Flavio Briatore calls 70-euro ice cream 'cretino', owner defends experience

Flavio Briatore, the former Formula 1 team boss, sparked a heated exchange after calling it 'cretino' to pay 70 euros for an ice cream at the Mokambo gelateria in Ruvo di Puglia, Italy. The billionaire entrepreneur, known for his luxury ventures, made the remark on Italian TV, drawing a swift response from the gelateria's owner.

The criticism

Briatore said on Pomeriggio Cinque Estate: "Hay que ser cretino para pagar 70 euros por un helado" Source: Infobae. He contrasted this with his own 'Crazy Pizza' chain, where a pizza with jamón ibérico costs over 70 euros but includes table service. The comment went viral in Italy.

The response

Vincenzo Paparella, who runs Mokambo with his sister Giuliana, rejected the characterization. "It's not an ice cream to show off, but a gastronomic experience," he told El Mundo, inviting Briatore to visit Source: El Mundo. Paparella emphasized that the 70-euro item is a special creation using premium ingredients like Bronte pistachio and a family recipe dating to 1840. He noted that regular ice creams at the shop cost about 5 euros. Briatore has not yet responded.