A Taste of Italy
Eating in is the new eating out, and with a plethora of culinary guides, shows and books it’s a wonder we’re not all Michelin Star chefs by now. But the fact is we’re not, and no matter how closely you follow the recipe, the end result just never seems to taste as good as it does in your local Italian. The reason? Not your inadequate attention to detail, more your lacklustre limoncello, or off-key olives. Shabby seasoning can ruin a dish – as any chef worth his salt will tell you – and ingredients are imperitive. The problem is where to find them. Well fret no more – the UK’s largest fine food and wine trade show solely dedicated to gourmet Italian products – Bellavita – is taking place next weekend at The Old Truman Brewery, London.
Officially supported by the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, Bellavita, which runs from Saturday July 19 to Monday July 21, will feature more than 200 carefully selected brands exhibiting their wares. From independent artisan food and drink producers to well-known names including Lavazza coffee and Campari.
Across the three day trading event, 200 Italian producers and visitors from the hospitality and catering sectors will take part in round table discussions, product launches, promotional initiatives, product tastings and live demonstrations.
Bellavita will be divided into two specific areas: Le Vie Del Gusto (The Way of Taste) and La Passione de Vino (The Passion of Wine) with award winning Sommelier Luca Gardini confirmed as one of the major guests appearing in the latter. The main Food Consultant for Bellavita is Fausto Arrighi, former General Manager for the Michelin Star Guide for Italy. Chefs confirmed for the show will include Michelin starred Giorgio Locatelli, Agostino Jacobucci and Filippo Chiappini Dattilo, as well as Novikov’s Giuseppe Ruotolo, Steve Walpole and Latium’s Maurizio Morelli.
The ambitious project was founded by Aldo Mazzocco, who has more than a decade of experience in the event and media industries, and a thorough knowledge and passion for fine Italian fare.
He told Belle About Town: “Currently there are no unique platforms which Italian companies can trust to promote their products abroad. The aim of Bellavita is to spread the word of the true excellence of Italy and is a great opportunity for the Italian economy. Today exporting food and beverage made in Italy is worth €32 Billion, but the total value for Italian produce made abroad is worth over €60 Billion. We want to certify the real Italian producers and select only the most outstanding products”
With the aim to extend the project worldwide, the event has also been publicly backed by Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament. Schulz says: “Considering the significant international scope and the cultural, economic impact of the project, attesting the high value of the promotional initiative for the Italian territory, I wish Bellavita all the best for the event“.
Bellavita takes place from 19th-21st July at The Old Truman Brewery, Ely’s Yard, 15 Hanbury Street, London, E1 6QR. See bellavitaexpo.com, facebook.com/BellavitaExpo and twitter.com/BellavitaExpo for more information.
