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For a number of years this was the official site of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, a non profit organization whose goal is for enhancement of the image and prestige of wines, as well as Italian gastronomy and Italian food products in the USA. The site has seen several design iterations since it was first created circa 2003.
Content is from the site's 2010 - 2011 archived pages and  from other outside sources.

The current website for the Italian Wine & Food Institute is found at: https://iwfinews.com/

The new owners of this site, who are ardent Italian wine lovers, chose to keep the information about the Italian Wine & Food Institute visible and to point any visitors who have inadvertently ended up here to the institute's current website.

Italian Wine & Food Institute
Dr. Lucio Caputo, President
Lincoln Building, Suite 1341
60 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10160
Tel: 212/867-4111
Fax: 212/867-4114

About the Italian Wine & Food Institute

The Italian Wine & Food Institute is a non-profit organization based out of New York City that was founded in 1983. The Institute strives to educate American consumers about the high quality of Italian wines, food products, and gastronomy by organizing educational and promotional events and public relations activities.

The promotional campaigns of the Institute consist of a series of initiatives directed at the professional media, those involved with every level of distribution, as well as influential leaders and qualified American consumers.

The Institute organizes seminars and tastings, which provide detailed information about Italian gastronomy and wines. The institute distributes up-to-date information through press interviews for American radio and television and extensive public relations programs. The Italian Wine and Food Institute participates in important local promotional initiatives and events while also maintaining contact with the American and Italian authorities in this industry. The Institute conducts market research and surveys which are published a bimonthly newsletter, "Notiziario" about the American market.

Since 1985, the Institute has organized and presented the annual Gala Italia Dinner & Awards Presentation, which has consistently been the most elegant and prestigious promotional event for the Italian wine, gastronomy, fashion, music, and the arts in the United States.

In addition to all of these accomplishments, the Institute has published a book on Italian cuisine and booklets on Italian wines and food products, namely "Discovering Italian Wines" and "Gala Italia", with the intention of providing first-hand information to American consumers.

The Institute publishes detailed information about its various initiatives on its website. The President of the Institute, Dr. Lucio Caputo, has been active in the promotion of Italian wines and gastronomy for over twenty years. Dr. Caputo began his involvement as the Italian Trade Commissioner and went on to be the President of the Italian Wine & Food Institute. He is also a heads the European Wine Council, the International Trade Center, the Italian Representative Group (G.E.I), The American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit, and he is the US representative of the Verona Fair Authority. The Italian Wine and Food Institute recently joined the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce West to organize the second edition of the International Organic Wine Expo held in New York in May under the Patronage of the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and under the auspices of the Consul General of Italy in New York.

 

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Lucio Caputo, President

Picture of Lucio Caputo

Lucio Caputo is the president of the International Trade Center of New York, a promotions and public relations company created to expand the presence of Italian products and services in the U.S.A, the former Italian Trade Commissioner in New York, and an expert in international trade and marketing. Dr. Caputo's background includes considerable experience in the field of journalism, economics and law.

Dr. Caputo is the founder and president of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, a non-profit organization established in 1984 to promote and further improve the image of Italian wines and foods in the United States. Dr. Caputo is also founder and president of the GEI (Gruppo Esponenti Italiani), an association of major Italian businesses in the U.S.; Chairman of the "European Wine Council"; V. Chairman and member of the Executive Committee of the "National Wine Coalition"; Chairman of the "Italian Business Advisory Council"; member of the board of the Association of the Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations and President and member of the board of the American Society of Italian Legions of Merit; member of the Advisory Committee of the Princeton University.

In recognition of his outstanding work in favor of Italy in all his activities, the President of the Italian Republic awarded Dr. Caputo with the title of "Cavaliere Ufficiale" in 1972, "Commendatore" in 1981,and "Grande Ufficiale" in 1996 and of Cavaliere di Gran Croce in the Order to the Merit of the Italian Republic in 2003. Dr. Caputo also has received many other awards and recognitions from private and public organizations both from Italy and the United States and is an honorary member of numerous associations.

Born in Monreale, Italy, Dr. Caputo received a doctorate in Law followed by a degree in Journalism and a doctorate in Political Science from the University of Palermo. He was an editor of the Giornale di Sicilia, one of Italy's major daily newspapers, and was a correspondent for numerous other newspapers and magazines in Italy.

He completed special courses in public relations, was admitted to the bar, and began a legal career with a major law firm. After attending the Air Force Academy in Florence and completing his tour of service as a lieutenant in the Italian Air Force, he joined Italy's Foreign Trade Institute in Rome. He initially conducted market surveys in foreign countries such as Cyprus and Libya and then served as managing director of the magazines, Italy Presents and Quality.

In 1964 he was appointed deputy director of the London office of the Institute. In 1967 he lead a year-long study and market research mission in Southeast Asia, spending much of his time in Hong Kong. He has also traveled extensively throughout Africa and Europe. During this period, Dr. Caputo's abilities as a negotiator were put to the test when he was selected to head the Italian team in a political and trade dispute. The "Liming" ship case threatened to jeopardize trade between Italy and the People's Republic of China; however, he was able to diffuse the situation and was responsible for the two nations signing a mutually beneficial agreement. In October of 1967, Dr. Caputo was appointed Italian Trade Commissioner in Philadelphia, the youngest government official to serve in such a position abroad.

In 1972, he was appointed Italian Trade Commissioner in New York where he opened the new office. Under Dr. Caputo's guidance the New York office became the largest Italian government commercial office in the world.

