Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Food?
“good, clean and fair food for all”
— The Slow Food Foundation
The Slow Food Foundation was born from a 1986 protest in Rome when the people of Italy pushed back against the opening of the first Italian McDonald’s and the rapid rise of processed-fast foods being imported from America. Today, it has become so much more.
Now a global movement spanning over 160 countries, Slow Food represents the farmers, the fishermen, the bakers, the cooks and everyone else who still do things the old way. Using their flagship Ark of Taste and Slow Food Presidia projects, they aim to protect both the intangible heritage of traditional food cultures around the world and the physical biodiversity of the earth’s wildlife through the means of sustainable and regenerative practices.
At Mercato Piano Piano, we believe that what’s good for the earth is good for people, and vice versa, so we’re very proud to offer several products that are certified Slow Food Presidia.
You can learn more about Slow Food here:
What are D.O.P. and I.G.P. labels?
Labels of Authenticity
I.G.P. and D.O.P. are legal certifications backed by the European Union that protect the integrity of authentic food products.
Indicazione Geografica Protetta (I.G.P.)
For a product to qualify for an Indicazione Geografica Protetta (I.G.P.), Indication of Geographic Protection, at least one stage of the product’s production process must take place in that product’s specified area.
Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (D.O.P)
For a product to qualify for a Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (D.O.P), Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.), all stages of the product’s production must take place in that product’s specified area.
Is D.O.P. better than I.G.P.?
Since D.O.P. regulations are more strict, it’s easy to view those products as more valuable, and higher-grade, than I.G.P. products. While this is often true, it’s not always the case.
Not all food items are even able to qualify for a D.O.P. label, no matter how special they may be, because some authentic products have always used ingredients sourced from multiple areas in their traditional preparations.
For example, Modica Chocolate is the only chocolate in the world to have protections through the European Union. To qualify, it has to be made in Modica, Sicily, but it traditionally uses real cacao imported from Latin America — as it always has.
As a result, the EU granted Modica Chocolate an I.G.P. certification. There’s no such thing as D.O.P. Modica Chocolate, and if you see Modica Chocolate without an I.G.P. label, there’s no guarantee that it’s authentic.
How should I store my Modica Chocolate?
Because Modica Chocolate is cold-pressed, it should ideally be stored in a temperature controlled environment that doesn’t exceed 76 degrees Fahrenheit or drop below freezing.
We do not recommend storing it in refrigerators because this will cause the chocolate to bloom. Blooming is a process in which the chocolate’s fat and sugar crystals separate which gives it a matte-white appearance.
Bloomed chocolate is not expired and is safe to eat, however the quality of the chocolate will have degraded.
What is your shipping policy?
Shipping Rate
We offer standard ground shipping to everywhere in the continental US for a flat rate of $15. Orders of $150 and over qualify for free shipping.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Orders are generally processed within 1–2 business days. You’ll receive a confirmation email once your order ships.
Once shipped, expected transit time is 1-3 business days for deliveries to the Eastern US and 3-5 business days to the Western US. Actual delivery times may vary depending on the destination and other factors. If you need something expedited, please contact us with this request.
Please note — peak periods and holidays may extend processing and shipping transit times.
Additional Shipping Terms & Conditions
Mercato Piano Piano is not responsible for extended transit time due to weather, natural events/“Acts of God”, or any other carrier disruptions. Once shipped, the carrier assumes responsibility for delivery.
Additionally, all shipping addresses will be addressed exactly as entered into your shopping cart at checkout. Therefore, please review the address for any errors prior to finalizing your checkout. If delivery to the address provided is not possible, we will reach out to you to your contact information provided at checkout. If we cannot reach you in a timely manner, the shipper may return the package back to Mercato Piano Piano.
You do local delivery?
Local Delivery Options
On orders $25 and over, we offer local delivery in some Philadelphia (PA) and Camden County (NJ) neighborhoods for a small delivery fee. You will be able to choose local delivery at checkout if your zip code is within our delivery zone.
- Deliveries will be made on Mondays between 10 AM and 6 PM.
- Camden County deliveries cost $1.99 per order.
- Philadelphia deliveries cost $2.99 per order.
- Orders must be placed by Saturday at 12:00pm in order to be delivered by the following Monday.
- Please reach out to us by email if you seek to arrange a different delivery date or special delivery location. While we cannot promise that we will be available, we will do our best to accommodate this type of request. If we are unable to accommodate, we will allow you the option to switch your order to a shipping order if desired.
Additional Local Delivery Terms & Conditions
Mercato Piano Piano is not responsible for extended transit time or any changes/cancellations of local delivery due to weather, natural events/“Acts of God”, or any other disruptions due to unforeseen circumstances. Once delivered, the customer assumes responsibility for delivery.
Additionally, all deliveries will be made to addresses exactly as entered into your shopping cart at checkout. Therefore, please review the address for any errors prior to finalizing your checkout. If delivery to the address provided is not possible, we will reach out to you to your contact information provided at checkout. If we cannot reach you in a timely manner, the cost of the products may be refunded, but not the delivery fee.
What is your return policy?
Unfortunately, due to their delicate and perishable nature, we do not accept returns or offer exchanges or refunds on any food products unless the reason for the return is due to an error on our part.
Mercato Piano Piano is not responsible for product issues caused by our shipping partners.
This includes but is not limited to:
- Products damaged during delivery
- Products spoiled due to delayed delivery
- Lost or stolen products
However, if your products are damaged, spoiled, or lost due to any issue made by either our partners, or us, please reach out to us within 24 hours of your delivery with a photo of any damage, if applicable.
What does the “va piano, va lontano,” in your logo mean?
“Va piano, va lontano,” is our modern adaptation of the ancient Italian proverb, “chi va piano, va sano e va lontano.” In English, this literally translates to something along the lines of “whomsoever goes slowly, goes healthy and far.”
It could be considered the equivalent to our English proverb “slow and steady wins the race.” Both phrases are said to have originated from translations of Aesop’s mythic fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare.”