Updates
THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION UNVEILS UPDATED REPORT ON THE U.S.-ITALY STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Press: press@aifcoalition.org
Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) unveiled its updated report on “The U.S.-Italy Strategic Partnership,” highlighting essential economic developments and reaffirming the ties between the U.S. and Italy. The report, originally authored in April of 2022, emphasizes the AIFC’s recent advocacy work on Capitol Hill and shares the latest updates on the progress toward implementing OECD’s Pillars One and Two.
AIFC’s co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement on the updated report:
“The newest version of “The U.S.-Italy Strategic Partnership” provides a renewed perspective into the U.S. and Italy’s cooperative partnership. The inclusion of updated data as well as new economic and trade developments make this publication an essential reference for those looking to further grasp the influencing factors on U.S.-Italy trade and the impacts of the partnership on both countries’ markets. The U.S.-Italy relationship has spanned 163 years and continues to bring substantial benefits to both nations, fostering growth, innovation, and mutual understanding across industries. This enduring alliance not only strengthens economic ties but also reinforces shared values, creating new opportunities for collaboration in a rapidly evolving global market.”
Some key takeaways from the updated report include:
In 2022, the United States and Italy’s two-way trade in goods and services exceeded a record $126 billion, with $72.94 billion imported from Italy.
As of 2022, Italy’s direct investment in the U.S. totaled $39.75 billion, while U.S. direct investment in Italy was $26.12 billion. Additionally, as of 2022, jobs tied to two-way direct investment in the U.S. totaled 440,000.
In a joint statement following Prime Minister Meloni and President Joe Biden’s visit in March of 2024, they announced a significant achievement: bilateral trade between the two countries had reached its highest levels ever.
To read the updated U.S.-Italy Strategic Partnership Report, please click here.
To read the AIFC’s 2024 report on environmental responsibility, please click here.
To read the AIFC’s 2023 report on positive nutrition please click here.
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The American-Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers. Co-chaired by former U.S. Representative Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, AIFC members are committed to ensuring robust trade relations between the U.S. and Italy, environmental stewardship, and promoting a balanced diet.
American Italian Food Coalition Celebrates the Work at the 50th Annual G7 Summit in Puglia, Italy
June 20, 2024
Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) lauds the work done by world leaders in Puglia, Italy, during the 50th G7 Summit from June 13-15, 2024. The AIFC is especially pleased by to see the G7 leaders join Italy in launching the Puglia Food Security Initiative to address structural barriers to food security and build more resilient, sustainable, and productive agriculture and food systems. AIFC co-Chairs the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti applauded the gathering stating,
“We congratulate the work done at this year’s G7 summit in beautiful Apulia, Italy. In particular, we are encouraged by the creation of the Apulia Food Security Initiative, which serves as a reminder that by forging meaningful partnerships, we can address the most pressing global challenges and reaffirm our shared values to chart a prosperous future.”
The AIFC encourages the U.S., Italy, and other G7 nations to continue building on the important work held at this conference to address global challenges and reaffirm shared goals.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
American Italian Food Coalition Anticipates the Beginning of 50th Annual G7 Summit in Puglia, Italy
June 13, 2024
Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On occasion of the 50th Annual G7 Summit to be held in Puglia, Italy, from June 13-15, 2024, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) co-chairs the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement:
“We are pleased this year’s G7 summit will be held in beautiful Puglia, Italy. As stakeholders convene, we are reminded of the collective power and responsibility the G7 holds as leaders of the world’s most advanced economies. The AIFC recognizes the importance of strengthening global partnerships to promote environmental responsibility and affirm the strong trade ties that ensure consumers have access to high-quality, affordable products worldwide.”
The AIFC encourages the U.S., Italy, and other G7 nations to continue building on the important work held at this conference to address global challenges and reaffirm shared goals.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 520 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
American Italian Food Coalition Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
Press: press@aifcoalition.org
Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released the third installment in its white paper series with the “AIFC 2024 Sustainability Report,” which further solidifies the Coalition’s role as a leading voice in the Italian-American food community and underscores the importance of dialogue to drive sustainable, positive change to ensure the accessibility of Italian-produced foods.
AIFC Co-Chairs the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement on the report:
“This publication serves as a valuable resource for stakeholders across the industry, stimulating meaningful discourse and inspiring actionable solutions in sustainable agriculture systems worldwide. Through a combination of traditional wisdom and cutting-edge technologies, Italy’s agricultural sector continues to evolve towards a more sustainable and efficient future, setting an example for the global food industry.”
