Italians cut back on espresso

A trade association said the economic downturn has forced Italians to cut back on something near and dear to them -- a cup of espresso. ANSA said Saturday that the Federazione dei Pubblici Esercizi trade association is reporting a sharp reduction in consumer consumption of espresso. The price has also bumped up against a psychological barrier, Ansa reported. The average price for a cup is one euro. The price hikes for espresso have not kept up with the 3.3 percent inflation rate recently, but prices have risen modestly and sellers are reluctant to cross the one euro barrier, the trade association said.