Italy named as first partner country and sponsor for the Summer Fancy Food Show 2015

Specialty Food Association, a not-for-profit organization, chose Italy to be its first partner country and sponsor for their 2015 Summer Fancy Food Show, the biggest specialty food trade event in North America. The weekend long event in New York City, held June 28-30 brings together the best buyers and creators of specialty food and showcased more than 180,000 products.

Italy holds a tremendous presence in the show: this year alone Fratelli d’Amico, PGI Gragnano Pasta, Kimbo and De Nigris sponsored 375 food companies representing different regions of Italy showcasing the best pasta, rice, pastries, cheese and olive oil. Italy’s contribution to the success of the event was an important factor in it being the first partner country in the association’s 61 years of show history.

“Italy has brought some of the highest quality foods to the US through the Fancy Food Show,” said Chris Nemchek, senior vice president of The Specialty Food Association. “The Partner Country Program has given Italy the opportunity to further promote these brands to the US buying community.”

At the event were food experts like former president of Trader Joe’s and current CEO of Conscious Capitalism, Doug Rauch who held Thought Leader Talks and culinary trend forecaster, Suzy Badaracco. Food Network’s Ted Allen hosted the sofi Awards, the most prestigious honor in the specialty food industry. Some winners include Sicilian Pistachio Spread by Manicaretti Italian Food Imports and Salametto Piccante by Fra’ Mani Handcrafted Foods.

-Meki Shewangizaw