Some key takeaways from the report include:
Italy has a long-standing tradition of organic, sustainable agriculture, and Italian culture prides itself on fresh, natural, high-quality food and ingredients.
The increased demand for sustainable products from consumers means an increased need for sustainable agriculture. Partnering with farmers to invest in sustainable agriculture will help keep pace with this increased demand and will support a more secure and sustainable global food supply.
With Italy’s history and leadership in sustainability there are opportunities for countries, like the U.S., to learn from Italy’s sustainability efforts. There are important voluntary certifications, recycling and composting programs, and sustainable agricultural practices that the U.S. could adopt as they advance their sustainability goals.
As demand for traditional Italian products grows, so does the importance of the strong trade relationship between Italy and the U.S. that allows families and cultures to remain connected across the Atlantic – sustainable production and innovation in agriculture is critical to this mission.
The AIFC supports bilateral collaboration between Italy and the U.S. to improve sustainable agriculture processes and lead the way in global environmental sustainability.
To read the AIFC’s 2024 report on environmental responsibility, please click here.
To read the AIFC’s 2023 report on positive nutrition, please click here.
To read the AIFC’s 2022 report on the U.S.-Italy strategic partnership, please click here.
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The American-Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers. Co-chaired by former U.S. Representative Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, AIFC members are committed to ensuring robust trade relations between the U.S. and Italy, environmental stewardship, and promoting a balanced diet.
AIFC Statement Regarding U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s Testimony at 2024 Trade Agenda Hearings
April 19, 2024
Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) Co-Chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti issued a statement regarding United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s testimony before Congress this week on the Biden Administration’s 2024 Trade Policy Agenda:
“In June 2021, the United States and the European Union agreed to establish a Large Civil Aircraft Working Group, aimed at addressing the Boeing-Airbus dispute. As part of the agreement, both parties also appropriately suspended – for five years – harmful tariffs on products that contribute to the cultural fabric of the United States, including products from Italy, which is not an Airbus consortium country.
The AIFC commends Ambassador Tai for her continued commitment to working with our European partners to promote supply chain resilience through trade. We encourage the U.S. and EU to continue working to reach a permanent solution to this dispute that reaffirms the strong ties between the United States and Europe.”
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
The Embassy of Italy, American Italian Food Coalition, and the Italian Cultural Society of Washington DC Hold Annual Easter Egg Hunt to Benefit Local Charity
The annual event raised money in support of children’s health and advancements in medical research.
April 9, 2024
Press: Embassy of Italy [marco.landolfi@esteri.it] ; ICS [e.cirotti@italianculturalsociety.org] ; AIFC [press@aifcoalition.org]
Washington, D.C. - On Sunday, April 7th, the Embassy of Italy in the US, in collaboration with the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) and The Italian Cultural Society (ICS), held an Easter egg hunt to benefit the Center for the Advancement of Innovative Health Practices. This marks the third consecutive year of the event.
Hosted by Italian Ambassador to the U.S. Mariangela Zappia at her residence, Villa Firenze, the event was attended by nearly 300 people, including more than 160 children and their parents. This year’s egg hunt raised nearly $30,000 in donations to the Center for the Advancement of Innovative Health Practices, bringing the total amount raised for the organization over three years to $70,000.
Ambassador Zappia highlighted the $70,000 the Embassy’s egg hunt has raised over three years to contribute to the improvement of medical prevention services for children and families, with additional positive impact on the quality of primary education.
AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti offered brief remarks, stating, “We are grateful to everyone for attending today’s egg hunt in support of children’s health advancements in medical research. The AIFC is proud to ensure high-quality Italian products – like those we are enjoying today – remain available and affordable for American consumers.”
Sara Forden, journalist and board member of the Italian Cultural Society, also spoke.
The event was sponsored in part by AIFC member Ferrero, which provided chocolate treats and Kinder Joy of Moving activities. Special guests included Dr. Christina Bethell and Mr. Mark Wietecha, Managing Director of Manatt Health Strategies at Mannatt, Phelps, & Phillips, LLP.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 530 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
The mission of the Italian Cultural Society is to promote Italian language and culture by creating opportunities to explore the many facets of Italian culture. The ICS Italian Language Program was founded in 1974 with contributions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the purpose to include Italian language in American schools and to teach Italian in the Unites States. The ICS organizes cultural events and provides Scholarship Awards.
