2009-06-16 06:43:06 -

June 15, 2009

Media Contact: Antonella Dalla Muta
SFInternational Marketing
Tel. (510) 432-1544/Fax: (510) 582-1091
Email: antoj@flash.net


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


More than 240 Italian product vendors will descend on this year’s Summer Fancy Food show June 28-30 in New York. This show will make the Italian Pavilion—organized by the Italian Trade Commission (ITCthe largest international pavilion at the show.

Italian vendors will

present a wide spectrum of products—from traditional favorites such as olive oil, prosciutto, pasta, cheese, coffee and wine, to innovative and interesting products like organic honey and jams, chocolates and candies, juices and sodas, preserved vegetables and spreads, and countless more.

The strong Italian representation underscores how well the Italian gourmet food market is weathering the economic downturn, according to Italy food expert Fred Plotkin, author of Italy for the Gourmet Traveler. “I’m not at all surprised by the resilience of Italian gourmet food sales says Plotkin. “What many people may not realize is that authentic, quality cuisine actually does better in tough economic times. Italian products more than others exemplify this trend
Plotkin will speak on this topic on Monday, June 29 at the Javits Center Room 2D08 at 4:30-5:30pm. In his presentation titled “Why is Italian food the best during economic hard times He will discuss the characteristics that make Italian cuisine even more popular when times are tough

Another trend contributing the strength of Italian food in particular is the continued reversal of low-carb diets in favor of healthy, natural, Mediterranean eating. “Great Italian cooking relies heavily on the use of authentic Italian ingredients, and the Fancy Food Show is the best opportunity to find typical products from the many regions of Italy says Chef Cesare Casella, Dean of The Italian Culinary Academy and chef of Salumeria Rosi in Upper West Side “Classics may ebb and flow, but they never go out of style

Italian distributors, regions, export consortiums and chambers of commerce will all be on hand to showcase the very best in Italian wine and gastronomy. The directory of Italian companies, produced by the Italian Trade Commission, will be featured as a special insert in the official show directory. It is also available at the ITC Information Center, booths: 2704-2710, 2805-2811.



The Italian Trade Commission cordially invites the members of the media and trade to visit the Italian Pavilion at the 2009 International Summer Fancy Food & Confection Show in New York.

The food and wine sector of the Italian Trade Commission in New York provides industry information, produces trade publications, and organizes tastings, food demonstrations, events, seminars, press trips and tradeshow pavilions across the country. For more information please visit www.ItalianMade.com, the official site dedicated to the foods and wines of Italy or contact The Italian Trade Commission directly by telephone 212.980.1500 fax 212.758.1050 or e-mail newyork@ice.it