Dubai, UAE - February 18 2021:  Visitors to the ITAlian Food Lab, organized by Italian Trade Agency (ITA) within the Italian pavilion in Gulfood, will enjoy an emotional, sensory and visual journey of authentic Italian produce and, traditional and modern dishes; all playing homage to Italian food industry’s commitment to authenticity, innovation and sustainability.

 

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 21st and 22nd, 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 is a unique pasta making competition that involves participation from Italian restaurants in the UAE and organized 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).

 

Italy, participating with more than 120 companies, associations and organizations 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, said: “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 Expo2020.

 

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 US$ 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.” 

 

“In Italy, people enjoy leisurely meals; enjoying the cooking process, eating together and telling stories while sharing food with family and friends. For us, food is all about connecting with people and focusing on healthy, organic and sustainable produce. Italian food industry takes an active interest in food sustainability, culinary innovations, new kitchen techniques and managing food wastage. These are some of the topics that will be highlighted during the workshops, seminars and masterclasses at the ITAlian Food Lab that this year is constructed with sustainable materials, such as wood,” he added.

 

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%. Gulfood is an ideal platform to introduce buyers, distributors and consumers to high quality Italian food ingredients and dishes that are popular in this region. This is also reflected in the growing UAE-Italy food trade. For example, in the first 11 months of 2020 Italy exported more than Euro 22 million worth of pasta to this market with a year-on-year growth of 30%.