Italian gastronomy took centre stage in Malta earlier this month during a trade event and awards ceremony highlighting its candidacy for UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
Valued at €70 billion, Italy’s gastronomy sector represents more than 10 per cent of total Made in Italy exports.
Speaking at the event, Italian Trade Agency president Matteo Zoppas pointed out the sector’s “extraordinary value”.
“Its UNESCO candidacy honours the rich craftsmanship behind our agri-food traditions,” Zoppas said.
“This candidacy seeks to illuminate the deeper, intangible elements our culinary heritage carries: tradition, values, and the social power of what happens at the table and around our products,” he added.
The event organised by the Italian Trade Agency celebrating the candidacy of Italian gastronomy on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list. Photo: ITA
Held at the Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta, the event was attended by Italy’s Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, Malta’s Agriculture Minister Anton Refalo, and Italy’s ambassador to Malta Valentina Setta.
A total of 11 individuals who elevate Italian gastronomic traditions in Malta were awarded for their efforts.
These included Roberto Capelluto, president of the Italo-Maltese Chamber of Commerce, chef Francesco Mazzei, Fabio Lipari of Le Maioliche Group, Nadia Pedicino of Nennella, Fausto Soldini of Zerosei, Marcello Basile Cherubino of Cherubino Group, Alberto Rocchi of Charles Grech Group, Matthew Cuomo of P Cutajar Group, Normann Aquilina of Farsons Group, Victor Camilleri of Camilleri Paris Mode, and Henry Saliba of Virtú Ferries.
ITA plays a leading role in promoting the “global voice” of Italian gastronomy, “championing its authenticity, richness, and identity through international promotion efforts”.
The event was organised by ITA agency and the Embassy of Italy in Malta.