American Italian Food Coalition Statement on 2024 Trade Policy Agenda
March 14, 2024
Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) commends the United States Trade Representative (USTR) for the release of the 2024 President’s Trade Policy Agenda and 2023 Annual Report.
We are pleased to see inclusion of the Boeing-Airbus dispute in the President’s trade considerations. In June 2021, the United States and the European Union agreed to establish a Large Civil Aircraft Working Group, aimed at addressing the Boeing-Airbus dispute. As part of the agreement, both parties also appropriately suspended – for five years – harmful tariffs on products that contribute to the cultural fabric of the United States, including products from Italy, which is not an Airbus consortium country. However, nearly half way through this five year deal, a comprehensive status update has not been provided by either party.
The AIFC encourages the U.S. and the EU to continue building on this work to reach a permanent solution, and calls on USTR to expeditiously resolve this dispute to avoid disruptions in trade and reaffirm the strong ties between the U.S. and Europe.
The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
The American Italian Food Coalition Welcomes Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Second Visit to the White House
March 1, 2024
Contact: press@aifcoalition.org
On the occasion of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's second visit to the White House, American Italian Food Coalition co-chairs Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement:
"On behalf of the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC), we welcome Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s second visit to the White House. This visit reaffirms the strong relationship between the United States and Italy through shared strategic interests to address global challenges.
“The United States’ relationship with Italy is a long-standing partnership dating back centuries and has grown stronger with time due to shared democratic goals and cultural interests. The U.S. and Italy trade more than $100 billion annually in goods and services. Food products are among the highest exports from Italy to the U.S., and AIFC members remain committed to ensuring Americans have access to the uniquely Italian foods they have grown to love.
“These may be difficult and challenging times, but our nations have faced those before. With Italy’s presidency of the G7, we see this time as an opportunity for even greater collaboration, and look forward to continuing to strengthen this special relationship that has greatly benefited both countries for so many years.”
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
Ambassador of Italy Mariangela Zappia Joins At the Table with Susan and Lucy
Contact: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released an At the Table with Susan and Lucy as part of the Coalition’s ongoing interview series hosted by AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti. Susan and Lucy were honored to interview the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia.
In her At the Table interview, Ambassador Zappia discussed the strong relationship between Italy and the U.S., the value of a balanced diet through the Mediterranean Diet model, Italian food fueling astronauts, the importance of sustainable food systems to preserve resources, and Italian food as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage candidate.
Ambassador Zappia emphasized the strong political and economic relationship between Italy and the United States to overcome geopolitical challenges:
“This is an extraordinary relationship that I want to underline… it is so strong that it always is there. This relationship is the backbone of the transatlantic partnership… We are living through challenging times, and the partnership is essential to the well-being of people… our principles and values are shared. The international community is in disorder, making the importance of allies even greater.”
Additionally, Ambassador Zappia highlighted the importance of the Mediterranean Diet model to Italian culture:
“The Mediterranean diet is important [to Italians]. It is natural for us to eat in this way… a healthy, balanced diet. We don’t exclude any food that is ‘bad’… it’s all about balance, tradition, community, and how you eat. How you eat includes everything, without criminalizing or labeling any food.”
To watch the full interview, please visit www.aifcoalition.org/atthetable.
Stay connected with the AIFC by following us on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn at @AIFCoalition.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
At the Table with Susan and Lucy is a web series hosted by the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, featuring discussions with prominent guests about Italian food, heritage, and politics.
THE EMBASSY OF ITALY IN WASHINGTON AND THE AIFC HOLD EVENT ON INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABLE SWINE MEAT AND OLIVE OIL
Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org
Washington, D.C. – This week, the Embassy of Italy in Washington, together with the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC), hosted a workshop to promote innovation and technology in sustainable swine meat and olive oil production. The event featured panelists representing academia, business, non-profits, environmental groups, and the media.
In her remarks, AIFC co-chair Lucy Calautti recognized the value consumers place on sustainability and the commitment of AIFC members to meet their needs, stating:
“The AIFC is dedicated to contributing to events like this which promote the accessibility of Italian products important to members of our coalition. We are dedicated to providing information from experts about positive nutrition, the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet, the growing necessity of sustainable agriculture, and the importance of dietary policy that follows a holistic nutrition model rather than a restrictive one. Demand for traditional Italian products is growing, highlighting the importance of the strong trade relationship between Italy and the U.S. that allows families and cultures to remain connected across the Atlantic – and for sustainable food systems to support this growth.”
