The Italian Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Daniela D’Orlandi, has disclosed that her Commission is looking forward to building bridges between her country and Ghana through Italian foods and wines.
She made this assertion at the 6th edition of the ‘Italian Cuisine Week in the World’ held at her residence.
Dubbed ‘Taste of Italy’, Her Excellency speaking with the Vaultz Media stated that the sole aim of the annual event is to “promote the Italian wine and food because of its quality” and also strengthen the ties between Ghana and Italy especially through its culinary dishes and wines.
The Ambassador expressed that the embassy is not only looking at promoting its foods and wines to the Ghanaian community; however, through the event “want to build bridges between Italy and Ghana as regards food and wine as well”.
Her Excellency Daniela D’Orlandi, expatiating on the future plans for the event, noted that her office is considering the possibility of expanding the event into other sectors apart from food and wine.
“In Italy, we are known for our quality and creativity of our products; so it’s not just food and wine… So, we are looking forward to also promoting the fashion sector and cars too because there is an increasing interest for those products too”.
Her Excellency Daniela D’Orlandi
According to the Ambassador, previous engagements had about five hundred people participating. However, these numbers have reduced drastically as a result of the strict COVID-19 restrictions. Confirming the possibility of returning to the huge numbers in the near future, Her Excellency Daniella D’Orlandi averred, “If there are no COVID restrictions of course”.
Commenting on keeping the attractiveness of the program to its participants considering the drastic reduction of attendees, Her Excellency stated: “Here tonight, there are many important personalities and importers of Italian wine to Ghana. So, I believe with the coverage going on, it will keep the appetite for other people to try the Italian wine and food”.
Ministry of Tourism to collaborate with Italian Embassy
In attendance at this notable event was the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku Mantey. Interacting with Team Vaultz, Mark Okraku Mantey disclosed the Ministry’s interest to collaborate and work with the embassy to welcome Italians who will be making their way to Ghana for the ‘December in Gh’.
Her Excellency Daniela D’Orlandi touching on this expressed her excitement about the collaboration and mentioned that her office is also willing to work closely with the Ministry.
“We are very opened to collaborating and I am very glad that the Deputy Minister for Tourism, arts and culture, Mark Okraku Mantey was here tonight. We want to strengthen our partnership in the cultural field”.
Her Excellency Daniela D’Orlandi
Elaborating on the ties that exist between the two nations, Her Excellency Daniela D’Orlandi noted that Italy is a very much loved destination for most Ghanaians; therefore, they would like to leverage on it to promote their culture and exchange friendship.
Boosting Trade ties between Ghana and Italy
Also spearheading the ‘Taste of Italy’ was the Director of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Alessandro Gerbino. In an interaction, Mr. Alessandro Gerbino said: “The event will allow the Embassy bring together many people that are working with Italian companies and it is an opportunity for us to introduce one of the things that we are known for– our food and wine. So today, guests have the opportunity to taste some of the best wines from Italy”.
Speaking on trade ties with the Ministry of Trade in Ghana, Mr. Gerbino disclosed that the embassy is already working closely with some institutions under the Ministry to ensure that trading between both countries is done smoothly.
The 6th edition of Italian Cuisine Week in Ghana was organized by the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Accra.
The event which was emceed by EIB CEO, Bola Ray, saw some of the top quality and best-known wine brands from Italy including Prosecco Vintage Brut from the Italian region of Veneto, Gattinara Travaglini from Piedmont, Brunello di Montalcino from Tuscany and Sauvignon Suade IGT from Friuli Venezia Giulia.
It is worth mentioning that Italy is the world’s leading producer and exporter of wine. Thanks to its mild climate, the unique heritage of over 500 native grape varieties, along with centuries of oenological expertise, the country has a wine to delight every palate.
According to some reports, centuries of tradition coupled with rigorous standards have guaranteed Italy’s preeminence in the world of fine wine.
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