London is a city of a thousand faces, a kaleidoscope of pure energy that never ceases to surprise. We have just returned from the European Pizza Show 2025, bringing home a bag full of satisfaction, encounters, and, naturally, some good music. Our participation at ExCeL London (Stand B40) was not just a trade fair, but a journey to discover new human and professional connections. We brought the excellence of Molise Extra Virgin Olive Oil to the heart of the United Kingdom, sharing a story made of biodiversity, passion, and sustainable agriculture.
A Sensory Experience: Tasting Oil in a Glass
For many visitors to our stand, our approach was a true novelty. In London, we proposed an experience that is often unheard of for the general international public: tasting olive oil directly from a small glass. Initially, we saw curiosity and astonishment in people’s eyes, but we are happy that so many trusted us. Once the initial shyness was overcome, the result was unanimous: the discovery of a quality EVO oil capable of clearly distinguishing itself in aroma and taste compared to commercial products. It was an immense pleasure to see faces light up after the first taste and to meet so many people living in London curious to get closer to the culture of true “green gold.”
“Like a Cherry!”: The Cesara di Montenero enchants London
The real protagonist of our stand was the territory of Montenero di Bisaccia. We described Molise through its landscapes and incredible biodiversity, but the scene-stealer was her: our native single-variety, the Cesara di Montenero (Granciara EVO Oil). Showing photos of our olives—large, fleshy, and purple-red in color—the exclamation from everyone was immediate: “It looks like a cherry!” From this, the motto of our trip was born: “London… like a cherry!”. Why? Because our London experience was exactly like that: sweet, pleasant, and engaging. Just like when you eat cherries and “one leads to another,” our desire to meet new people, explore new places, and shake hands with colleagues from other countries and sectors grew every day. It was stimulating networking that enriched us both professionally and personally.
Frank Zappa and the Vinyl Hunt: An Italian Treasure in London
Those who know Masserie Zappacosta know that our passion is not limited to agriculture. Our name carries an important musical legacy, and even in London, our passion for Frank Zappa did not stop. Between a meeting at the fair and a walk in the city, we went searching for used vinyl shops, true institutions of London’s musical culture. And the surprise was incredible. We found an Italian edition of the 1982 album “Ship Arriving Too Late to Save a Drowning Witch.” We couldn’t resist: we bought it to bring back home with us. It was like closing a circle: bringing Molise to London and taking a piece of history (printed in Italy) back home.
The Outcome of the European Pizza Show
The 2025 edition at ExCeL London confirmed how important it is to be there. The European Pizza Show proved to be the ideal stage to meet chefs, buyers, and HoReCA distributors looking for ingredients capable of making a difference. Our oil is not just a condiment, but an essential ingredient to enhance doughs and gourmet pairings. We return home with the awareness that precision agriculture and respect for nature are universal values, appreciated as much in Italy as in a cosmopolitan metropolis like London. Thanks to everyone who stopped by Stand B40 for a greeting or a taste. Molise exists, resists, and… tastes like a cherry!
