The 9th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, promoted by the Italian Embassy in Ukraine, opened in Kiev with a tasting event dedicated to HoReCa professionals (hotels, restaurants, and bars) and representatives of the large-scale retail trade.
The initiative celebrated the quality and versatility of Italian products, highlighting the Mediterranean Diet as a symbol of excellence, health and sustainability. "This event is not just a culinary celebration, but a tribute to those Italian entrepreneurs who, with courage and determination, have chosen to be present, to invest and to believe in the strength of collaboration, even in difficult times. It is a gesture that goes beyond the economic value, becoming a concrete testimony of friendship and mutual support,' said Ambassador Formosa.
The Week will continue with a series of events modulated according to the different target groups.
Over the next few days, the Embassy will organise a two-day training masterclass aimed at war-affected and displaced catering professionals: led by Italian chefs Stefano Canosci and Veronica Massa, participants will explore culinary techniques, traditional recipes, and sustainability strategies as part of an opportunity that aims to symbolise the resilience and strength of the bond between Italy and Ukraine.
The Embassy will then promote the 'Crescere con Gusto' (Growing with Taste) event at a school, involving 100 children in interactive and educational workshops. The initiative will focus on the Mediterranean Diet as an ideal nutritional model, with special attention to sustainability and the seasonality of raw materials.
The Week will end with an event at the Education and Rehabilitation Centre No. 21, dedicated to orphaned and displaced children from conflict-affected cities such as Bakhmut, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Kramatorsk. The day will offer an experience of sharing and serenity, through culinary workshops and creative activities celebrating the principles of the Mediterranean Diet.
"We are not only celebrating food, but also the values of solidarity and sharing that Italian cuisine represents," said Ambassador Formosa.
All of the Week's initiatives are made possible thanks to the precious collaboration with numerous Italian and Ukrainian partners: the Apostolic Nunciature in Kiev, the Communitas Toscana Association, Agugiaro&Figna Molini, Coldiretti Arezzo, the Kairos Cooperative, the Meyer University Hospital, the Association of Culinary Workers of Ukraine, the HoReCa Angels social organisation, MHP, the Scientific Institute for Development in Kiev, also benefiting from the precious contribution of the violinist Marna Fumarola. Thanks to this network of collaborations, the Week's activities reflect Italy's commitment to promoting universal values through gastronomic culture, strengthening ties between the two countries.
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