While serving as the Italian Trade Commissioner in New York for more than a decade, he developed extensive promotional activities and made large contributions to enhancing the recognition and understanding of Italian products in the American market.

In 1975, he founded the Italian Wine Center. Dr. Caputo led the center in conducting massive marketing, advertising and promotional efforts, which saw the wines of Italy come to dominate the market for imported wine in the United States within the very short time frame of a few years.

He started the Italian Tile Center in 1979 to educate Americans about the quality and versatility of ceramic tiles from Italy, and followed this with the Italian Fashion Center, the Italian Jewelry Center and the Italian Shoe Center. In 1981 Dr. Caputo opened the Italian Trade Center, located in an elegant building designed by the Architect Pei at 499 Park Avenue in New York City, which was the largest trade center of any foreign country in the United States. The premises included an exhibition hall, an Enoteca, a business center, meeting and conference rooms with audio-visual and many other facilities, all designed to encourage trade between the United States and Italy. The Italian Trade Center designed by the Architect Piero Sartoro of Rome and furnished with modern, elegant furniture was inaugurated with a lavish reception attended by Italian and American government officials, actors and actresses and numerous personalities from the world of trade and finance as well as from the Media. As a sign of appreciation, the Italian producers donated the famous painting "Le Muse Inquietanti" by Giorgio De Chirico to be exhibited in the Enoteca.

In 1982 Dr. Caputo became president of Ital Trade USA corporation, an American Society for the promotion and sale of Italian products in the USA and reorganized and expanded its activities. In 1984, Dr. Caputo founded the Italian Wine & Food Institute, a non-profit corporation established to promote and further improve the image of Italian wines and foods in the United States. As president of the Institute, Dr. Caputo planned and coordinated for ten years the "Gala Italia", a star studded, headline-winning occasion that brought together some of the world's most illustrious names in Italian Wine, Food, Fashion and Entertainment. The members of the Institute include the most important Italian wine makers.

In 1987 Dr. Caputo became president of the International Trade Center, an American public relations company that organizes promotional events for Italian companies. As the official North American representative for the "Ente Autonomo Fiere di Verona" he has been active for over ten years in the promotion of numerous Italian business sectors, and has been organizing study and information visits for large groups of American businessmen and journalists to Italy.

For more than three decades Dr. Caputo has been active in the industry; he has traveled widely in the United States promoting Italian products and establishing numerous contacts with personalities and authorities in business, the media, and in journalism. He is also active on the lecture circuit as a specialist on economic topics and as a spokesperson for hundreds of radio and TV programs. He served as executive chair on numerous committees in charge of organizing the programs for visits of foremost Italian Government representatives to the United States, among them the Italian Premiers and the Presidents of the Italian Republic, Pertini, Cossiga, Scalfaro and Ciampi. Dr. Caputo has been listed for many years in the "Who's Who in the World" and "Who's Who in Finance and Industry"; he is a member of many organizations and has traveled through Europe, Africa, America and Asia, meeting with economic, business and press representatives in order to promote the image of Italy and Italian products all over the world.

On the morning of 09/11 Dr. Caputo was inside his office on the 78th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center from where he was able to reach safety (www.google.com, search: Lucio Caputo). Even though he lost his office and all of his working records, Dr. Caputo was able to immediately restart his activities by openng a new office in the prestigious Lincoln Building in Midtown Manhattan.

 

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NEWS from 2011 -2012


A SPECIAL EDITION OF GALA ITALIA FOR THE REVIVAL OF ITALIAN WINE IN THE USA

On Friday, December 7th in the splendid setting of The Pierre Hotel, exhibiting the best of Italian wines.

New York, July 24 -- A special edition of the Gala Italia dedicated to superior Italian wines is among the initiatives that the Italian Wine & Food Institute is organizing to further promote Italian wines in the American market.

This will be a high-level initiative that will include the participation, in highly selective and limited numbers, of the most prestigious Italian wineries with the presence of their owners, who will offer some of their finest wines.

The "Gala Italia: Special Edition" will be held on Friday, December 7, 2012 in the elegant Ballroom of The Pierre Hotel, where, approximately thirty years ago, one of the first initiatives of the famous campaign to affirm Italian wines in the USA took place.

In announcing the "Gala Italia: Special Edition", Lucio Caputo, President of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, underlined the great importance of an event that distances itself from the plethora of modest, frequent initiatives, many of which not only fail to contribute to the success of Italian wine, but often damage and diminish its image.

This "Gala Italia: Special Edition" will be entirely dedicated to grand Italian wines of prominent vintages and will serve to give prestige to the best national wines, placing them at levels they deserve.

"The time is right," Caputo said, "to restore the proper order of Italian wines in the market by bringing them to the forefront and to distinguish them from the mass of competing wines of less substance."

The "Gala Italia: Special Edition" is part of a new market approach to better respond to the new demands of Italian wines in the U.S. market and it follows the recent event, "The Wonderful Summer Wines from Italy".

For more information: Italian Wine & Food Institute - Tel.: 212 867 4111


Gala Italia 2012






 

 

"Made in Italy" Triumphs in New York

Great Success for the GALA ITALIA

New York, February 28 ....The 27th edition of the GALA ITALIA proved to be a huge success, exceeding even the most optimistic expectations. The event took place on Thursday, February 23rd at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Manhattan under the high patronage of the Italian Ambassador to Washington, Claudio Bisogniero, and the Ministry of Economic Development. The event mobilized importers, producers and journalists from across the states along the Atlantic Coast in the USA. They crowded the Broadway Ballroom on the sixth floor of the Marriott and were joined by a restricted number of VIP guests, among whom was the Consul General to New York, Minister Natalia Quintavalle; and a group of qualified consumers affiliated with the noted restaurants, SD26 of Tony May and Le Cirque of Sirio Maccioni.

