Many Americans, especially Italians, are upset by the news that Ronzoni is discontinuing Pastina, commonly known as the “Italian penicillin,” according to the company’s statement Tuesday.
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“We hear you and appreciate your love for Ronzoni Pastina,” the company wrote on Twitter. “After much effort, we regret to announce that Ronzoni Pastina is discontinuing. This was not a decision we wanted to make.”
Small star pasta is usually made with butter and given to sick children and babies. Twitter erupted with responses from users saddened by the disappearance of the pasta and asking Ronzoni to reconsider.
“Check your Italian friends; we’re not good,” Angela Morabito, spokeswoman The Institute for Defending Freedom tweeted.
Ronzoni said the company’s supplier had stopped making the product.
“Unfortunately, our long-term supplier has informed us that they will no longer be producing Ronzini Pastina as of January 2023,” the statement read. “We looked for an alternative solution, but we couldn’t find a suitable option to make Pastina in the same lovely shape, size and standard that you expect from Ronzo. As a result, we had to make the difficult decision to stop production. . this product.”
“Ronzoni’s pastina is being discontinued due to insufficient sales to support continued production,” tweeted the Growing up Italian account.
Forbes writer Nick Diunte contacted eBay, where several boxes of Pastina were still available for purchase.
“As an Italian American, I must protest,” wrote James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor of American Magazine.
“What are Italian-American babies going to do?! I ate this almost every day,” wrote PCMag writer Chandra Steele.
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The announcement sparked numerous petitions calling for Ronzoni to reverse his decision to discontinue the product.
“In December 2022, it was reported that parent company 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, which acquired Ronzo from Riviana Foods in 2021, decided to stop production for Pastina (Pasta No. 155), a small star-shaped pasta. internationally recognized as a versatile, tasty and convenient food” a Read the Change.org petition.
“We, the undersigned, call on 8th Avenue Food & Provisions to reverse their wrongful decision and ensure that Pastina can be enjoyed for generations to come,” the petition reads.
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8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc. (“8th Avenue”) announced that it will acquire the Ronzoni brand in March 2021. Press release.
“Kind of me, but I would have thought that Ronzoni’s ‘long-term pastina supplier’ would be… Ronzoni.” Fox 61 Anchor Tim Lammers tweeted.
Guests visit Ronzoni Station during the Blue Moon Burger Bash presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats hosted by Rachael Ray. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for NYCWFF)
((Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for NYCWFF))
As some users have pointed out, pasta brands such as Barilla have other varieties of pastina, but to the horror of Ronzoni pasta lovers, this brand has become a favorite among many consumers.
One user described the move as “really disappointing” but said they would contact Barilla to fix the patch.
“We appreciate your loyalty to us!!” Barilla US tweeted in response.