In a previous article, we have given our interpretation of pinseria as an innovation in the traditional pizzeria sector and we explained why, in our experience, opening one today can be a real opportunity for restaurant operators.
Now, let's go into more detail and ask ourselves: Why a certified pinseria? What added value does the certification give compared to a place that, even if it is not, puts in the maximum effort and professionalism to obtain great results?
STEP 1: WHY CERTIFY THE PINSERIA
First of all, the value of a certification must be clear. It is about a guarantee of quality and compliance with certain standards that go beyond the skill and dedication of the individual operator. A certified venue follows specific protocols, and certification is the guarantee that it offers customers a consistent and high-level experience.
So, let's recap: why is it useful? certify your thoughts?
CUSTOMER TRUST
A first advantage of the certification is consumer confidenceKnowing that a restaurant is certified reassures customers about the quality of the ingredients used, on the preparation techniques adopted and on food safety. This can be a deciding factor in the consumer's choice.
CONTINUOUS EDUCATION
Pinsa is a recent innovation (2001). It is still in its infancy but is growing rapidly. Our investments in research do not only lead to new products for end consumers, but also to discover new techniques, processing methods and creating variations of the same flour mix on which the pinsa is based.
Certification therefore means continuous training. In order to maintain the certification, in fact, it is often necessary attend refresher and advanced training courses, and it is in the interest of both the pinseria and the certifying body to ensure that the evolution is continuous. Because the needs of the consumer change and the product must evolve to accommodate themPinsa owes its success precisely to this, and it would be a shame not to continue along the same path.
NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Certification can open up new market opportunities. For example, The Original Roman Pinsa Associationcertifies pinserie all over the world, strengthening its brand even beyond national borders. Today, opening a (certified) pinseria abroad means obtaining immediate recognition thanks to the possibility of display the association's brand. In this sense, a prestigious certification is a powerful marketing and differentiation tool.
SUPPORT AND CONSULTANCY
A certified pinseria receives from the certifying body not only training, but also support and consultancy, being an operator with great vertical experience in the same market. This may include advice on how to improve product quality, suggestions on new market trends and access to a community of other professionals with whom to share experiences and knowledge.
STEP 2: HOW TO GET CERTIFICATION
The higher the value of the certification, the more exclusive and complex it becomes to obtainThis penalty serves to protect the quality of the product and protect the customer, ensuring that you can trust the mark associated with the certification.
It has already been said that in the world of pinsa and pinseria, a point of reference is the Associazione Originale Pinsa Romana, which operates with the purpose Of "certify the Pinserie that work correctly with the Pinsa product, so as to highlight the activities that best represent this specialty. The Pinsa product will obtain more protection in its sector, favoring anyone who is part of it“. This means that the association selects and certifies only those premises that respect traditional techniques and quality standards established for the Pinsa Romana.
Like any certifying body, the Association has its own regulation which includes not only the technical-bureaucratic aspects of the certification, that is, the process that the restaurateur must follow to obtain it, but also the tests to be passed (in this case, quality control) and the protocol to be followed to obtain the certification. The latter, always present in the regulation, defines in detail the dough recipe, the weight of the balls, the size of the pinsa once cooked, and imposes specific obligations and prohibitions. For example, the prohibitions include the use of a rolling pin, leavening for less than 24 hours and the use of flours and other ingredients that do not conform to the Pinsa Romana dough. It is essential that the regulation is detailed not only to provide a clear starting point for pinserias and their pinsaioli, but also, and above all, to ensure maximum transparency of the process.
Generally speaking, obtaining a certification is only the first step. It must then be maintained and renewed over time because, as mentioned, standards change and the product evolves to meet consumer needs.
CERTIFICATION IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PASSION
The existence of certification bodies is essential to ensure that the products and services offered in the catering industry comply with high quality standards. Certifications (or rather, the related bodies) ensure that non-compliant products or those resulting from inadequate skills are not placed on the market, protecting consumers and promoting transparency.
Obtaining a certification offers numerous advantages. But be careful, it does not replace passion, the desire to experiment and to create a sincere and solid bond with customers. Authenticity and the ability to differentiate from the competition remain key elements for the success of a pinseria, and here it really depends on the ability of those who have decided to undertake this journey.
