King Kullen: why the first US supermarket was at the forefront of global distribution

Italian, French and British retailers have drawn inspiration and lessons from their American counterparts. And the chain that opened its first supermarket 96 years ago is still family-owned: in June, King Kullen appointed its first female president, Tracey Cullen, the founder’s great-granddaughter

Quick Take — The ingredients of a genuine Genoese pesto and the top 10 brands according to Gambero Rosso

Today, the Consortium’s specification sets out certain key requirements: at least 25 per cent Genovese Basil PDO, extra virgin olive oil from Liguria or neighbouring regions, Italian garlic, Mediterranean pine nuts, sea salt and PDO cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano and certified pecorino cheeses. Any menthol-like note is also excluded, as it is considered out of keeping with the correct flavour profile.

The list also includes two products from Coop and Conad, produced by Bruzzone & Ferrari

How Walmart became an advertising powerhouse whilst remaining focused on its food, non-food and e-commerce businesses

It is a pity that no Italian company has had the scale, but above all the vision, to take on the world in the way these giants have done. In Italy, everyone thought: e-commerce must be self-sustaining. This was the case for Esselunga at home until it had no rivals, but Amazon and Walmart disprove this view. E-commerce is underpinned by other, more profitable sources of revenue

Quick Take — Arborio rice from the supermarket: the 12 best

First produced in 1946 thanks to the insight of agronomist Domenico Marchetti, this long, semi-round grain, native to the Vercelli area, has often been relegated by the supermarket chains to the role of‘salad rice’– a marketing strategy that, over the years, has ended up trivialising its identity. Yet the reality is quite different: Arborio remains one of the most effective varieties for achieving al dente grains, capable of absorbing cooking liquids well and yielding a creamy texture. It is no coincidence that, even though Carnaroli and Vialone Nano often dominate the culinary narrative, it continues to be the most sought-after risotto rice in the world…

Gambero Rosso

Carrefour’s own-brand is among the best. Esselunga and Coop are decent but not outstanding.

The only drawback of these rankings is that the starting point is always missing (i.e. the complete list of brands tasted). Below: the best.