Italy has launched an anti-counterfeit awareness campaign, called “Extraordinary Italian Taste”, presented last Thursday at the renewed Hearst Building in Manhattan (NY) and aimed to promote authentic Italian food in the United States. Under the banner of Italy’s “Extraordinary Italian Taste” campaign, Food Network channel and Hearst Magazines, the world’s largest publishers of monthly magazines were present as media partners of the event. Many food companies from Italy and from top names in retailing looking to bring more specialty food from Italy to U.S. consumers, and institutions, took also part.
“There are noticeable opportunities in the American market“, said Maurizio Forte, Italy’s Trade Commissioner in the US “Italian authorities and ICE are primarily focused on the role they can play in stopping the sales of counterfeit products and they are doing big investments. My message is: just believe it all together“.
Food Network’s top chef Anne Burrell, who spent one year in Italy, was the guest of honor at the event. Americans are increasingly enjoying authentic Italian food, which is tastier and healthier. And Italian companies need to take advantage of this trend. It’s the right time to go full speed ahead. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Italian food exports have climbed 24% in the first nine months of 2015, with products such as Italian olive oil, cheese and pasta ranking as number one in their individual sector. Food from Italy has long set the standards for excellence in the U.S. This is the reason why food and wine are great ambassadors for Italy.