The most prestigious celebration of Made in Italy, GALA ITALIA presented fashion, wine, gastronomy, music, art and design as indisputable protagonists of the evening and as emblematic Italian products, exposing them to the New York limelight. The sponsors of the event were Alitalia, Compagnia Ducale, Ferrero, FIAT, MSC, Omnia and Smeraldina.

The GALA ITALIA opened with the grand Wine & Food Tasting that included some of the finest Italian wines from major wineries, including: Antinori, Arcanum, Baglio di Pianetto, Bertani, Biondi Santi, Cantine di Dolianova, Casale Falchini, Casale del Giglio, Castello d'Albola, Castello del Poggio, Castello di Gabbiano, Castello di Querceto, Cavit, Col d'Orcia, Domodimonti, Feudo Arancio, Feudo Principi di Butera, Fonterutoli, Francoli, Marco Maci, Mezzacorona, Moretti Omero, Nicola Campagnola, Pepe Stefania, Piera Martellozzo, Planeta, Rocca dei Sanniti, Rocca delle Macie, Rocca di Montemassi, Rotari, Ruffino, Santa Maria ?Valverde, Sella & Mosca, Stemmari, Tenuta ca' Bolani, Tenute Folonari, Villa a Sesta, Villa Fiorita and Zonin.

In the course of nearly four hours of the Wine Tasitng, those present tasted a total of over 120 wines, such as: Aglianico del Taburno, Amarone Classico della Valpolicella, Badiola, Barbera d'Asti, Bracale, Brunello di Montalcino, Cabreo, Cannonau di Sardegna, Cembali, Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, Chardonnay, Chianti, Chianti Classico Riserva, Falanghina, Fiano d'Avellino, Greco di Tufo, La Segretta, Montefalco Sagrantino, Montepaonne, Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, Moscato d'Asti, Nero d'Avola, Peppoli, Petit Manseng, Petit Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Prosecco, Ramione, Ribolla Gialla Prosecco, Ripasso di Valpolicella, Roccato, Rosso di Montalcino, Salice Salentino, Sassabruna, Sassoalloro, Sasyr, Schidione, Ser Gioveto, Shiraz, Spumante Brut, Spumante Rose', Teroldego, Terre di Giano, Trebiano, Valpolicella Classico, Vermentino, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Villa Antinori and Vin Santo, as well as numerous "Proprietary Wines."

During the Wine & Food Tasting, the wine producers received special certificates identifying their best wines, all of which were selected by an American jury of experts.

The most prestigious Italian restaurants in New York participated in the GALA ITALIA, as is their tradition. Their names include: Acqua at Peck Slip, Casa Nonna, Circo, Gusto, Il Riccio, Macelleria, Magia, Paola's Restaurant, Salumeria Rosi, SD26, Serafina, Trattoria Dell'Arte and Zio. To the appreciation of many of the guests, the restaurants supplied their most interesting specialties to accompany the wine at the event.

Confirming the importance of pairing wines and genuine Italian food, the most distinguished producers and importers of special foods and beverages participated in the event, including Academia Barilla, Ferrero, Acetaia di Giorgio, Illy Caffe', Conca d'Oro, Monini, Latteria Soresina, Riso Scotti, Orto Conserviera, Ciro and Verrini Murani.

Italian design was represented by two new Fiat 500s and by a special bicycle of Compagnia Ducale called the Fiat 500 Pop, which is specially designed for the Fiat 500 vehicle.

Art was also present at the Gala Italia through the exhibition, Fast and Food, situated on the stage of the Broadway Ballroom. The exhibition consisted of twenty-two photographs by Paolo Poli, a noted artist who traveled to New York all the way from Padova. The event was additionally enriched by the performance of the noted singer from Bergamo, Federico Martello, who, amid much applause, entertained guests with some pieces of his repertoire. He concluded his performance with "New York, New York," saluting the city that has hosted the GALA ITALIA for 27 years.

The program of the GALA ITALIA concluded with the drawing of a special prize, the FIAT 500 Pop provided by Compagnia Ducale. The lucky winner of the FIAT 500 Pop was Ms. Sara Turdo of Turdo Vineyards & Winery from Oakland, NJ.

The GALA ITALIA distributed more than 2,000 copies of its catalogue to guests, participants and representatives. Within these elegant, colorful catalogues were texts and advertisements that publicized all the participating companies in the event.

This year, registration of guests was conducted entirely on-line, assuring a more manageable and improved selection of attendance.

Following the New York event was the Los Angeles Wine Gala, which took place on Monday, February 27th, to further promote Made in Italy within the markets of California and the West Coast. The Los Angeles Italian Wine Gala was held in the famous Valentino restaurant of Piero Selvaggio, with the attendance of such prestigious personalities as the Consul General, Minister Giuseppe Perrone and the Commercial Attache' of the Italian Consulate General, Elena Marinelli. The wine tasting was directly preceded by a luncheon-tasting, reserved exclusively for local wine press, during which each house presented a wine of great value, including Arcanum, Il Fauno di Arcanum, 2007; Azienda Agricola Di Giovanna, Nero D'Avola, IGT Sicilia, 2009; Domodimonti, Il Messia, Rosso IGT Marche, 2007; Franco Biondi Santi Tenuta il Greppo, Brunello di Montalcino Ris. DOCG, 2004; Jacopo Biondi Santi, Schidione, Rosso IGT Toscana, 2003; Mezzacorona, Pinot Grigio, Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT Trentino, 2011; Piera Martellozzo, 075 Carati, Ribolla Gialla White Sparkling Wine, 2011; Stemmari, Nero D'Avola, IGT Sicilia, 2010; Zonin, Feudo Principi di Butera and Nero d'Avola IGT Sicilia, 2009.

