Calabria was among the highlights of the twelfth edition of Taste of Italy Houston 2026, the event dedicated to promoting Italy’s outstanding agri-food products in the United States, organized by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce of Texas and held from March 1 to March 3, 2026, at the Hilton Post Oak in Houston. The event represents one of the leading platforms connecting Italian producers with professionals from the U.S. food and beverage industry, featuring three days of B2B meetings, tastings, masterclasses, and experiential activities dedicated to promoting authentic Made in Italy products.
In this context, Calabria participated with a delegation of 13 companies from the food and wine sectors, bringing to Houston a significant representation of the region’s agri-food excellence. Most of the companies took part in the event as part of the delegation coordinated by AIC – Associazione Italiana Coltivatori, contributing to strengthening the presence of Calabrian products in international markets and promoting the value of authentic Made in Italy.
Alongside the agri-food component, Calabria was also represented through the regional brand “Calabria Straordinaria”, which participated in the event with a dedicated booth promoting the region as a travel destination. Through the distribution of informational and promotional materials, the American public had the opportunity to discover not only Calabria’s gastronomic excellence but also the many travel experiences the region has to offer.
The materials showcased in particular Calabria’s potential as a destination for active and outdoor tourism, presenting a wide range of activities that characterize the territory: from rafting in inland rivers and canyons, to trekking and mountain biking in the region’s natural parks, to winter sports in the mountain areas of Sila and Aspromonte, as well as water sports along the coasts of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, including sailing, kitesurfing, and diving.
Among the most notable moments of Calabria’s participation was the presence of Chef Enzo Barbieri, an ambassador of the region’s culinary tradition, who took part in several initiatives within the program. In particular, the chef participated with the Pit Master Ara Malekian in the masterclass “Italian Wines & Texas BBQ,” where he presented his renowned Piccaglio sauce, offering the audience a concrete example of the encounter between Italian culinary tradition and Texas gastronomic culture.
Chef Barbieri was also featured in the cooking class organized as part of the special event “Delicious Made in Italy,” promoted by the Consulate General of Italy in Houston.
Consul General Mauro Lorenzini introduced the initiative to the audience, which included institutional representatives and distinguished guests such as Fucsia Nissoli Fitzgerald, representative of the National Italian American Foundation, Hon. Christian Di Sanzo, Member of the Italian Parliament elected in the North and Central America constituency, and Oscar Renda, a U.S. entrepreneur of Calabrian origin. During the culinary session, the chef, assisted by his wife Patrizia, served delicious handmade gnocchi, offering guests an authentic experience of Calabrian gastronomic tradition.
Visitors to Taste of Italy Houston 2026 were therefore able to discover the richness of Calabria’s historical, natural, and cultural heritage, reinforcing the message of Calabria as an authentic destination, rich in traditions and capable of offering unique experiences throughout the year.
In the picture, from left: Alessia Paolicchi (IACC Texas), On. Christian Di Sanzo, Fucsia Nissoli Fitzgerald (NIAF), Patrizia Guerzoni-Barbieri, Chef Luciano Salvadore, Console Generale Mauro Lorenzini, Oscar Renda, Chef Enzo Barbieri, Francesca Bacci (IACC Texas)
