Italy
Stellantis
Brands: Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel/Vauxhall, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Jeep.
European Manufacturing: France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Slovakia, UK.
Battery Sourcing: ACC (France, Germany), LG Chem (Poland), some CATL (China).
Estimated nr. of European Jobs: ~250,000+ (direct and supply chain).
Privacy Concerns: Low – European-based management and infrastructure.
Diadora
Known for: Retro-inspired running shoes and classic athletic designs.
Employees: ~300
Manufacturing: Some production still takes place in Italy, with efforts to localize further.
Sustainability: A member of the Better Cotton Initiative; emphasizes environmental responsibility and ethical working conditions across its supply chain.
Mutti
Made in: Parma, Italy.
Sales: Strong sales in Italy and growing across Europe.
Key markets: Italy, France, Germany, UK.
Description: Uses 100% Italian tomatoes, with a more natural, tomato-rich flavor.
Our verdict: 👍 Uf - at first, we thought it was a ketchup gone bad. Very rich, and we suspect there's a generous splash of balsamico in there. Tastes better alongside grilled meat.
Fairbnb
An ethical alternative to Airbnb. Fairbnb reinvests 50% of its commissions into local community projects, ensuring that your stay directly benefits the area you visit. It’s ideal for responsible travelers looking to support local economies.
https://fairbnb.coop
3Sun / Enel Green Power
Known for: Operating a major solar panel factory in Catania, Italy. Focused on heterojunction and tandem tech. Backed by Enel, scaling to 3 GW/year.
Employees: 220+ (Enel Group total 9,000)
Markets: Primarily Italy, expanding to EU-wide utility and residential sectors
Fiat Grande Panda
Known for: Reinvention of the iconic Panda as a compact EV.Practical, boxy, and tailored for tight urban areas.
Manufactured in: Likely Serbia or Italy (TBD by Stellantis)
Expected 40–50 kWh battery: ~320 km WLTP (estimated)
Availibility: Summer 2025
Ciao
A word that’s both hello and goodbye — and always stylish.
Originally from Italy, but used daily in Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovenia, Romania, Croatia, and parts of Germany and France. Ciao is short, sweet, and effortlessly cool. It’s the word that makes any farewell feel like “see you soon.”
KIKO Milano
Known for: Affordable makeup and skincare
Employees: ~7,500
Manufactured in: Mostly Italy and EU
Sustainability: Refillable packaging, vegan formulas
Giorgia Meloni
Position: Prime Minister of Italy
Known for: As Italy’s first female Prime Minister, Meloni has maintained a firm pro-Ukraine stance and demonstrated a pragmatic approach to EU cooperation, especially on defense and energy security. While leading a right-wing government, she has balanced national priorities with constructive engagement in European institutions.
Italian Greyhound
Known For: Elegance, speed, drama
Why They’re a Top Pick: Sleek lines, minimalist build, and looks good in any setting—be it a palace or a park.
Ferrero
Known For: Beloved for its Nutella spread and Ferrero Rocher chocolates, as well as Kinder chocolates.
Employees: Approximately 47,000 globally
Controversies: Despite initial statements about scaling back, Ferrero continues to operate in Russia. Its Russian factory remains open and products are still sold.
Smeg
Employees: About 4,000
Known for: Stylish retro-designed refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, known for aesthetics and performance.
Website: https://www.smeg.com