Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE and Director of ITA Dubai Office
Visitors to the ITAlian Food Lab by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) within the Italy pavilion at Gulfood will enjoy an emotional, sensory and visual journey of authentic produce.
Italy, participating with more than 120 companies, associations and organisations is strongly represented in different sections of the Gulfood fair under the Extraordinary Italian Taste campaign which promotes authentic Italian food products. Italian companies in Gulfood will exhibit a large variety of Italian products such as olive oil, confectionary items, cheese, Italian coffee, organic foods, ‘free from’ foods, pasta, sauces, condiments, truffles, canned foods and many other favourites.
H.E. Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates, says: “As we continue to witness the success of the Italian food all over the world, we are proud to join forces in promoting the Italian culture and gastronomic heritage. By connecting our country’s history and know-how with present and future common challenges, our promotional effort is aimed at highlighting how much our creativity in mixing tradition and innovation in food can help improve not only our quality of life, but also our health and the planet. We really believe that high-quality food connects people as well as Italian beauty does. This is why we chose “Beauty Connects People” as the claim for Italy’s participation at the upcoming Expo 2020.”
During the five days of the fair, taking place from February 21-25, the ITAlian Food Lab will feature a sequence of live cooking sessions by popular UAE based Chefs specialized in authentic Italian cuisine, and Masterclasses by renowned 3 Michelin Star Chef Norbert Niederkofler and 2 Michelin-Star Chef Marco Sacco on February 21 and 22, respectively, at the Italian Food Lab in Sheikh Saeed Hall # S1-302 in Dubai World Trade Centre.
One of the key highlights of the show is the finale of Tuttofood Pasta Challenge, which will take place at the ITAlian Food Lab. It’s a unique pasta making competition that involves participation from Italian restaurants in the UAE and organised in collaboration with Tuttofood Milan Fair and the Emirates Culinary Guild, around the theme of how Italian cuisine connects people. The final round will take place on February 23rd afternoon at 3.30 pm at the ITAlian Food Lab. A special jury composed of H.E. Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy to the U.A.E.; Amedeo Scarpa, Italian Trade Commissioner/ICE Dubai office; Uwe Micheel, President of The Emirates Culinary Guild and international culinary experts, including famous international chefs, will choose the winner, who will get a sponsored trip to next edition of Tuttofood fair in Milan (October 22-26, 2021).
According to Amedeo Scarpa, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE and Director of ITA Dubai Office: “Italian food is a celebration of quality produce. The fresh, sustainably produced Italian ingredients tease the taste buds and provide for a wholesome meal, in line with the principles of Mediterranean diet. Italy is one of the global giants in F&B product exports worldwide, with almost $50 billion value of food products exported annually. UAE already imports more than 90% of its food and Italy is ready to supply UAE’s needs with our range of genuine, healthy and tasty food. By sharing our safe and healthy and sustainable food with our Emirati friends, our aim is also to boost more win-win opportunities in food trade.”
Italy’s innovations in food sector have ensured double digit growth in exports, globally. In the first half of 2020, Italian food and beverage exports globally amounted to over 22 billion Euros, up 3.5% on the same period in 2019. On top of the exports pyramid is Italian bakery products, that achieved 2.3 billion Euros in value and a double-digit growth of +15.6%. This is followed by processed and preserved fruit and vegetable exports, which touched 1.9 billion Euros in value, recording an increase of +6%, and dairy products with 1.8 billion Euros, at a growth rate of +0.8%.
The ITAlian Food Lab will be located in Sheikh Saeed Hall # S1-302 at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 21-25, 2021.
