Scenes from Taste of Italy Houston™ 2016

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The 3rd edition of this Trade Show expects the participation of more than 200 buyers, importers, distributors, chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, retailers, and opinion leaders.

“The numbers tell, the stories sell” – This is what happened @TasteofItalyHouston where a professional staff had match properly the B2B meetings in relation to the real needs of all the participants. Thank you for your great job! – Andrea Anessi Mecci – Export Manager, La Corsa Wine.

Houston, March 13 2016 – For the second consecutive year the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce of Texas organized the biggest manifestation dedicated to Italian Food & Wine in Houston.

The objective was to promote authentic Italian products through meetings, events, and sampling.

This edition counted with the participation of 110 Italian companies (65 wineries and 55 food producers), with more than 500 products, that throughout March 2nd and 3rd have found potential buyers, distributors, and importers. The event was covered by the press and food bloggers.

Once again, The State of Texas demonstrated keen interest in the Italian Food & Wine sector. This event allowed the interaction between products Made in Italy, originating from 19 different Italian Regions, and large American distributors. The Italian companies had the opportunity to attend the Houston Live Rodeo Show, which took place on March 2nd, 2016. On the following day, March 3rd, these companies displayed and sampled their own products during the Trade Show at the Hilton Post Oak Hotel.

On March 3rd, the commercial potential multiplied. 150 buyers and professionals from the Wine & Food Industry, caterers, and journalists, coming from various states in the US (California, Florida, Illinois, Colorado, Georgia), and mainly Texas (Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, EL Paso, and Houston) attended the event.

The initiative that formed part of the promoting strategy campaign for the appreciation of Italian products, in contrast with Italian Sounding (characterized by an allusion to Italy through symbols and references in products not necessarily made in the country), allowed the entry and dissemination of wines, cheese, olive oil, TV dinners, fruit pulp and marmalades, truffles, sweets, bakery products and coffee, which turned Houston the capital of Italian Food & Wine in Texas for 2 days.

In addition, the second edition of Taste of Italy Houston™ welcomed certified Kosher Italian products, favoring and enhancing relationships with the local Jewish Community and professionals from the sector.

At a local level, the initiative was established with some of the most important public and private institutions in the Food and Wine industry, who gave their wholehearted interest and support: Greater Houston Restaurant Association, l’Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management presso la University of Houston, l’Art Insititute of Houston, and the Texas Wine School.