ITALY - UK PARTNERSHIP

IN FOCUS | 07 www.italchamind.eu Welcome Italia 2019 The event that brings Italian gastronomic excellence to London is back! N ow in its 7th edition, Welcome Italia, the event organised by the Italian Chamber of Commerce for the UK, is returning to London for three days, from 18th to 20th October. Since its launch in 2013, the fair has been a valuable reference and a benchmark for many operators of the food and beverage sector, as well as for the “Belpaese” enthusiasts. THE HISTORY The first Italian Exhibition in London was organised in 1888 under the patronage of the Italian Chamber of Commerce of London, which had been founded just one year before. Since then, the Chamber has been proactively promoting Italy and its companies not only in London, but also in the rest of the UK. The fair changed its name during the years, from Viva Italia Show in 2005 to La Dolce Vita in 2008 and finally Welcome Italia in 2013. THE SCHEDULE The stunning location of the Royal Horticultural Halls is set to open its doors on 18th October for Welcome Italia Trade, an afternoon exclusively dedicated to carefully selected sector operators. On the same day, experts of Italian food and wine will host panels and conferences. A new addition to this year’s fair will be the award ceremony for the “Marchio Ospitalità Italiana”, during which the selected Italian restaurants based in London will be given the prestigious certification. The following two days, instead, are open to an audience of food and wine enthusiasts who will have the opportunity to purchase the products of the exhibitors, giving the companies an instant feedback on their offer. THE PANELS During the Trade Day, The Red Pot London will host a panel titled “London as an International Hub for Italian Food Companies”, discussing the reasons why - thanks to its cultural diversity - London represents a strategic meeting point between supply and demand of Italian products and the local market, as well as for other identities and cultures such as the Middle East, Central Europe and Asia. The second conference will focus on “The Extraordinary Italian Taste”, a project promoted by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and coordinated by Assocamestero. Experts of the Italian food and beverage sector will discuss the question “What is the True Italian Taste?”. COOKERY THEATRE An area of the venue specially set up to offer guests a unique experience with the best chefs and experts on Italian cuisine in the United Kingdom. With 70 seats, a professional kitchen and amazing Italian products, the Cookery Theatre of Welcome Italia is a point of reference for Italian cuisine lovers in London. Visitors will also be able to take part in cooking shows and masterclasses, making it an exciting moment to learn, enjoy and taste! Welcome Italia, bringing the Italian gastronomic excellence in London since 2013. For more information and to get tickets, please visit www.welcome-italia.co.uk