Italy’s Ambassador to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, inaugurated the “Fancy Food 2022” show – dedicated to Italy this year – in New York, on 12 June. Over 300 Italian companies (that’s almost 8% of all the companies taking part in the show), were present in the 2,300 square metre exhibition area set up for the occasion in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency, which promotes Italian enterprises abroad, as well as their internationalisation: an important effort that is part of the Farnesina’s “BeIT” nation branding campaign.
“Last year, the agri-food sector grew significantly, both in terms of the volume of Italian exports to the US and in terms of value,” said Ambassador Zappia, pointing out that the food and wine sector “accounts for 10% of total Italian exports to the United States and, in 2021, generated an overall value of 6.5 billion dollars. Italy,” she added, “considers the agri-food sector a source of international pride for the country and both government and enterprises are strongly involved in promoting quality and safety standards for food production, and in safeguarding controlled and protected designation of geographical origin branded products.
“After suspending and limiting major international events for two years, Italy returns to the US as a key player, with the largest foreign cooperative and with an ITA Agency lounge hosting specific venues dedicated to wine, coffee and Italian aperitifs”, Italian Trade Agency President Carlo Ferro said.
