HCMC, September 9th 2020 – The endless variety of Italian cheese and wines, the two Italian products with the highest number of PGI and PDO signs (Protected Geographical Indications and Protected Designations of Origin), has been at the center of the seminar and masterclass “Cheese&Wine. True Italian Taste”, organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM) and the Consulate General of Italy in HCMC. The event was part of the initiative “True Italian Taste”, a series of events promoted by the Italian authorities with the aim to promote the authentic Italian products at a global level, including Vietnam since 2019.
“Wine&Cheese. True Italian Taste” has been opened by ICHAM Chairman Michele D’Ercole. Consul General Dante Brandi eventually presented the system of EU Geographical Indications and protection of origins, which apply also to Italian products as a guarantee of authenticity, origin and know-how. The event was closed by chef Giovanni Parrella and his presentation and masterclass on wine&cheese production and pairing. The event was attended by 30 guests in presence and over 2800 connected to the online streaming: an audience composed primarily by food&beverage bloggers, influencers, distributors, importers and operators in the Vietnamese market.
Main takeaway of the event has been the potential of growth for quality and authentic Italian products in Vietnam, consistently with an increasing trend over the last few years linked to the increase of pro-capita GDP and the evolution of the local hospitality industry. Italian wines and cheese are already the most numerous protected-origin products in Vietnam, while the newly entered-into-force EVFTA will likely give an additional push to the penetration of Italian quality products into the dynamic local market.
