We are at the Italy Pavilion of the Summer Fancy Food Show 2025 in New York. One of the most important fairs in the world on food and in which our country has a leading role being Country Partner of the event, for the second time in a row. Here we interviewed Michele De Pascale, President of the Emilia Romagna Region.
How important is the participation of our companies in events like Fancy Food to consolidate presence in foreign markets?
Very important, as a region, together with the Italian government we are totally supportive of our businesses, we have over 40 producers, Igp and DOP, from Emilia Romagna. It is always important to preside over the U.S. market, and we must not forget that in the U.S. there are 26million people who have Italian blood, eat Italian, dress Italian, drive Italian and who are great ambassadors of Italy. Right now there is concern throughout our exports, which for Emilia Romagna are worth more than 10billion. We want to convince the American public that there is no benefit in blocking or making trade between our countries more difficult, considering also that a large part of the added value of Italian products remains in the United States. We are here to relaunch, we do not want to give up growing in this market, in fact we want to put even more energy into it.
What actions is the region putting in place to support businesses and help them grow outside Italy?
An essential part of our strategy takes place in the region, Igp and DOP productions are a key element, and that is why we help support consortia and producers to work together, to increase the value of their products. We have unique excellences, just think of the milk in the Parmigiano Reggiano supply chain, which is unique worldwide. We will then come out with a specific call on internationalization, up to 70% contribution, with which we want to push producers and companies to work together to strengthen our presence in all markets, in fairs, in events like this one but also in communication. We want to strengthen the Emilia Romagna presence with all possible tools, also to attract investments. There is a great opportunity to integrate supply chains, there are many Italian companies and consortiums that have invested in the United States, we are the region of Barilla, which in addition to made in Italy has been able to strengthen made by italians, the ability of Italy to make production of excellence, but also to involve American capital in Italian production. Economic integration between the two markets is positive, knowing, however, that if there is no freedom in trade there is harm for all.
The article De Pascale, President Emilia Romagna Region, at Summer Fancy Food 2025: “We want to strengthen our presence in the foreign market” comes from TheNewyorkese.
