The Erbazzone Reggiano: Emilia-Romagna’s Next Culinary Treasure on the Path to European Recognition

Emilia-Romagna is preparing to celebrate a new addition to its long list of culinary excellences: the erbazzone reggiano. This savory pie, made from two layers of unleavened pastry filled with spinach or chard and Parmigiano Reggiano PDO, is nearing official recognition as the region’s forty-fifth product with geographical indication status.

Originating from Reggio Emilia, the erbazzone has long been a symbol of local tradition—simple, hearty, and deeply tied to the identity of the area. What began as a humble household recipe has grown into a gastronomic emblem, soon to join the ranks of the region’s most celebrated specialties such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and Aceto Balsamico di Modena. The recognition process, promoted by the association of producers together with local authorities, the Regional Government, and several Members of the European Parliament, is now in its final stages.

The dish was also among the highlights of the events organized in Brussels by the Emilia-Romagna Region to celebrate the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World. It was featured in a special tasting session, representing both the authenticity of Reggio Emilia’s culinary culture and the vitality of Italian regional gastronomy as a whole.

Promoting Emilia-Romagna’s Food Heritage in Brussels

The Brussels initiatives, carried out in collaboration with Art-ER, APT Servizi, the Region’s Delegation to the European Union, the Italian Cultural Institute, and the CasArtusi Foundation, were dedicated to showcasing the value of Emilia-Romagna’s forty-four protected geographical indication products. They also reflected the Region’s broader strategy to support Italy’s bid for UNESCO recognition of its national cuisine as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.

The program included a series of cultural and culinary events underscoring how food expresses identity, tradition, and community. One of the main highlights was the performance “E Risalutami tuo fratello”, created and performed by Marco Ligabue and Andrea Barbi, with the participation of the Regional Councillor for Agriculture, Alessio Mammi. Through music, stories, and humor, the show celebrated the landscapes and flavors of Emilia-Romagna.

Around 300 guests attended the evening at the Italian Cultural Institute, where they enjoyed tastings of fifteen regional specialties—from Aceto Balsamico di Modena PGI and Culatello di Zibello PDO to Piadina Romagnola PGI and Riso del Delta del Po PGI—alongside local wines provided by Enoteca Regionale.

The “Food Valley” and Its Global Reach

“Our cuisine and our agri-food products are increasingly appreciated across the world,” said Councillor Mammi. “It’s no coincidence that Emilia-Romagna is known as Italy’s Food Valley. The PDO economy alone is worth €3.9 billion, while the region’s total agri-food production amounts to €37 billion, with over €10 billion exported globally.”

Mammi also highlighted that the United Nations has already given a first positive assessment to Italy’s application for the inclusion of Italian cuisine on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list—a process expected to conclude in December in New Delhi.

But the Councillor also warned that international instability is exposing the need for Europe to safeguard its own food production capacity. “This is not only an economic issue,” he stressed, “but a matter of democracy, strategic security, and the protection of rural territories and communities.”

For this reason, Emilia-Romagna, together with the European Committee of the Regions, has voiced strong opposition to the European Commission’s proposal for the new multiannual budget, which would merge the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Funds, reducing regional autonomy and cutting resources for agriculture.

Investing in the Future of European Food

Mammi called for a renewed European focus on agriculture and agri-food systems, proposing three key actions: a €1 billion European investment fund for promoting PDO and PGI products; the inclusion of geographical indications throughout the continent’s restaurant network; and training programs for young chefs and hospitality students across Europe to strengthen their knowledge of certified ingredients and regional cuisines.

“Producing food is not about making a simple commodity,” he concluded. “It’s about investing in cultural identity and the future of our communities. A strong and just Europe must recognize that.”

A Growing Economy Rooted in Quality

According to data from Qualivita and Ismea, the PDO–PGI economy of Emilia-Romagna is valued at €3.9 billion, of which €3.5 billion comes from food products—representing 88.5% of Italy’s total—and €455 million from wines, accounting for 11.5% of the national figure.

Beyond its economic significance, the system of geographical indications supports rural life, employment, and cultural continuity. Across the region, about 53,000 agricultural and agri-food businesses operate, including roughly 4,500 in the food industry.

To reinforce this ecosystem, the Region has earmarked €25 million for the 2025–2026 period: €7 million for promoting certified wines outside the EU, €5 million for certified food promotion within the EU, and €6 million for national initiatives such as trade fairs and local events.

A Symbol of Continuity and Pride

The expected recognition of the erbazzone reggiano adds a new chapter to Emilia-Romagna’s story as the heart of Italian gastronomy. Simple yet refined, local yet universal, this humble pie embodies the same values that have made the region’s food famous worldwide—authenticity, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of belonging.

As the erbazzone prepares to join the region’s list of protected products, it stands as both a symbol of culinary continuity and a reminder that, in Emilia-Romagna, food is never just nourishment—it is culture, community, and identity.