The excellence of made in Italy aboard the Amerigo Vespucci: EVO oil and gelato take center stage in Egypt

The cultural and gastronomic initiative, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture with the support of the Italian Embassy, the ICE Agency, and the Italian Cultural Institute in Cairo as part of the event “The Vespucci Meets Egypt,” reaffirmed the excellence of Italian gastronomy. The Evooschool Foundation of Coldiretti played a central role, offering guided tastings of selected varieties of Italian extra virgin olive oil. A qualified taster led guests on a sensory journey through the flavors of Italian oils, highlighting the quality and tradition that distinguish these products.

In recognition of its commitment to promoting a culture of high-quality olive oil, the Evooschool Foundation was awarded the title of “Ambassador of Italian Quality in the World” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests.

The evening also featured gelato contadino (farmers’ gelato), the result of a collaboration between Filiera Italia, Città del Gelato, and Filiera Agricola Italiana. This gelato, bearing the “Signed by Italian Farmers” label, is made exclusively with ingredients sourced from the finest Italian farms affiliated with Coldiretti. Among the standout ingredients were beet sugar, crystalline grape sugar, and powdered milk, all of which contribute to the product’s superior quality.

Nine flavors were presented, including Albicocca Cafona (rustic apricot), Fragola di Acconia (Acconia strawberry), Pera Signora della Valle del Sinni (Signora pear from the Sinni Valley), and Menta Bianca di Pancalieri (white mint from Pancalieri), all representing the excellence of Italian agri-food products. As a tribute to local culture, a special flavor was created using the Egyptian Badjoul date, symbolizing the fusion of Italian and Egyptian traditions.

The event also provided an important opportunity to strengthen cultural and gastronomic ties between Italy and Egypt while promoting the quality and authenticity of Italian products abroad. As emphasized by Luigi Scordamaglia, CEO of Filiera Italia, “the meeting celebrated shared values of uniqueness and connection to the land, highlighting the central role of farmers in enhancing the agri-food sectors of both countries.”

During the Amerigo Vespucci’s stay in Alexandria, public visits were organized aboard the ship, offering an opportunity to explore the vessel and immerse oneself in Italian maritime traditions. This initiative is part of the “Mediterranean Tour of the Amerigo Vespucci Ship and Village in Italy,” promoted by the Italian Ministry of Defense with the participation of twelve ministries and support from the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

Additionally, the event served as a platform to discuss the first farmers’ market inaugurated in October in the central Piazza Saad Zaghloul in Alexandria, as part of the “Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative” (MAMI-Farmers Markets). This initiative, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and implemented by CIHEAM Bari in collaboration with the World Farmers Markets Coalition and supported by the Fondazione Campagna Amica of Coldiretti, aims to promote a culture of healthy and sustainable food while strengthening the relationship between local producers and consumers.