Italy has been chosen as the partner country for the second consecutive year, underscoring the importance of Made in Italy in the global gastronomic landscape. The Italian pavilion, a 2,300-square-meter exhibition area, was organized in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and featured numerous representatives from Italian institutions, including the Italian Ambassador to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, and the President of ICE, Matteo Zoppas.
In this context the president of the Specialty Food Association, Bill Lynch, organizer of the entire fair, announced that “thanks to the collaboration with the Minister of Agriculture Lollobrigida, starting next year, for the 2025 editions in Las Vegas and New York, Italy will be the main partner of the Fancy Food.”
Italy at Fancy Food 2024
The Italian offering is extraordinarily varied, ranging from cured meats and cheeses to pasta and wines, olive oil, coffee, sweets, and much more. The Italian companies at the Fancy Food Show presented a wide range of products that represent the regional excellences of Italy. Among the most appreciated specialties is pasta, an undisputed symbol of Italian cuisine, which has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to the “Pasta’s Comeback” campaign.
Events and Tastings
A particularly appreciated area by visitors was “Taste It Live,” where an Italian chef prepared typical dishes every day using raw materials provided by Italian exhibitors. This initiative allowed participants to experience a true sensory journey through Italian flavors. Additionally, at the “Buyers Lounge,” attendees could taste coffee, cappuccinos, wines, and other typical alcoholic beverages along with Italian snacks.
Economic Impact
The Italian agri-food sector continues to grow in the United States, representing about 10% of total Italian exports to this market. In 2021, the economic value of Italian agri-food exports to the US reached $6.5 billion, a figure expected to grow further thanks to events like the Fancy Food Show.
The participation of Italian companies at the Fancy Food Show in New York 2024 not only highlights the excellence of Made in Italy but also strengthens commercial ties between Italy and the United States. Italian exhibitors, with their wide range of high-quality products, continue to be a benchmark for the global food industry, carrying forward a tradition of flavors and innovation deeply rooted in Italian history and culture.