ICE officially kicked off Italian participation in Bar Convent Brooklyn 2025 with a refined aperitivo at Barlume, a Manhattan venue with an underground speakeasy. The event brought together about fifty industry professionals, including importers, distributors, brand ambassadors and representatives of the twelve Italian companies featured in the ICE collective.
Raimondo Lucariello, director of ICE’s Food, Wine & Spirits Division, stressed the strategic importance of the Italian presence in a rapidly expanding market.
We are very happy to introduce these companies, some of them already active here in the United States for some time. Moments like today’s are important, especially in these uncertain times. This is the beauty of mixology: bringing together different proseccos, bitters, grappas, liqueurs, cordials and all the wonderful ingredients of our land, Italy, the sixth partner of the United States in this specific field. We are proud to have recorded almost 40 percent growth in spirits in the first quarter of 2025. The more we increase the visibility of made-in-Italy products, the more Americans love them: there is a lot to do here, there is a lot to show, exhibit and teach.
The U.S. spirits market continues to grow strongly, with Italy playing an increasingly prominent role. In the first three months of 2025, Italian spirits exports to the U.S. increased by 39.4 percent in value and 55.3 percent in volume compared to the same period of the previous year, consolidating Italy’s market share at 2.3 percent – or $269.1 million.
During the evening, guests tasted exclusive cocktails signed by mixologist Michele Alfonso, who will also lead two educational seminars during the fair, “Shaken, Stirred, and Perfected: Mastering the Art of Cocktails” and “Break the Ice: Crafting the Classics with an Italian Touch,” aimed at enhancing the versatility of Italian products.
Among the producers present, Zanin 1895 SRL, with over 130 years of history in distillation, reiterated the importance of the American market. Alessandra Zanin, president and CEO, said, “New York is a very important marketplace for us. Brooklyn represents an excellent opportunity for us to introduce our products, which are fresh, versatile and of great value, perfect for the bartending world.”
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