Directly from Marca in Bologna, IGA and Houchens Food Group are tracing the roadmap for the expansion of authentic Italian food across the United States. Following the successful launch of the That’s Italy private label line, which debuted with over 30 items, the retail partners are scouting for new opportunities to broaden their assortment. With a network of over 400 stores across 14 states, the focus remains on bringing high-quality, non-GMO, and clean-label solutions to the American consumer.
Tom Venere, Senior Director IGA Exclusive Brands, and Jonathan Brown, Senior Director of Merchandising Houchens Food Group, emphasize the growing demand for transparency and authenticity in the US market. The mission at the fair is to identify new suppliers that align with the “delicious and healthy” profile of Italian production, allowing customers to recreate genuine Mediterranean experiences at home. By leveraging the strong partnership between IGA and Houchens Food Group, the goal for 2026 is to further cement the position of these exclusive brands as a benchmark for quality within the competitive US retail landscape.