For this occasion, a menu had been specially prepared by Chef Nico Cessa that helped highlight in particular the various wines that were tasted. The menu started with the Pugliese salad and Galloni Prosciutto di Parma that had matured for 24 months, followed by a garganelli with duck ragu' and lamb ossobuco with Sardinian fregola, and finished with a chocolate fondue cake and pear gelato. Indeed, the Wine Tasting showcased an impressive selection of high-quality wines. The wines were provided by some of the most prestigious wine producers, all of whom were from prominent Italian wine regions, including: Arcanum, Castello d'Albola, Castello del Poggio, Azienda Agricola Biologica di Giovanna, Domodimonti, Feudo Arancio, Feudo Principi di Butera, Franco Biondi Santi Tenuta il Greppo e Jacopo Biondi Santi Fibs, Mezzacorona, Pera Martellozzo, Rocca di Montemassi, Rotari, Stemmari, Tenuta Ca' Bolani and Zonin.

Among the over 50 wines tasted at the Wine Tasting were: Prosecco, Sassabruna Maremma Toscana, Nero D'Avola di Sicilia, Chianti Classico, Pinot Grigio del Friuli, Moscato D'Asti, Passerina, Pecorino, Sangiovese, il Piccolo Principe Rosato delle Marche, il Messia Rosso delle Marche, Monte Fiore, Sangiovese delle Marche, Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Monalcino, Rosato di Toscana, Braccale, Morellino di Scansano, Sassoalloro, Montepaone, Schidione, Dalila, Pinot Grigio del Trentino, Teroldego Rotaliano, Talento Brut, Ribolla Gialla, Rose', Muller-Thurgau, Il Fauno, Viognier di Sicilia, Grillo di Sicilia, Gerbino Rosato di Nerello Mascalese, Gerbino Rosato di Nero D'Avola and Gerbino Rosso di Sicilia. The wines were accompanied by specialty dishes prepared by the chefs of Valentino restaurant. "The 27th edition of the GALA ITALIA proved to be an event of the highest level," said Dr. Lucio Caputo, president of the Italian Wine and Food Institute and the one who oversaw the organization of the event. "The series of Galas are of notable prestige as they contribute greatly to the Made in Italy in the USA, reflecting their traditional and major commercial significance." The next edition of the GALA ITALIA will take place on February 21, 2013 in New York with a new and more spectacular format that will continue to support Made in Italy in the USA. This year's GALA ITALIA was jointly organized by the Italian Wine & Food Institute under the high patronage of the Italian Ambassador to Washington and received the sponsorship of ITALY (the company for the promotion abroad) and of the Ministry of Economic Development.

 

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"The Wonderful Summer Wines from Italy"

New York - June 28...The first edition of the tasting dedicated to summer wines, "The Wonderful Summer Wines from Italy", experienced great success. The event took place on Tuesday afternoon at the headquarters of the Italian Trade Commission in Manhattan.

The event exhibited white wines, Spumanti, Rose', Prosecco and Moscato, as it aimed to give greater result to Italian wines both to the press and the trade during a period when wines of this type are experiencing a revival in the American market.

At the event, which was created by the Italian Wine & Food Institute and jointly organized by the Italian Wine & Food Institute and the Italian Trade Commission, were some of the most prestigious Italian wineries: from Antinori to Zonin, from Folonari to Martellozzo, from Principi di Butera to Sella e Mosca, from Cavit to Planeta, from Castello del Poggio to Feudi di San Gregorio, from Rocca delle Macie to Lunetta, from Teruzzi & Puthod to Domodimonti, from Castello di Gabbiano to P. & G. Cavalleri to name a few. These wineries presented a extensive range of white wines, Spumanti, Rose', Prosecco and Moscato, all of which are most in demand in the summer season.

Completing the success of the event was the participation of some of the most prestigious Italian restaurants in New York, including Le Cirque of Sirio Maccioni, Serafina of Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, and SD26 of Tony May. They presented a wide selection of plates specially prepared for the summer season during this event. Other agencies that participated were Ferrero, which presented a wide range of its successful products, Pondini Imports and its rare Italian cheeses, Manuel Coffee and the prosciutto of Corsorzio del Prosciutto di Parma.

Also present was Smeraldina, the exclusive water sponsor of the event, presenting its natural mineral water and sparkling water, both of which have had great success in the American market.

Over 400 opinion leaders, wine editors and trade representatives participated in "The Wonderful Summer Wines from Italy" (the event was strictly invite only). The event lasted for more than five hours and took place on the ground floor and first floor of the Italian Trade Commission headquarters.

Guests were able to taste over fifty wines presented by various wineries and a wide array of specialty foods that paired with the wines.

The Guest of Honor at the event was the Consul General, Minister Natalia Quintavalle, who was accompanied by Vice Consul Dino Sorrentino, and who was welcomed by the Italian Trade Commissioner, Aniello Musella, and the President of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, Dr. Lucio Caputo.

Minister Quintavalle was entertained at length by representatives of the exhibiting companies, receiving many flattering comments on the initiative: the successful format was proven to be both elegant and extremely useful for the promotion of Italian wines.

