Italian neighbourhoods. ‘Mercati’ (markets) bring the local community together – satisfying Italians’ love of food, passion for fresh and locally sourced produce, and the joy of open-air shopping.

Italian food markets are bustling with cheerful locals strolling through the vibrant colours, sights, sounds and smells. They stop to sample local delicacies as they go, chat to sellers and take time to catch up with neighbours and friends.

As UK food markets continue to thrive, we look at what makes Italian food markets so special and how we can embrace this simple Italian pleasure right here in the UK.

ITALY’S FOOD CULTURE

Italy is still one of the world’s top food destinations and has long influenced food culture around the globe. Italians ‘live to eat’ and food plays a central role in every aspect of Italian life.

Neighbourhood street markets are engrained in Italian culture, with many as ancient as the small towns and cities themselves. But the appeal goes beyond the local high-quality seasonal food alone. Mercati play an important social role in Italian life – they connect communities, and are part of everyday rituals and routines when it comes to how they shop, eat, drink and socialise.

IL MERCATO (THE MARKET)

Italians rely on local food markets to know (and buy) what’s fresh and in season. They enjoy one-on-one time with trusted street market producers, and thrive on checking out what ingredients their neighbours are buying. Neighbours and friends take pleasure in shopping together, before stopping to enjoy a pastry or panino (made using freshly baked bread from the market, filled with the best local cheese and cold cuts).

You can check out some of our favourite authentic Italian food markets, and what they’re best known for, here.

SHOPPING LOCAL

Why not follow this relaxed Italian-inspired way of living for yourself? It’s as simple as heading to your local Farmers’ market to explore what’s on offer, while soaking up the lively atmosphere reminiscent of what you’d find at an Italian mercato.

Enjoy trying the many samples as you wander through the rich array of colours and flavours; maybe you’ll discover something you haven’t come across before like wild garlic, medlars, sloes or wild mushrooms. Take time to chat to the sellers, soaking up their passion around how, where and why they make their products – just like the Italians do.

Most street markets (both in Italy and the UK) wrap up around lunchtime, making it the perfect time to catch up with friends over food and a BIRRA MORETTI Zero or BIRRA MORETTI L’Autentica. Enjoy picking out delicious ingredients for a spontaneous picnic, or head to your local pub or restaurant.

FIND YOUR BIRRA MORETTI LOCAL HERE

WHERE TO GO?

The UK’s growing shop-local ethos has boosted our thriving food market scene. Local farmer’s markets have rapidly risen in popularity since the very first one was set up in Bath in 1997.

Fresh food markets Eataly and Borough Market in London are among the best known, but award-winning markets are booming all across the country. Popular markets in the UK include Deddington Farmers’ Market in Oxfordshire, Shrewsbury Market Hall in Shropshire, Bury Market in Greater Manchester and Stroud Farmers’ Market in Gloucestershire.

Alternatively, why not consider a market that supports and promotes something you’re passionate about? There are various Italian-inspired Mercato Metropolitano markets in London, set up to encourage community sustainability. Plus, exclusively vegan and organic markets have exploded in popularity.

Just like in Italy, you don’t have to travel far. There are plenty of smaller local markets where you can enjoy the same freshness, quality, passion, and sense of community.

BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

Supporting your local Farmers’ Market is a great way to experience one of the simple pleasures of Italian life; delicious, seasonal and locally produced food, and a place to catch up with friends in the heart of your community.

Markets are a relaxed, refreshing, social and ethical way to shop local. You’ll be giving back to your local community as you get together with friends and experience a true taste of daily Italian life.