BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. The Italian Trade
Agency (ITA/ICE) has announced the launch of a six-month program in
Azerbaijan dedicated to promoting authentic Italian food and
beverage products, Trend’s correspondent reports from the event.
The initiative, which will run in Baku from July to December
this year, will include a series of educational, promotional, and
business-oriented events showcasing the high quality, authenticity,
and rich cultural heritage behind "Made in Italy" products.
The program reflects the Italian Trade Agency’s mission not only
to support exports of Italian products but also to introduce the
true essence of the Made in Italy concept to Azerbaijani consumers.
Along with product promotion, the initiative aims to raise
awareness of key values that distinguish authentic Italian
products, including quality, traceability of origin, sustainable
production practices, and authenticity.
As part of the project, importers, distributors, retail chains,
HoReCa sector representatives, chefs, journalists, food bloggers,
students, and consumers will come together to contribute to the
development of economic cooperation between Italy and Azerbaijan
and further strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet experts invited from
Italy, attend educational seminars and master classes, learn about
traditional production methods, and gain deeper insight into
authentic Italian products, their nutritional value, and cultural
significance.
Moreover, it was noted that Italy has been one of Azerbaijan’s
key trading partners for many years. Although the energy sector
accounts for a significant share of bilateral trade, imports of
Italian food and beverage products to Azerbaijan have demonstrated
steady growth in recent years. This trend reflects growing consumer
interest in high-quality and premium products.
Increasing interest in healthy eating, greater consumer
attention to product quality, and the dynamic development of the
HoReCa sector have further strengthened demand for authentic
Italian products in Azerbaijan. Italian wine, pasta, cheese, olive
oil, and other traditional products have become symbols of quality,
safety, and rich culinary traditions.
Amid the growing global popularity of Italian cuisine, enabling
consumers to distinguish genuine Made in Italy products from
imitations has become increasingly important. Providing reliable
information and helping consumers make informed choices are among
the key objectives of the initiative.
Italian cuisine is not simply a collection of recipes. It
represents centuries of history, craftsmanship, biodiversity,
regional traditions, and a culture of sharing meals.
This cultural heritage recently received international
recognition with Italian cuisine being included on UNESCO’s
Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The decision confirmed not only
Italy’s rich gastronomic traditions but also the social and
cultural significance of its culinary heritage. Choosing authentic
Italian products means showing respect for quality, sustainability,
traditions, and values passed down from generation to
generation.
