Pasta prices are surging, threatening the Italian economy, people, and appetites. Government has called an emergency meeting to find out why and how costs are rising.
A 17.5% increase in pasta prices from last spring to this March is a serious economic concern for one of the world's top pasta-consuming countries, especially as Italy's GDP growth is less than 1% and inflation is 6.1%.
Urso will discuss with Italy's Rapid Price Alert Commission why pasta prices have exploded despite durum wheat (also known as semolina, the only wheat legally allowed in Italy for pasta) declining.
More than 2 million tons of pasta will be exported by Italy in 2022 for upwards of $4 million. Prices could spike, threatening one of Italy's most valuable exports.
Pasta is not the only thing getting more expensive in Italy, but its rapid price rise has caused concern.
In Italy, the average increase in consumer goods is around 8%, with pasta far above the rest. So far, this pasta cost crisis appears to be an Italian problem, but it could spill over into exports.
The price of pasta has already increased in the United States, along with many other food costs (inflation has really changed America's eating habits).
The price of spaghetti alone increased by 33%. If the Italian government cannot find a solution, a sharp increase in prices will almost certainly be passed along to American consumers.
If you love pasta, you might want to try making your own dried pasta. You can buy semolina online and in specialty grocers, but you can also make pasta with simple all-purpose flour.
Let's also hope the Italian government solves this cost crisis so everyone can find convenient, affordable spaghetti everywhere.