The art of Neapolitan pizza makers is now an Intangible Heritage of Humanity, pride of the Neapolitans and of the whole of Italy. But the battle does not end with this recognition. This is the warning launched during the celebrative event that took place in Piazza del Gesù in Naples. Let’s find out why.

December 14th is a date that Naples and the world of pizza will remember for long: the presentation to the city of the Art of Neapolitan pizza makers as a UNESCO heritage.

To celebrate this important recognition, a big party has been held under the banner of the conviviality, a key feature of the world of pizza and pizza makers. Piazza Del Gesù, in the heart of the old town of Naples, was the obvious stage for this celebration.

Many were the guests on the square.

At the forefront, the pizza makers of the APN, who handed out 5000 pizzas to tourists, Neapolitans and enthusiasts.

And then, of course, Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio, Pesident of the Univerde Foundation, that from the Napoli Pizza Village 2010 launched the petition campaign to ask UNESCO the recognition.

“The status of Intangible Heritage of Humanity – tells Pecoraro Scanio on the stage in Piazza Del Gesù – has been given to the Art of Neapolitan pizza makers, not to pizza, and this is not coincidence! One of the reasons why the battle lasted so long is precisely this distinction. Neapolitan pizza is unique and has nothing in common with the industrial one!”

The same idea was shared by Gimmy Ghione, the famous journalist of the TV show ‘Striscia la Notizia’, renowned for his battle against the counterfeit products, a plague present even in the Made in Italy gastronomic field.

“Neapolitan pizza – says Ghione to the microphones of the event organized by the #pizzaunesco movement – is codified by precise rules and made with specific ingredients. All strictly Made in Italy.”

And now?

The battle goes on because, as confirmed by Luigi Petrillo, councilor of the Ministry of Agricultural Policies, the status of Intangible Heritage of Humanity is not something that you win once and for all.

“The UNESCO commission – explains Petrillo – meets every two years to decide on the fate of the titles assigned. A production that does not conform to the standards required by the specifications, or the choice of improper ingredients, could led to loosing this important recognition!”

That’s why we of Ciao feel proud of our products in line with the specifications of the true Neapolitan pizza. Allowing our artisans to express themselves at their best through the excellence of our ingredients is a responsibility that we carry out with plenty of passion!