World Pasta Day 2025 was celebrated in Istanbul with strong messages of global unity and sharing. IPO President Carl Zunelli emphasized both Turkey’s hospitality and the success of the organization, expressing his satisfaction that World Pasta Day was being celebrated in a city he described as a “cultural and economic capital.”
As one of the most significant events in the global pasta industry, World Pasta Day 2025 returned to Istanbul after 11 years. Organized under the leadership of the International Pasta Organization (IPO) and hosted by the Turkish Pasta Manufacturers Association (TMSD) and the Pasta Producers and Industrialists Association (MÜSAD), the event gathered industry representatives, producers, academics, and members of the media from around the world.
“Istanbul is the city that best reflects the spirit of pasta”
In his opening address, Zunelli explained why Istanbul was chosen for this year’s celebration:
“Istanbul is a city of both history and innovation. With its millennia-old cultural heritage, it represents the past, while its modern dynamism inspires the future. Just like pasta... Pasta combines tradition and innovation; it bridges cultures.”
Zunelli noted that this year marked the third time Turkey had hosted World Pasta Day, emphasizing that the event stood out with its messages of “global unity, sharing, and sustainable production.” He also praised the Turkish pasta industry for its strong production capacity and export success, positioning it as an exemplary force in the global market.
A 30-Year Tradition: Pasta as a Unifying Force on the World’s Table
Zunelli reminded attendees that the International Pasta Organization first celebrated World Pasta Day in Rome in 1995, and that this year marked its 30th anniversary.
“The purpose of this special day is to celebrate pasta as a product of the world’s table—acknowledging its cultural, nutritional, and economic significance. In 1995, the world’s population was 5.7 billion; today it exceeds 8 billion. That means two billion new pasta consumers! In 1995, global pasta production stood at 7–8 million tons; today, it surpasses 17 million. The pasta sector is expanding, diversifying, and reaching more people every year.”
Defining pasta as “the world’s most humble yet most beloved food,” Zunelli added:
“Pasta is love at the tip of a fork—it brings joy to tables and connects cultures.”
“We must be a growth-oriented, not competitive, industry”
Touching on the industry’s global goals, Zunelli underlined the importance of collaboration over competition: “Our mission is not to reduce the market share of our competitors but to grow the overall pie by increasing global pasta consumption. Every year, more people discover pasta. By 2050, the world’s population is expected to reach 10 billion—that means billions of new pasta consumers. We are the producers who will meet that demand. Therefore, we must look to the future with confidence.”
“Anatolian soil is the cradle of pasta”
In the concluding part of his speech, Zunelli highlighted the historical importance of Turkey’s durum wheat production, describing Anatolia as “the homeland of pasta.”
“It is a great honor to be here, on the fertile lands of Anatolia, where wheat has been lovingly cultivated for thousands of years. Experts from all around the world have gathered here today to share knowledge and generate ideas. These lands grow not only wheat—but also inspiration.”
“Pasta will continue to be the food of the future”
Zunelli ended his speech with a message full of optimism:
“Pasta is the queen of the table—it is happiness on our plates. Today, we have come together once again with renewed hope for the future of our industry. We will continue to produce, share, and grow together. With a pasta industry that draws strength from tradition and thrives on innovation, our future shines bright.”