The study of the properties of food is included in food and beverage studies. Where food comes from, how food and beverages are produced, and how these items are transported, stored and consumed are all examined in these studies.

Officially known as the Italian Republic, the country is found in southern Europe. The official language is Italian and the cultural rich capital is Rome. Many of the world's oldest universities are located in Italy, in particular the University of Bologna (founded in 1088). There are three Superior Graduate Schools with "university status", three institutes with the status of Doctoral Colleges, which function at graduate and post-graduate level.