The Authentic Italian Table, an initiative by Assocamerestero and 23 Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad to promote the excellence of authentic Italian food products, has come to life. The event, running until 29 June, involves a total of 3 continents and, in addition to the United States, this year’s edition will see for the first time the participation of Asia and Europe. In addition to the numerous consortia, wineries, food & wine and lifestyle Italian companies, more than 160 restaurants have been involved, including many certified Italian Hospitality (OI) with the participation of star chefs and sommeliers.
THE TRUE ITALIAN TASTE
“For these events the CCIE involved almost 8,000 influencers, experts and foodies – says Gian Domenico Auricchio, President of Assocamerestero – who are participating in culinary workshops and tastings of Italian PDO, PGI and organic products. The numerous stages underway testify to the deep commitment of the Chamber network in the True Italian Taste project, of which the event is part. Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Economic Development, Assocamerestero has in fact been working for three years together with the CCIE to increase awareness abroad of 100% Made in Italy products.”
ALL INVOLVED IN THE PROMOTION OF ITALIAN FOOD
The Authentic Italian Table brings to the table the excellence of the Italian culinary tradition and the 100% authentic products thanks to the collaboration of the Italian Chambers of Commerce of Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Brussels, Chicago, Mexico City, Frankfurt, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Madrid, Marseille, Miami, Monaco, Montreal, New York, Nice, Beijing, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver and Zurich.
With a value of 41.8 billion euros, Italian food exports reached a new record in 2018, up 1.2% on the previous year. The current year as well opened with an acceleration recording a growth of 3.2% in sales compared to the same period in 2018. 65% of our export food & beverage is absorbed by European countries – first and foremost Germany (16.7%), France (11.3%) and the UK (8.1%) – while North America (12%) remains the reference market outside Europe, followed by Japan (2.7%).
THE AUTHENTIC ITALIAN TABLE IN AMERICA…
The opening and closing of The Authentic Italian Table will be hosted by Miami and Mexico City, among events in the American continent from Los Angeles to Montreal and Toronto, from New York to Chicago to Houston and Vancouver. In the USA pasta, Grana Padano and food design were celebrated: juries of influencers selected the best recipes, in the presence of the main American food bloggers, and contests for the best food design creations capable of interpreting the link between good food and Italian lifestyle.
… IN ASIA
For the first time The Authentic Italian Table arrives in Asia, from Bangkok to Beijing to Tokyo. In Bangkok all the restaurants involved are OI certified and the protagonists are the companies that sell authentic Italian products, made available for tasting. In Beijing, culinary activities will be accompanied by fun and informative-educational activities, with a final contest in which the public will be involved in identifying products and ingredients. The capital of Japan hosted over 250 influencers and saw the participation of special guests. About 20 restaurants were involved and cooking performances were organized.
… AND IN EUROPE
In Spain, the focus of the event that comes to Europe for the first time is represented by the combination of dishes and specialties of the Italian tradition and the culinary stories and traditions of Italy, with masterclasses and show cooking. Germany will host the typical Apulian PDO and PGI products, guided tasting seminars, workshops, and a cooking course on rice which will illustrate the characteristics of Italian rice and the preparation of a typical risotto with PDO products. In Geneva, the event of the CCIE in Zurich, will gather over 100 influencers to be awarded the ‘Numbers One’ prize.
The events in Amsterdam and Brussels will be led by prestigious chefs while Luxembourg will focus on Southern Italy, with tastings of Gragnano pasta and Apulian orecchiette, olive oils from the South and Sicilian confectionery. In France the protagonist was the truffle, whereas London will give space to beverage with dedicated corners for the major mineral water’s and soft drinks’ Italian brands.
