The recognition of Italian cuisine as an intangible heritage of UNESCO is not only a news that makes us proud, more than we already are, but represents a passage of extraordinary historical, cultural and political value, destined to deeply affect one of our fundamental economic assets: the agro-food chain.
The announced economic relapses are of great impact. Tourism, export and employment levels are called to grow significantly. Just think that this recognition could bring up to 18 million more tourists in two years in our country, as Minister Lollobrigida explained in the interview with our newspaper. A fact that clearly returns the scope of an important phenomenon.
By placing the gaze overseas, it appears equally evident as the Made in Italy agro-food esca further strengthened. The international markets, in particular the US, represent a strategic lever to consolidate the presence of our authentic products. In this scenario, international fairs such as the Summer Fancy Food in New York take an increasingly central role: real hubs in which the Italian supply chain can dialogue with buyers, distributors and global operators, building solid and lasting relationships.
Today, Italian cuisine represents 19% of the global catering market, an impressive figure. In light of the context we have framed, it is a result destined to grow further with the support of the institutions and with a coordinated action of the Italian System abroad. Because UNESCO recognition is an opportunity to ride and drive, so that the industry is increasingly consolidated.
There is another aspect that this recognition contributes to strengthening: the protection of authenticity. The phenomenon of Italian sounding continues to subtract value to our enterprises and deceive consumers.
The message that comes from Minister Lollobrigida is clear: the challenge of sustainability and food safety must be addressed by investing in advanced technologies, such as precision agriculture, without distorting the disciplinary that make our products unique. It is this virtuous synthesis that allows Made in Italy to remain competitive, keeping intact its cultural value, loved all over the world.
Moreover, we Italians are the guardians of a cultural heritage to be spread abroad. It is a message that we must always keep in mind: we are ambassadors of our culture and our way of being. Reputation is also measured on this. When we leave the national borders we must know how to preserve identity. With regard to our peculiarities, we must invest in training and generational spare parts. We must be able to transfer our know-how to the world. Italian cuisine is the story of a country that can combine taste and beauty. It is up to us to show that we are always up to it.
Italian cuisine tells our cultural heritage and the creative soul of Italians, which is expressed in the different regional territories. Not by chance, when we visit a place in Italy, the question we ask most often is: what are the specialties of this place? In the end, it is precisely this curiosity to enclose, symbolically, the most authentic value of our culture.
L’articolo Identity and global value proviene da IlNewyorkese.
