The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Sydney shared last week’s celebrations of the 9th edition of the Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo (Week of Italian Cuisine in the World). Held from November 16 to 22, 2024, this year’s theme was “Mediterranean Diet and Culinary Roots: Health and Tradition.”
On the 20th of November, representatives of ITA Sydney welcomed over 100 guests—including local agri-food operators, journalists, restaurateurs, Italian business representatives, and cultural institutions—who gathered to celebrate Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
The event was a joint initiative of ITA Sydney, the Italian Cultural Institute Sydney, and the Dante Alighieri Society Sydney, and took place at the iconic Machiavelli Ristorante Italiano which has been a staple of Italian cuisine in Australia since 1988.
Simona Bernardini, Italy’s Trade Commissioner for Australia and New Zealand, opened the evening by emphasizing the importance of Italy’s agri-food exports to these two markets. Italy is once again the top European exporter of agri-food products to Australia, with Italian exports reaching €732.5 million in 2023. This solid presence in the Australian market highlights the growing interest in authentic Italian products, such as wine, pasta, cheese, and regional specialties.
A key highlight of the event was the Mediterranean Diet, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. This diet is not only a model for sustainable living but also a way of life that values community, cultural exchange, and environmental respect. Italy’s government’s recent application of “Italian Cuisine: Sustainability and Biocultural Diversity” for UNESCO inclusion further reinforces Italy’s commitment to preserving and promoting its culinary traditions.
The evening was enriched by two guests: Viola Buitoni, renowned chef, teacher, and author of Italy by Ingredient, published by Rizzoli, and Eleonora Marconi, esteemed oenologist. Their insights and expertise provided a deeper understanding of the diversity and richness of Italian cuisine.
The Italian Trade Agency thanks the Consortium for the Protection of Provolone Valpadana PDO, whose authentic cheese was the star ingredient in the event’s menu, and to Il Mercante, Single Vineyard Sellers and DMG, who provided a selection of fine wines to complement the dishes prepared by Machiavelli’s head chef, Domenico Stefanelli.
The evening also served as a networking opportunity for agri-food professionals and food lovers, all united by a shared passion for Italian food and culture.