Many large food distributors are expanding their selection; paying more attention to Italian specialty items and international food options for their customers. Starting from the big players in this industry at a national level down to regional distributors: Us Foods, Sysco, Chefs Warehouse, Schreiber to regional distributors such as Cheney Bros, Baldor, Birite and many others.
We saw a pattern of increased interest in imported Italian products. Some of the most important trends are the ancient grains category, imported cheeses, specialty grocery in a category driven by innovation. Italian Farro (Tritticum Dicoccum) for example plays an important role together with Quinoa and other ancient grains. Chefs are increasingly open to innovate and to try new products for their recipes to satisfy the foodie’s appetite. Likewise, Italian imported cheese has become incredibly popular in the Usa with double digit increases each year: Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Asiago Cheese in addition to the always popular Pecorino Romano.
We are at a point in this industry where producers, importers, distributors, and retailers can continue to make a big difference and expand the selection of Italian products to the US playing a more important role in the ever expanding specialty food industry.