# Italian-Inspired Dried Pasta Expansions Monte’s Fine Foods Launches Two Unique Pasta Shapes By Kalin Ned | Published 2024-06-04 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/montes-fine-foods References: [nosh](https://www.nosh.com/pr/2024/05/13/montes-expands-beyond-sauce-launching-new-pasta-line) & [montessauce](https://montessauce.com/pages/pasta)  [Monte’s Fine Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limited-edition-tomato-sauce) has made a name for itself in the industry due to its award-winning clean-label sauces and now, the brand is expanding into the dried pasta category with two unique shapes, 3 Buchi and Rotolini. The product range is made from 100% organic durum wheat semolina and water. Produced in the USA, Monte’s Fine Foods pasta is non-GMO, slow-dried, and bronze die extruded, a traditional Italian method that creates a rough surface ideal for absorbing sauces. Founder PJ Monte highlighted the difference between his pasta and typical American-made pasta: "I found out that most American-made pasta was heavily processed and “enhanced” with artificial ingredients, similar to white bread. So I set out to do things differently - finding a manufacturer in America that produced pasta the way they do in Italy, how it’s supposed to be made. The difference was night and day. Being clean-label and focusing on simple, premium ingredients has been a cornerstone of our sauce since the start - we’re excited to extend that into the pasta space." The new pasta line was initially introduced to select customers in New York City through a partnership with [Pop Up Grocer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delicious-vegan-snacks) and a collaboration with wine brand [Nomadica](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skin-contact). Image Credit: Monte’s Fine Foods ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 24% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Clean-label Pasta:** The rise of clean-label pasta sourced from organic durum wheat and water addresses consumer demand for healthier, minimally processed food options. - **Slow-dried Pasta:** Reviving traditional Italian pasta-making techniques, such as slow drying and bronze die extrusion, creates products with superior texture and flavor. - **Specialty Pasta Shapes:** Offering unique pasta shapes like 3 Buchi and Rotolini allows brands to differentiate themselves in a crowded market and attract culinary enthusiasts. ### Who This Affects Most - **Organic Food Industry:** Utilizing 100% organic ingredients in pasta production caters to the growing market for organic and sustainably sourced food products. - **Artisanal Food Manufacturing:** Traditional methods like bronze die extrusion provide an artisanal quality that appeals to consumers seeking authentic and premium food experiences. - **Convenience Grocery Market:** Collaboration with specialty stores and brands creates niche opportunities for product launches targeting specific, discerning customer bases. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modern Organic Pasta Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flour-water.md) - [Small-Batch Organic Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organic-pasta-range.md) - [Authentic Consumer-Driven Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/napolina-pasta.md) - [Inaugural Restaurant-Quality Pasta Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasta-sisters.md) - [Grocer-Branded Good-For-You Pasta Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodforyou-pasta.md) - [Micro-Engraved Premium Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barilla-al-bronzo.md) - [Al Dente Italian Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rummo.md) - [Artisanal Kale Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sfoglini.md) - [Rapid-Cook Pasta Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instant-pasta-noodles.md)