The comments of the wine editors, who included the most important journalists of the sector, and of the trade were also very positive as they gave much appreciation for the chosen format of the event.

 

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Italian Wine Dominates the US Market

New York, 25 August -- The magical moment of Italian wine in the United States shows no sign of stopping as it continues into the first five months of the year, as just announced by the president of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, Lucio Caputo. Records indicate that Italian wine exports to the U.S. experienced an increase of over 23% in quantity and of 22.6% in value.

Italian exports rose from 871,910 hectoliters for a value of $422,738,000 in the first five months of 2010 to 1,072,970 hectoliters for a value of $518,631,000 in the corresponding period of 2011.

The records show, said Caputo, that Italy has ultimately consolidated its position in the U.S. market, distancing itself further from other prominent countries, such as Australia. Although existing as the second largest exporter to the United States, Australia recorded a considerable reduction of 21.5% in quantity and of 17.3% in value so far this year, further amplifying the gap that divides the two countries.

The market quota of Italian wine imports climbed to 31.3% in quantity and 35.3% in value while that of Australian wine imports fell to 20% in quantity and to 12.8% in value.

During the first five months of 2011, U.S. wine imports totaled 3,420,030 hectoliters for a value of $1,468,668,000, an important increase from the 3,324,820 hectoliters for a value of $1,319,899,000 recorded in the corresponding period of last year. Therefore, the records show a respective increase of 2.9% and of 11.2%.

Australian imports equated to 684,690 hectoliters for a value of $189,342,000, lower in comparison to the 872,130 hectoliters for a value of $229,112,000 of the corresponding period last year. Imports from Argentina amounted to 382,060 hectoliters for a value of $111,784,000 versus the 318,980 hectoliters for a value of $93,746,000 during the first five months of 2010. These records signify an increase of 19.8% in quantity and of 15.5% in value for Argentinian wine imports.

According to the note of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, the imports from Chile reached 356,020 hectoliters for a value of $98,235,000 during the first five months of 2011. Last year's corresponding period recorded 456,350 hectoliters for a value of $91,292,000. This reveals a deduction of 22% in quantity and an increase in 7.6% in value.

The imports from France rose from 296,300 hectoliters to 308,500 hectoliters during the first five months of this year, and its value increased from $230,170,000 to $268,336,000 in value. Therefore, France has experienced an increase of 4.1% in quantity and of 16.5% in value, confirming the steady increase of prices of French wine.

Imports from Spain, the sixth largest supplier to the U.S. market, also augmented during this same period. Imports from Spain amounted to 238,660 hectoliters for a value of $87,389,000, significantly higher than the 139,600 hectoliters for a value of $69,932,000 imported during the five months in 2010. These results indicate an increase of 71% in quantity and of 24.9% in value.

Italy is also experiencing success in the sector of sparkling wine, holding the record of exports with 90,090 hectoliters for a value of $53,456,000. During the first five months of 2011, Italian exports of sparkling wine increased 44.8% in quantity and 45.5% in value, with a market quota of 42.2%.

The Note of the Italian Wine & Food Insitute on the U.S. Market

 

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The "Khail Award" to Lucio Caputo



(L.. to R.) Ezio Rivella, Lucio Caputo, Antonella Khail (daughter of Dr. Khail) and Alessandro Torcoli.

 

New York, 9th September -- Lucio Caputo, President of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, received the KHAIL AWARD at VINO VIP in recognition of his significant promotion and enhancement of Italian wine throughout the world.

 

The award, a bronze sculpture by artist Arnaldo Riva, is established in memory of the renowned journalist, Pino Khail.

The award ceremony took place during the gala dinner at VINO VIP. This prestigious event, held every two years in Cortina, involves the participation of the principle Italian wine producers, VIP and local authorities.



(L.. to R.) Ezio Rivella and Lucio Caputo.

 

During his acceptance speech, Caputo expressed his gratitude for the distinguished recognition and remembered his friend, Pino Khail, to whose memory he dedicated the award. Caputo also thanked Alessandro Torcoli, director of the well-known and esteemed magazine, Civiltà del Bere, and the creator of the Khail award; and Ezio Rivella, president of the Brunello di Montalcino consortium, who had presented the award.

The celebration was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Miramonti Majestic. Guests were served a dinner of impressive gastronomy accompanied by fine wines.These wines were provided by thirty of the most important Italian wine producers attending the event.

VINO VIP also awarded the Ristorante Da Vittorio for l'insostituibile sodalizio fra il grande vino e l'arte culinaria (irreplaceable association among fine wine and culinary art) and Alessandro Cogliati, the promising chef of the Duescale in Luino (Varese, Italy).

The Note of the Italian Wine & Food Institute

 

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2011 Report of Italian Wine & Food Institute

ITALIAN WINE CONSOLIDATES ITS SUCCESS IN THE USA

New York, March 12 -- The success of Italian wine continues in the United states, according to an announcement by the president of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, Lucio Caputo. In 2011, Italian wine had consolidated its leading position in the U.S. market with an increase of 13% in quantity and of 16% in value.

Italian exports rose from 2,221,740 hectoliters for a value of $1,076,433,000 in 2010 to 2,508,790 hectoliters for a value of $1,248,491,000 in 2011.

According to Caputo, Italy has further succeeded at distancing itself from its main competing countries, especially Australia, the second largest exporter to the USA. Australia experienced a considerable reduction of 13.6% in quantity and of 9.4% in value in 2011, further amplifying the gap that divides the two countries.

