NEWS HIGHLIGHT
International ‘Food Roots’ program makes
North American debut in Toronto
Food Roots arrived in Toronto on Dec. 10 for the only Canadian date on its international tour. The program builds on the success of Europe’s Geographical Indication
project and will educate the Canadian agri-food industry.
Food Roots arrived in Toronto on Dec. 10 for the only Canadian date on its international tour. Presented by
Buonitalia Spa and the Italian Association of Geographical Indication Consortia
(AICIG), the program builds on the success of Europe’s Geographical Indication
project and will educate the Canadian agri-food industry on the tangible
benefits of promoting local and protected product.
Expected guests include food associations, recognized chefs, wine
producers and leaders in the industry. “We are pleased to present Food
Roots to an esteemed audience,” says guest speaker Pier Maria Saccani.
“Canada’s activity in this area has been widely recognized and we aim to
provide further insight into the correlation between local food production and
the economy.”
Geographical Indications (GI) highlight a territory’s product,
quality and tradition, and encourage a product to be recognized due to its
geographical origin. Geographical Indications offer
increased value to food production and stimulate the economic activities of a
particular geographic region. Well-known examples of Italy’s Geographical
Indications program include Prosciutto di Parma, Gorgonzola and Parmigiano
Reggiano.
“It is crucial that we develop programs that support and improve
the value of local food production”, states Paolo Ponti, Italian Trade
Commissioner. “The Italian Trade Commission is pleased to organize this
prestigious event in collaboration with Retecamere and create a dialogue
between critical voices in the field.”
Canada has gained an international reputation for driving the
local food movement and the GI International Cooperation Project is pleased
that their North American debut will happen in Toronto. “The successful
promotion of locally grown product is happening in nearly every sector, the
local food movement has gone mainstream in Canada”, says Ponti.
Food Roots has met the approval of EU-based agri-food
associations, including Cnaol (French Dairy Industry Association), the
Association of Budweiser Brewery (Czech Republic) and OriGIn (Organization for
an International Geographical Indications Network).
Guest speakers include Paolo Ponti (Italian Trade Commissioner),
Walter Brunello (Chairman Buonitalia Spa), Pier Maria Saccani (Secretary
General of AICIG), and Fred Kingston (Senior Advisor Economic and Cultural
Affairs, Delegation of the European Delegation in Canada)
The Food Roots luncheon presentation takes place at the Toronto
Intercontinental Hotel (220 Bloor Street West, Toronto ON, 416.960.5200.) from noon to 2:00pm.
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