• Pizza remains one of the most beloved culinary dishes worldwide, over 1.000 years after its appearance.
Pizza Day ( National Pizza Day ) is celebrated on February 9, a holiday initiated by Americans and later adopted globally, although Italians prefer January 17, the date dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great, the patron saint of bakers and pizza makers. But regardless of the date, this holiday offers us the perfect occasion to enjoy this iconic dish, and is also the ideal opportunity for brands to capitalize on growing consumer demand, boosting innovation, sales and industry development.
First documentary mention of the term "pizza" dates back to 997, in Gaeta, Italy. However, the modern form of pizza took shape in Naples in the 1889th century, initially as a simple flatbread with garlic, salt, lard and cheese. The introduction of tomatoes from America to the continent in the XNUMXth century radically changed this dish, and in XNUMX, baker Raffaele Esposito created the famous Margherita pizza, inspired by the colors of the Italian flag, in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy.
Recognizing the importance of this dish, UNESCO included, in 2017, the art of Neapolitan pizza makers in the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, highlighting the craftsmanship and tradition behind authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Pizza, a global phenomenon
The pizza industry is generating record revenues, with an estimated turnover of 160 billion euros in 2024. Italy contributes 15 billion euros, producing 2,7 billion pizzas annually, the equivalent of 46 pizzas per capita.
Surprisingly, Norway ranks second in pizza consumption per capita, with 11,4 kg per year (about 33 pizzas), surpassing the US (9,6 kg) and Canada (8,9 kg). In Europe, countries such as Switzerland, Sweden, France and Germany also have significant consumption.
Foodora reported pizza as the most ordered dish in 2024, with over 3,5 million orders in six European countries, prompting the launch of an annual index to analyze prices and market trends.
The most popular varieties
Foodora has compiled a top list of the most popular pizzas globally: 1. Margherita; 2. Salami; 3. Kebab; 4. Margherita (small portion); 5. Cardinale (with ham).
Depending on the region, pizza takes on various forms:
• USA: the iconic Chicago and New York versions, with the thin crust.
• Japan: Unusual toppings like mayonnaise, seafood, and squid ink.
• Brazil: Corn, peas and quail eggs.
• Scotland: Pizza crunch (a slice of pizza fried in breadcrumbs).
• Canada: Hawaiian Pizza, invented by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant from Ontario, in the 60s. Its combination of ham and pineapple remains a controversial topic among pizza lovers.
The most expensive pizzas in the world
The pizza industry also includes exclusive creations worth:
• $180.000– Served in an Italian restaurant in Dubai, it contains white truffles, Beluga caviar marinated in champagne, and edible gold.
• $70.000– A Canadian pizza with gold leaf, 10-year-old cheese and premium Japanese beef.
• $12.000 – Louis XIII, created by Chef Renato Viola, includes three types of caviar, Norwegian lobster, buffalo mozzarella, Mediterranean shrimp and Australian pink salt, accompanied by Louis Roederer Cristal champagne and Louis XIII cognac.
At the opposite end, the most affordable pizzas are found in Hungary, with an average price of €7,46 for a Margherita, while Norway has the most expensive options, with an average price of €16,15.
Industry trends
Over the decades, pizza has never stopped reinventing itself. In the UK, White Rabbit invests £500.000 to develop gluten-free dough recipes, while General Mills launches a novel concept: pizza-flavored cereal.
In the USA, the chain Cicis pizza combines the most beloved Italian dishes into a new product – spaghetti and meatball pizza – available for a limited time. Still in the spirit of innovation, Cheez-It brings the taste of pizza in a crispy form, through its new snacks inspired by Margherita and pesto with mozzarella.
Pizza remains a symbol of conviviality and culinary diversity, constantly adapting to consumer demands. Regardless of local preferences, technological innovations or economic trends, pizza maintains its status as the queen of global dishes.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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