The market quota of Italian wine imports climbed to 28.4% in quantity and 34.3% in value (respectively 26.8% and 32.8% in 2010) while Australian wine imports fell to 19.6% in quantity and 13% in value.

Overall, U.S. imports in 2011 totaled 8,842,300 hectoliters for a value of $3,635,878,000, an important increase from the 8,277,150 hectoliters for a value of $3,280,708,000 reported in 2010, thus showing a respective rise of 6.8% and of 10.8%.

Australian imports equated to 1,733,620 hectoliters for a value of $472,664,000 in 2011, lower in comparison to the 2,006,301 hectoliters for a value of $521,769,000 reported in 2010. Imports from Argentina amounted to 1,207,290 hectoliters for a value of $280,831,000 in 2011, versus the 811,760 hectoliters for a value of $230,888,000 in 2010, thus registering an increase of 48.7% in quantity and of 21.6% in value. Argentina now surpasses both Chile and France as it becomes the third largest supplier to the USA.

The note of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, which derives its data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, reveals that in 2011 Chilean imports reached 1,143,590 hectoliters for a value of $267,082,000 in 2011, while importing 1,182,150 hectoliters for a value of $248,162,000 in 2010. These results indicate a decrease of 3.3% in quantity and an increase of 8% in value.

Imports from France, the fifth largest supplier to the U.S. market, rose from 712,540 hectoliters in 2010 to 753,490 hectoliters in 2011, and its value increased from $559,287,000 to $687,602,000 respectively. Therefore, France experienced an increase of 5.7% in quantity and 23% in value, confirming the constant increase in prices of French wine.

Imports from Spain, the sixth largest supplier of the U.S. market, also augmented during this same period. Spanish wine imports reported 531,850 hectoliters for a value of $190,917,000 in 2011, versus the 350,320 hectoliters for a value of $167,367,000 in 2010, marking an increase of 51.8% in quantity and of 14% in value.

It should be emphasized that, according to the note of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, Italy now exports three times more than France in quantity, almost three times more than Australia in value and as many as six times more than Spain in value. Among the top four suppliers to the USA (Italy, Australia, Argentina and Chile), Italy is the country that exports the lowest amount of bulk wine, exporting less than half the quantity exported by each of the other competing countries in 2011. Together the top five exporting countries to the USA hold a market quota of imported wines of 83.1% in quantity and 81.3% in value, ultimately monopolizing the market.

Another positive trend for Italy in the U.S. market can be found within the sparkling wine sector. Maintaining its position as the leading exporter of sparkling wine, Italy exported 288,510 hectoliters for a value of $176,746,000 in 2011. The results therefore show an increase of 36.4% in quantity and in value.

The excellent trend of Italian wine exports, said Caputo, was one of the elements of the great success of the GALA ITALIA, whose 27th edition recently took place in New York and Los Angeles. The GALA ITALIA highlighted the magic moment that Italian wine currently enjoys in the U.S. market.

Complete data on the market trend, including respective charts and graphics, are published in the March 2012 issue of NOTIZIARIO of the Italian Wine & Food Institute. To subscribe to NOTIZIARIO, please visit this link: http://www.italianwineandfoodinstitute.com/notiziario.html

 

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A Magical Moment for Italian Wine

New York, June 1, 2011– Italian wine continues to enjoy its magical, record-breaking moment in its exports to the United States – as just announced by the Italian Wine and Food Institute.

In the first trimester of the year, Italy experienced an increase of 28.7% in quantity and 27.1% in value. These results exemplify how Italy continues and consolidates its position in the American market and how it is distancing itself further from Australia, the second largest exporter to the U.S. In fact, Australia reported a decrease of 8.7% in value this year, thus broadening the gap that divides the two countries.

On the whole, Italy rose from 474,230 hectoliters for a value of $233,980,000 of the first trimester of 2010, to 610,570 hectoliters for a value of $297,455,000 during the first trimester of 2011.

The dates of the first three months of the year, said the note of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, confirm and improve the already positive results of the first two months of 2011.

A major contribution to that success was given by the notable increase of bulk wine exports – mainly Pinot Grigio exported to California – which rose from 11,270 hectoliters to 51,650 hectoliters during this ongoing year. The value rose from $2,264,000 to $8,263,000. There was an increase of 358.4% in quantity and of 265.1% in value.

The market quota for imported wine from Italy went from 31.4% in quantity and from 25.1% in value during the first trimester of 2010, to 29.3% and to 35.5% during the first trimester of 2011. On the contrary, those of Australia diminished from 27.8% to 22.7% in quantity and from 17.8% to 14.4% in value.

In the first trimester of 2011, total imports to the United States rose from 1,895,500 hectoliters to 2,083,030 hectoliters. The value also increased from $743,669,000 to $837,741,000 this ongoing year. Therefore, there has been an increase respectively of 9.9% and of 12.6%.

The imports from Australia equaled to 473,970 hectoliters, for a value of $121,166,000. This shows a decrease from the 527,910 hectoliters of the corresponding period from last year, which was valued at $132,712,000. Those from Argentina ammounted to 258,430 hectoliters, for a value of $67,977,000. This is an improvement from the first trimester of last year, when imports from Argentina ammounted to 194,900 hectoliters, for a value of $53,161,000. Thus there has been an increase of 32.6% in quantity and of 27.9% in value.

