Buffalo mozzarella cheese is considered by European consumers as a "romantic food", according to a survey carried out by Nomisma and Arcadia.
    The results of the poll were presented by the Consortium for the Safeguard of the cheese produced in the Campania region around Naples, at the former Naples Bourbon royal palace, the Reggia di Caserta, during the event 'Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Dop, la sfida europea', or DOP (denomination of protected origin) buffalo mozzarella cheese, a European challenge.
    The study was conducted on 5,000 consumers from five European countries - Austria, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands.
    The main feelings mentioned by the consumers polled in connection with the cheese were pleasure (29% of those surveyed), well-being (24%), happiness (15%) and falling in love (10%).
    However, participants from some of the countries surveyed reported above-average positive feelings, in particular pleasure (over 35% for Belgians and Britons), well-being (up to 37% for Austrians), happiness and love (19% and 15% respectively for Britons).
    A reported 30% of consumers perceived the product as suitable for an Italian-themed dinner while 19% said it was perfect for a meal with friends and 16% for a romantic dinner.
    The study by Arcadia instead reported how this DOP product is perceived in Italy as well as in France, Germany and the United Kingdom, or its main export markets, finding that 75% of consumers had a favourable view.
    "We are flattered and proud of the results of these researches which award the efforts made by the Consortium for the promotion abroad, in particular in Europe", commented the president of the Consortium for the safeguard of DOP Buffalo Mozzarella, Domenico Raimondo.
    The president also thanked the "many producers who get up at 3 every morning to make such a special product".
    A tour across the main countries of destination of exports will wrap up at the end of October.
    "We have organized seminars and tastings in cooperation with ICE (foreign trade agency) and embassies, showing the strength and ability of Made in Italy to create a network abroad", concluded Raimondo.

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