PMC Celebrates National Pasta Month

Oct 17

Each October, we celebrate National Pasta Month. During this time, the National Pasta Association and its communications program, Share the Pasta, focus our attention on the heritage, joys, and healthy benefits of enjoying of pasta.

To share the joy of pasta, we want to provide historical context for pasta’s uncertain origins. Some argue the Roman poet Horace was the first to write about pasta, mentioning the word “laganum” which is a possible ancestor of today’s lasagna. There is the idea that Marco Polo introduced Asian noodles to Italy in 1296. However, proof of dried pasta was found in Italy in the year 800. During the 800s Muslim occupation, Sicilians learned how to improve their pasta manufacturing and drying techniques. By the 1100s, pasta made on the island was exported to mainland Italy and parts of Europe.

Ultimately, pasta as we know it was not made by any one person, region, or ethnicity. Modern pasta is the product of centuries of cross-cultural cooperation and innovation. The result is hundreds of pasta shapes to choose from when mealtime hits. From easily-manufactured to strictly-homemade, the pasta-bilities are endless.

For ~175 years, Philadelphia Macaroni Company (PMC) and A. Zerega’s Sons have manufactured consistent, quality pasta for consumer enjoyment. With over 300 shapes to choose from and additional custom capabilities, PMC is your go-to partner for all things pasta in the Industrial, Retail, and Foodservice markets.

Source: De Vita.

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To keep the celebrations going, we also want to recognize our Executive Vice President, Nora Stabert, appointed Vice Chair of the National Pasta Association (NPA) earlier this year. Stabert represents PMC on the NPA Board of Directors, a role previously held by her father, Bill Stabert, and her grandfather, Luke Marano Sr.

Stabert joined PMC in 2018 as Vice President of Strategy. She has supported our organization through transformational changes, including PMC’s acquisition of A. Zerega’s Sons in 2020 and the ongoing implementation of our new, tier 1 Enterprise Resource Planning system. She also oversees the strategic direction of our corporate social responsibility program.

First founded in 1904 as the National Macaroni Manufacturers Association, NPA membership now includes manufacturers, marketers, millers and suppliers in the pasta industry. NPA serves as a cohesive advocate, promoter, and center of knowledge for the pasta industry, members of the government, and consumers.