The official opening of Italian Cuisine Week takes place on Monday, 18th November, with a press conference at Belgrade’s Hotel Hilton. Italy’s whole “Country System” in Serbia will be involved, as is usual on such occasions, and in this case, that means the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Trade Agency, Confindustria Serbia, and the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce in Serbia. Speaking to CorD about this year’s event is Italian Ambassador to Serbia H.E. Carlo Lo Cascio.
Your Excellency, the fourth consecutive “Week of Italian Cuisine in the World” will be held from 18th to 24th November. What are the basic themes forming the pillars of this year’s edition?
This year’s edition is mainly inspired by the theme of “food education”: the pillars of this idea are the connection between health and nutrition, education to taste and a holistic approach to well-being. Italy’s policy for the “Week of Italian Cuisine in the World” in 2019 is, thus, also focused on placing a value on products with the controlled and protected origin, as well as on food and wine coming from Italian regional traditions, and on the internationalisation of our food education sector.
Michelin-star Chef Eros Picco will be with us again, with classes at the High School of Tourism in New Belgrade, and Italian products will be promoted in Mercator group supermarkets
What are the differences between this year’s edition and the 3rd Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, held in 2018?
Firstly the theme. The Mediterranean diet, which was the central focus last year, is certainly still part of our programme, but the concept is now much wider: taste and health are not opposing principles, rather they certainly can live together combined, as our diet demonstrates.
Then, we are always very keen on organising events not only by promoting our typical products – and this will happen this year also, with a fair – but also by sharing knowledge and tradition through conferences and discussions, especially on such important topics as the approach to health through food, and this aspect will be very much increased this year.
Can you provide us with some expectations regarding the events envisaged for Serbia?
The official opening will be on Monday, 18th November, with a press conference at the Hotel Hilton. Italy’s whole “Country System” in Serbia will be involved, as usually happens on these occasions: in this way, the Italian Cultural Institute, the Italian Trade Agency – Confindustria Serbia, and the Italian-Serbian Chamber of Commerce in Serbia will together offer a great variety of opportunities for experts, professionals and the public.
As for specific events, I can announce that Michelin-star Chef Eros Picco will be with us again, with classes at the High School of Tourism in New Belgrade, and Italian products will be promoted in Mercator group supermarkets.
Moreover, as you know, we are this year celebrating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Serbia and the 10th anniversary of our strategic partnership, so we would add some particular ad hoc celebration. Stay tuned with us!