Italy leads with novel agrofood trends
dubai — A series of initiatives led by the Italian Trade Agency is set to reinforce agrofood trade and bilateral relations between the UAE and Italy, according to Liborio Stellino, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE.
“The Italian Minister for Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, met UAE ministers in Abu Dhabi last year, which led to a discussion on how Italy could provide specific technology to help UAE overcome various difficulties for developing food strategies, such as water. Since then, we have been focusing on Italian companies that could be useful to provide options, such as the hydroponic system of irrigation,” Stellino said.
The Italian Trade Agency is also going full speed ahead with programmes from September to November in the UAE that are aimed to debunk counterfeit Italian products, emphasise awareness of quality products and promote healthy living.
Its participation in upcoming events, notably the Speciality Food Festival and Taste of Abu Dhabi, will highlight three key factors that Italy treasures — responsibility, quality and coordination — through elite Italian organisations. “Relations between the UAE and Italy are excellent. In the past years, Italy has understood the value and friendship of a privileged partner like the UAE and continues to invest in joint efforts to promote a unique platform in the Middle East. Talking about food trends, the UAE is now home to more than 300 Italian chefs, each bringing the distinct quality and richness of Italian cuisine to an international audience, who recognise and acknowledge its value. Here people appreciate quality, and we aim to be renowned for it,” Stellino said.
Valentina Setta, Consul General of Italy in Dubai, noted an upward trend in organic and vegan diets in the UAE, which further puts Italian ingredients on a high pedestal.
“Health and sustainability are keywords of our initiative, and are an important feature of Italian food. The Mediterranean diet not only pays great attention to well-being, but also leaves a positive impact on the environment. As the saying goes, ‘you are what you eat’, it is important to watch what you are introducing into your body, which makes Italian cuisine and dishes an ideal option for those focusing on health and improving their lifestyle,” she said. Stellino further highlighted a 100 per cent growth in the organic and vegan food sector last year.
The UAE is now home to more than 300 Italian chefs, each bringing the distinct quality and richness of Italian cuisine to an int’l audience Liborio Stellino, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE
“This is related to the young components of UAE’s multicultural society and growing awareness the young generation possess with healthy food,” he added.
The niche category will also be on display at the Italian pavilion in the upcoming Speciality Food Festival, complemented by live cooking demonstrations by top Italian chefs.
To date, Italy proudly stands tall as the top country in Europe with the highest number of food protection labels, meeting stringent regulations set by the quality seals of the European Union — the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) — that guarantee premium quality and authenticity.
— farhana@khaleejtimes.com