A Potential Pasta Crisis in Little Italy: The Price of Pasta Could Skyrocket
The beloved Italian staple, pasta, may soon become a luxury item for many. With President Trump's tariffs looming, the cost of imported pasta could soar, causing a stir in Little Italy. The 107% tariff on 13 Italian pasta brands could see prices skyrocketing to $10 per bag, a significant jump from the current average of $2.50 to $5. This has shop owners and customers alike worried.
Anthony Ruscigno, manager of Joe's Italian Deli, expresses his concerns, stating that the price hike would be absurd, especially for a staple food. He fears that customers might not be willing to pay the new prices, which could lead to a decrease in sales for these brands. Ruscigno, who generally supports Trump's economic policies, worries about the quality of his store's offerings and the impact on cash-strapped customers.
The affected brands include Pasta Garofalo, La Molisana, Rummo, Agritalia, Aldino, Antiche Tradizioni Di Gragnano, Barilla, Gruppo Milo, Pastificio Artigiano Cav. Giuseppe Cocco, Pastificio Chiavenna, Pastificio Liguori, Pastificio Sgambaro, and Pastificio Tamma. Barilla, which produces much of its pasta domestically for the US market, is expected to be less affected by the tariffs.
Chris Borgatti, the fourth-generation owner of Borgatti's Ravioli & Egg Noodles, acknowledges the difficult decision ahead. He plans to reduce his imported goods catalog due to the potential price increase, which will affect everyone in the supply chain. Rosa Paciulllo, owner of Tino's Delicatessen, shares similar concerns, fearing that the price hike could put them out of business. She highlights the importance of pasta in her store's sales and expresses hope for a resolution to the tariff issue.
Mike Teitel, owner of Teitel Brothers, an Italian market and foods distributor, acknowledges the challenge of passing on additional costs to customers. He mentions the conversation he has daily with customers about price increases and the need to adapt to the tariffs. Teitel suggests De Cecco pasta as a more affordable alternative for budget-conscious consumers, as it has also seen a price increase but remains a popular choice in restaurants.
