History of Pizza in Timeline

Pizza, originating from Italy, is a culinary dish made with a flattened base of leavened wheat dough. It is traditionally topped with ingredients like tomato, cheese, and various others, and then baked at high temperatures, typically in a wood-fired oven.

1905: First Pizzeria in the U.S.

Lombardi's, the first pizzeria in the United States, opened its doors in 1905 in New York City, marking the beginning of pizza's widespread popularity in the country.

1984: Papa John's Invents Pizza Dipping Sauce

A novel concept in 1984, Papa John's Pizza introduced dipping sauce specifically designed for pizza, a practice that has since been embraced by many, particularly for crust dipping.

1984: Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana is Founded

Dedicated to preserving the traditions of Neapolitan pizza, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (True Neapolitan Pizza Association) was established in Naples in 1984.

1997: Pizza Cheese Production Skyrockets

By 1997, the demand for pizza cheese led to a substantial global production output. The U.S. alone produced an estimated 1 million metric tons, while Europe contributed another 100,000 metric tons, illustrating the massive scale of pizza consumption.

2009: Neapolitan Pizza Earns TSG Status

In 2009, Neapolitan pizza was recognized for its cultural significance and awarded the Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG) dish status by the European Union.

2015: Buenos Aires: Pizza Capital of the World

With the highest concentration of pizzerias per capita globally, Buenos Aires cemented its status as a pizza capital. In 2015 alone, the city consumed an estimated 14 million pizzas, highlighting its love affair with this dish.

2017: UNESCO Recognizes Neapolitan Pizza Making

In 2017, UNESCO recognized the art of Neapolitan pizza making as part of its intangible cultural heritage, solidifying its global significance.

2017: Pizza Industry Booms

The global pizza market, valued at a staggering US $128 billion in 2017, showcased the widespread popularity of pizza. The U.S. alone contributed $44 billion to this figure, with 76,000 pizzerias catering to the 13% of Americans who enjoyed pizza on any given day.

2023: Ancient Pompeii Fresco Depicts Potential Pizza Ancestor

A fresco discovered in Pompeii in 2023, showcasing a silver platter laden with various foodstuffs, included a dish bearing a striking resemblance to pizza. Italy's culture minister suggested it could be an early ancestor of the modern pizza we enjoy today.

May 2024: Dessert Pizzas Gain Popularity

Dessert pizzas, like the "White Chocolate & Salted Caramel Pizza Dolce" from PizzaExpress and the "Gelsomina: Fried pizza slice with custard, mulberry syrup, butter, violet crystals, citrus zest and icing sugar" from Franco Pepe's Pepe In Grani, are becoming increasingly popular as of May 2024, showcasing the versatility of the pizza concept.