Also in the first trimester of the year, according to the note of the Italian Wine & Food Institute, the imports from Chile decreased from 263,640 hectoliters to 245,590 hectoliters and rose from $51,686,000 to $61,937,000 in value. These results reveal a decline of 6.8% in quantity and an increase of 19.8% in value.

The imports from France slightly rose from 150,700 hectoliters to 150,920 hectoliters this trimester, and its value increased from $126,115 to $131,173,000. Therefore, France has experienced an increase of 0.1% in quantity and of 4.1% in value.

Imports from Spain, the sixth largest supplier to the U.S. market, experienced a dramatic increase during the first trimester of the year. Imports from Spain ammounted to 131,880 hectoliters versus the 76,220 hectoliters from the corresponding period last year. In addition, the value rose from $38,742,000 to $49,443,000. These results reveal a 73% increase in quantity and 27.6% increase in value.

 

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ITALIAN SPARKLING WINE ESCALATES IN THE U.S.A.

New York, June 1 - The remarkable success of Italian wines in the U.S. market extended also to its sparkling wines. As made known today by the Italian Wine & Food Institute, there was a consistent demand for Italian sparkling wines in the first trimester of 2011.

On the whole, Italy’s exports increased from 32,620 hectoliters for a value of $19,997,000 in the first trimester of 2010, to 50,180 hectoliters for a value of $29,750,000 this year so far. Italy increased 53.8% in quantity and 48.9% in value. The results emphasize how Italy consolidates its leadership position for quantity in the U.S. market.

France’s exports rose from 29,660 hectoliters in 2010 to 34,530 hectoliters this first trimester, with a 16.4% increase in quantity. The value also rose from $60,285,000 to $82,558,000 in 2011, with an increase of 36.9%. France consolidates its leadership position for value in the U.S. market.

It should be noted that Italian exports mainly consist of Spumante and Prosecco, while French exports mainly consist of Champagne. This explains the average price difference per liter: $23.9 versus $5.9.

In total, the U.S. imports of sparkling wine rose from 84,940 hectoliters to 120,420 hectoliters in the first trimester of 2011. In addition, the total value increased from $90,623,000 to $128,801,000. Therefore, the results reveal an increase of 41.8% in quantity and 42.1% in value.

IMPORTS OF SPARKLING WINE IN THE U.S.A.
January-March 2010/2011

 

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The 26th edition of the event took place on February 10th

A Great Success for Gala Italia 2011







 

New York February 18 — This year's GALA ITALIA was an even bigger success than anticipated. This 26th edition of the event took place on February 10th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Manhattan under the high patronage of the Italian Ambassador to Washington, Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata, Producers, importers, and journalists from up and down the Atlantic Coast of the United States crowded into the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis in record numbers to participate in this most prestigious celebration of "Made in Italy" which brings together the finest in Italian fashion, wine, gastronomy, music, art, and design.

The host of honor of the GALA ITALY was the person who flown to New York by Alitalia for the express purpose of presenting the GALA ITALIA.

She entertained the audience with song and dance before introducing Christina Fontanelli, who has sung at the White House for the President. Ms. Fontanelli performed "Libian, Libiam in Lieti Calici" from Verdi's La Traviata, "With You I'll leave" the famous song by Andrea Boccelli, and finished with her rendition of "New York, New York" by the great Frank Sinatra in honor of the event.

Jo Squillo then introduced the spring - summer collection of the house of high fashion, Eredi Pisanò of Rome. Twelve models gathered at the center of the ballroom in order to display an exquisite collection that evoked much admiration. The musicians of the CJM trio of Luca Garacci accompanied them.

GALA ITALIANI - THE GALA ITALIA

The GALA ITALY opened with the Great Wine & Food Tasting that included of the best Italian wines, including: Antinori, Astoria, Biondi Santi / Castello di Montepò, Biondi Santi / Il Greppo, Bellenda, Bellussi, Bertani, Bottega Vinaia, Cantina del Vermentino, S. Osvaldo Winery, Valpolicella Winery Casale Falchini, Albola Castle, Fonterutoli Castle, Querceto Castle, Cavit, Citra, Col di Luna, Danae, Domodimonti, Duke of Salaparuta, Due Palme, Fabiano, Montecchio Farm, Feudi Orange, Feudi di San Gregorio, Feudi Principi di Butera, Furlan, Garlider, Gulfi, Lunetta, Livia Fontana, Marco Maci, Mandra Rossa, Piera Martellozzo, Pasqua, Planeta, Poliziano, Rocca delle Macie, Rocca dei Sanniti, Ruffino, Sella & Moscow, Tenute Sella, Scrimaglio, Toso-Tufidi, Vini Biondi and Zonin.Alitalia introduced their first class airline, which incited much interest.

Those present tasted more than 200 wines of 50 wine producers hailing from Italy's most distinguished wine-producing regions. More than 1,500 bottles were opened for more than 2,000 journalists and VIPs (in excess of 1,100 importers, wholesalers, and retailers from the US, along with 480 restaurateurs and 420 journalists and TV. Representatives).

During the Wine & Food Tasting the wine producers received special certificates that identified their best wine selected by an American jury of experts.

The prestigious Italian restaurants who participated included: Barbetta, Barolo, Da Silvano, Epoca, Giano, American Restaurant / Bar Taste, Il Riccio, I Tre Merli, La Masseria, Butcher's Shop, Osteria del Circo, Perbacco, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, Salumeria Rosi, Serafina and SD26.

