Made in Italy represents much more than just a label: it is a cultural, gastronomic and economic heritage that encompasses centuries of tradition, craftsmanship and Italian passion.
From food to wine, fashion to design, the ‘Made in Italy’ brand is synonymous with quality, excellence, and authenticity recognised throughout the world.
In this article, you will discover:
- the origins of Made in Italy,
- international recognition,
- how to recognise the authenticity of Italian products,
- and why choosing BIS products means supporting true Italian tradition.
From origins to legislative protection
The expression ‘Made in Italy’, which began as a simple indication of origin affixed by Italian manufacturers, has become a true mark of quality since the 1980s. This evolution took place as part of a process of re-evaluating and defending the Italian character of the product, with the aim of combating the counterfeiting of Italian craftsmanship and industrial production.
‘Made in Italy’ is traditionally identified with four sectors of excellence:
- Clothing industry,
- Agri-food,
- Furniture,
- Automotive industry.
In these areas, Italian products have earned an international reputation based on distinctive characteristics: quality of workmanship, attention to detail, creativity in design, durability and high specialisation.
Since 1999, this valuable designation has been protected by associations such as the Institute for the Protection of Italian Manufacturers and regulated by specific state laws. A significant step was taken in 2009 with the enactment of Decree Law No. 135, which includes Article 16 dedicated to “Made in Italy and entirely Italian products”.
Today, ‘Made in Italy’ represents a commercial category in its own right, fundamental to Italian exports.
Its importance is such that in 2014, the Google Cultural Institute, in collaboration with the Italian government and the Italian Chamber of Commerce, created an online project to promote Italian excellence around the world.
RECOGNISING THE AUTHENTICITY OF ITALIAN PRODUCTS
International research reveals the extent of the Italian Sounding phenomenon, counterfeiting, that seriously damages Italy’s heritage. According to a study by Coldiretti, fake Made in Italy food products generate a turnover of over €60 billion per year, with estimated damage to the Italian economy of around €6 billion per year.
This phenomenon particularly affects cheeses such as “Parmesan” instead of Parmigiano Reggiano, “Proseco” instead of Prosecco, and olive oil of dubious origin passed off as Italian extra virgin. This fraudulent practice not only damages Italian producers economically, but also deceives consumers by depriving them of the authentic Italian experience.
The European Union and Italian institutions have developed a system of rigorous certifications to protect consumers and guarantee the authenticity of Italian products, such as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). This certification guarantees that all stages of production take place in a specific geographical area of Italy using traditional methods.
Consumers should always check the following elements:
- Complete labelling: origin of raw materials, place of production, certifications.
- Traceability codes: these allow all stages of production to be traced.
- Presence of official logos: PDO, PGI and organic marks with identification codes of the control bodies.
- Distribution channels: choose authorised and specialised retailers.
Best Italian Selection: ambassadors of Italian taste around the world
Best Italian Selection is a bastion in the defence of authentic Made in Italy products. Our mission is to carefully select Italian food products and make them available on international markets. In this way, we contribute to spreading the excellence that makes Made in Italy unique: quality, creativity and passion.
The BIS selection includes only certified products that meet the most rigorous quality standards: artisan bronze-cut pasta, tomato preserves, extra virgin olive oil, legumes, sauces, wines and traditional desserts.
Every BIS brand product offers you what has made Italian cuisine famous throughout the world: the quality of carefully selected raw materials sourced from Italy.
We operate with the conviction that Italian excellence is not just a brand, but a cultural heritage to be preserved and shared.
Conclusions
Made in Italy is not just a trademark, but a cultural heritage that tells the story of our country’s history, passion, and excellence. Protecting this heritage means protecting thousands of companies, preserving centuries-old traditions, and guaranteeing consumers around the world access to the authentic Italian experience.
Consciously choosing certified Made in Italy products means supporting a sustainable, ethical and superior quality production system. It also means contributing to the fight against counterfeiting and Italian Sounding, phenomena that harm both producers and consumers.
The same values of authenticity, quality, and tradition that Best Italian Selection brings to international tables every day with its certified Made in Italy products, building bridges between Italy and the world.
