NEW YORK, NY – On Wednesday, Dec. 3, the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Association of Geographic Indication Consortia hosted journalists at Osteria del Principe to educate and promote Italian products.
The Italian Trade Commissioner, Pier Paolo Celeste, executive director for the U.S., said, "The Italian Trade Commission is very happy to have AICIG as a partner in the promotion of Italian quality excellence."
The event featured informative presentations explaining the PDO and PGI stamps of approval, and the strict control system of the European quality scheme. Currently, there are 269 PDO, PGI and TSG products coming from Italy, a leader in Europe for the production of Geographic Indication products. Food safety, unique quality and taste are typical characteristics enjoyed by all original Italian products.
The following products were featured at the walk-around tasting:
- Asiago DOP
- Fontina DOP
- Gorgonzola DOP
- Grana Padano DOP
- Mozzarella Di Bufala Campana DOP
- Parmigiano Reggiano DOP
- Pecorino Romano DOP
- Pecorino Toscano DOP
- Piave DOP
- Mortadella Bologna IGP
- Prosciutto Di Parma DOP
- Prosciutto San Daniele DOP
- Balsamico di Modena IGP
- Olio Chianti Classico DOP
- Olive La Bella Della Daunia DOP
The strict control system for these products is managed by specialized EU registered agencies and entrusted by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture. The controls placed ensure that the production procedures included in the specification, or production guidelines, are met.
"The European PDO and PGI quality systems offer guarantees to the consumer through strict production guidelines," said Pier Maria Saccani, secretary of the Italian Association of Geographic Indication Consortia. "The respect of the Italian tradition, together with the respect for the terroir of origin, quality certification and the direct controls by the producers, are an important aspect of the excellence assured by the PDO and PGI systems."
Professor Elizabeth Barham of the American Product of Origin Research Foundation presented on the situation of American quality products in the U.S. market.
Working with Google, the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and the Italian Association of Geographic Indication Consortia have launched the Made In Italy section of Google's Cultural Institute site, allowing consumers to see and read more about strict production guidelines and quality control that allows for the delicious products to come to the U.S.
The goal of the event was to educate influencers and consumers about the importance of the European Geographic Indication certification system and how to identify if a product is imported or domestic. Understanding the differences helps American consumers make educated choices when deciding what to purchase.
About ITA
The Italian Trade Agency is the Italian government agency entrusted with the mission to facilitate contacts between Italian companies and the rest of the world. In the United States our objective is to expand relations between Italian and American companies and to develop trade between Italy and the U.S. To attain this goal, we disseminate information, we assist companies in selecting sectors and partners, we promote products through exhibitions, b-to-b meetings, tradeshows, exhibitions, seminars, trade delegations both in Italy and the U.S, and through tastings and media campaigns. Our global network counts 75 offices in 65 countries. In the U.S., we are located in New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami.
For more information about ITA, please visit www.italtrade.com or www.ice.gov.it.
About AICIG
The AICIG (Italian Association of Geographical Indication) is a non-profit organization founded by Consortia recognized by MIPAAF (The Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies). AICIG represents the interests of the Italian PDO and PGI sector at national, EU and international level. AICIG supports a group of consortiums representing vinegars, meats, pastries, cheeses, olive oil, fresh and processed fruit, vegetables and cereals all with a common goal — to protect and promote the geographical indications of their products and raise awareness about the PDO and PGI food certification systems.
The AICIG's main focus is dedicated to cross collaboration between consortiums, helping them to join forces and achieve their shared goals. The association represents more than 90 percent in terms of revenues and volumes of the entire Italian PDO and PGI products. At EU level, Italian PDO and PGI production represents about 39 percent of the entire value of the production.
For more information about AICIG, please visit www.aicig.it.
Source: The Italian Trade Agency