Keep Christmas cake Italian, panettone makers say

[Food Network Fan]

Keep Christmas cake Italian, panettone makers say

Wed Dec 12, 10:29 AM ET

Italy already has strict rules governing the origin and quality of its wine, while Parmigiano parmesan cheese can only be made in Parma and regulations on "Italian" olive oil are being tightened.
Now Christmas cake has become the latest product that the government and manufacturers want to protect from foreign imitations.
Italian bakers produce some 117 million panettone and pandoro cakes every Christmas -- worth 579 million euros ($849 million). By law they must be made according to strict rules, including using only butter and beer yeast.
But those rules do not apply abroad, meaning exported Italian cakes may not be up to scratch, and foreign-made versions may only bear a vague resemblance to the tall, puffy, golden desserts prized by Italians.
"Just think -- seven out of 10 panettoni and pandori exported to the United States do not respect the production norms. Seven out of 10 Americans buying an 'Italian-style' panettone are getting a fake," Alberto Bauli, head of the Italian Cake Industry, told a news conference.


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I love Italian Cream Cake.

[annabella]

Sounds like a Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine debate.

[Food Network Fan]

I tend to lean towards the americanized versions of many foods. But I guess that's because I am an American.

I think many people develop a palate based on comfort from what they have grown up eating.

[BerryBaby]

Didn't we have a discussion similar to this on Italian Olive Oil?

[Food Network Fan]

Probably so, people have their favorites of everything.