The vital contingent of producers and importers of food and drink also participating in the event included: Rochetta / Olive grove (Water Sponsor of the Gala), Ferrero, Monini, Illy Caffe, I Love Made in Italy, Latteria Soresina, Marquis de Luca, Rice Scotti, Mutti, Ciro, Conca d'Oro, Forever Cheese, Poggetto di Mezzo, The Food Solution, Sullivan Street Bakery, Tom Cat Bakery. These companies' products demonstrated the importance of coupling wines with genuine Italian food products.

The four Vespa models presented by Piaggio in various colors and styles represent the great success of Italian design in America. Also, two beautiful mast bicycles and a model of the AW 139 Agusta helicopter Westland further developed the showcase of Italian design and technology in the Inted States.

An art exhibit titled "Dynamic Cities", a series of innovative works by the artists Lisa Borgiani and Massimo Nidini, which arrived in New York with the patronage of the Italian Institute of Culture world. "Angels Dancing" by the artist Francesco Padovani, who came to New York from Switzerland for the GALA ITALY.

Of course, the GALA ITALY continued the tradition and raffled off great prizes like the Vespa S 50 4V, by Piaggio, and a stay in Italy provided by the ENIT office of New York. The lucky winner of the Vespa was Mr. Ceferino Obecemea of ​​Aquino Italian Wine Imports.

The GALA ITALY distributed more than 4,000 copies of the color catalog to guests, participants and representatives.

Shortly after the conclusion of the New York event, the Los Angeles Wine Gala, on February 15th, will extend this promotion of "Made in Italy" to the markets of California and the West Coast. The Los Angeles Wine Gala will be held at the famous restaurant of Piero Selvaggio, Valentino, and will be preceded by an exclusive luncheon for the exhibitors and the local wine press to introduce the distinguished wines.

"The 26th edition of the GALA ITALIA has succeeded as an event of the greatest importance at the highest level," emphasized Lucio Caputo, president of the Italian Wine & Food Institute.

"The GALA ITALIA, which landed close to WINE 2011 completes the action in favor of Italian Wines," added the Italian Trade Commissioner, Aniello Musella, "strengthening the presence of Italy in all of the American markets." These initiatives, supported by the Ministry of Economic Development serve to increase Italian wine awareness in the great American market.

The next edition of the GALA ITALY will take place in March of 2012 in New York with a new and more spectacular line-up that will continue to support "Made in Italy" in the USA. The GALA ITALIA will be jointly organized by the Italian Wine and Food Institute and the Italian Trade Commission under the high patronage of the Italian Ambassador to Washington with the sponsorship of the Ministry of Economic Development.

Exhibitors

Wineries
Italian wines, wines, and wines. Italian wines, wines, and wines. Italian wines, wines, and wines. Italian wines, such as Antinori , Astoria , Bellussi , Bellenda , Bertani , Biondi Santi / Castello di Montepò , Biondi Santi / Tenuta il Greppo , Bottega Vinaia , Cantina del Vermentino , Cantina S. Osvaldo , Cantina Valpolicella , Casale Falchini , Castello di Albola, Castle of Fonterutoli , Castle of Querceto , Cavit , Citra , Col di Luna , Danae, Domodimonti , Duke of Salaparuta , Two Palms , Fabiano , Fattoria di Montecchio , Feudi di San Gregorio , Feudi Principi di Butera , Furlan , Garlider , Gulfi , Lunette, Livia Fontana , Marco Maci , MandraRossa , Piera Martellozzo , Pasqua , Planeta , Poliziano , Rocca dei Sanniti Viticoltori , Rocca delle Macie , Ruffino , Scrimaglio , Sella & Mosca , Stemmari - Arancio Estate , Tenute Sella , Toso Tufidi, Vini Biondi , Zonin (incomplete list)

Food Producers
A large array of Italian gourmet specialties will be presented by prestigious food companies, with Rocchetta as the water sponsor: Poggetto di Mezzo Farm , Ciro, Conca D'Oro, Ferrero USA , Forever Cheese , Illy Caffe ' , I Love Made in Italy , Latteria Soresina , Mitica, Monini North America , Mutti, Riso Scotti, Sullivan Street Bakery , and Tom Cat Bakery .

Restaurants
Also, top restaurants such as: Barbetta , Barolo , Epoch , Da Silvano , Giano , American Restaurant and Bar Taste , Il Riccio , I Tre Merli , La Masseria , Butchery , Osteria del Circo , Perbacco , Quattro Gastronomia Italiana , Salumeria Rosi , Serafina , SD26 and others will exhibit their specialties to complement the outstanding selection of Italian wines.

Sponsors
The sponsors of Gala Italia 2011: Alitalia , AgustaWestland , Bradford Portraits , Ferrero , Italian Government Tourist Board , Luceplan , MSC - Mediterranean Shipping Company , Omnia Industries , Piaggio , Rocchetta / Uliveto and United Colors of Benetton.

Prizes
A Vespa scooter as well as a week's stay in the 5-star hotel, Risorgimento Resort De Luxe in Lecce, Italy, in cooperation with Piaggio and the Italian Government Tourist Board of New York, will be raffled off among all the guests who will register for the Gala Italia.

 

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IWFI Internship

The Institute has an opening for an intern in its New York City offices. The position involves public relations and promotional activities on behalf of Italian wine and foods.

Duties include letter and press release writing and extensive media contact for events staged by the Institute, a communications organization specializing in public relations, promotion and special events on behalf of international companies and organizations.

Duration: 16 to 18 months. Estimated hours: 35 a week. Computer skills: Macintosh. Languages: Fluency in spoken and written English and Italian. Experience: Previous office work. Education: University level.

 

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