This event was the third installment of a series hosted by the Embassy of Italy in partnership with the AIFC to promote the importance of Italian foods and the systems used to produce this food sustainably.
The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION RELEASES “PERSPECTIVES ON POSITIVE NUTRITION”
On September 15, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released Perspectives on Positive Nutrition, a report which outlines how expert opinions on positive nutrition indicate the importance of moving away from demonizing isolated food categories for evidence-based, holistic nutrition practices, such as the Mediterranean Diet model. This is the second report in the AIFC’s white paper series. The first paper, The U.S.-Italy Strategic Partnership, examines the long-standing strategic relationship between the U.S. and Italy and is available here.
Perspectives on Positive Nutrition emphasizes how, “Public health policies traditionally have promoted restrictive and reductionist approaches to diets with limited results…we can work away from reductionist approaches to nutrition through systems-based approaches, considering the foods we eat in totality and how all the different nutrients fit together in our daily lives.”
AIFC’s Co-Chairs Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement on the occasion of the report’s release: “Positive nutrition must be the focus of our population to replace reductionist approaches with more constructive, consumer friendly models. With the Dietary Guidelines for Americans under review and the Farm Bill set for reauthorization this year, we encourage lawmakers to seize this pivotal moment in food policy to help shape a healthier future characterized by evidence-based action and positive approaches to nutrition.”
Key takeaways include:
The core concept of positive nutrition is to encourage consumption of healthy, nutritious foods as part of a balanced diet, rather than demonizing less nutrient-dense alternatives, and the importance of avoiding focus on individual nutrients in isolation.
The Mediterranean Diet model has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, and slowing the decline of brain function during aging.
Evidence shows restrictive diets and isolated actions have a limited impact on obesity, and the prevalence of obesity has continued to rise. Systems-based thinking aims to move beyond binary thinking about good versus bad food, such as reducing sugar will directly result in reducing obesity.
More than half of Americans were found to be extremely or very interested in having nutritional information presented in a consistent way on the front of all food and beverage packaging, with the majority agreeing consistent front of package nutrition information would make healthy choices easier to make.[i]
Read the full report here.
The AIFC has been actively and continually advocating for a positive nutrition approach to food policy with Members of Congress, their staff, and industry stakeholders. In September 2022, the AIFC hosted the Positive Nutrition Roundtable, a multi-day event in partnership with the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable (MDR) and Cambridge Food Science that brought together world-renowned experts in nutrition and health to discuss the benefits of positive nutrition. Key takeaways from this roundtable are included in an edition of the international scientific journal Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia, and Obesity, which published “Positive Nutrition: Shifting the Focus from Nutrients to Diet for a Healthy Lifestyle.” Building on lessons learned in the 2022 Positive Nutrition Roundtable, AIFC hosted the Positive Nutrition Congressional Briefing in June 2023 to bring together nutrition and agriculture Congressional staff as well as Italian food product industry leaders to discuss shifting to positive nutritional strategies.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
[i] Food Insight. (2021). IFIC Survey: Knowledge, Understanding and Use of Front-of-Pack Labeling in Food and Beverage Decisions: Insights from Shoppers in the U.S. https://foodinsight.org/ific-survey-fop-labeling/
New CDC Data Shows Obesity is a Growing Problem in Many States
September 26, 2023
Contact: press@aifcoalition.org
On Thursday, September 21, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released the CDC 2022 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories. This survey is based on self-reported weight and height from an ongoing telephone interview survey conducted by the CDC and state health departments.
The updated maps emphasize the importance of the AIFC’s mission to promote positive nutrition through holistic, systems-based diet models like the Mediterranean diet, and the prevalent need for population-based policy interventions to ensure all people have access to healthy foods and evidence-based nutrition policy. Combined with data from 2020 and 2021, the 2022 map shows how obesity impacts some groups more than others. There are notable differences by race, education, age, and geographic location. All states and territories had an obesity prevalence of 20 percent, or more than 1 in 5 adults, and 22 states have an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35 percent. Obesity prevalence decreased as level of education increased, and adults aged 45-54 had the highest rates of obesity.
In a statement, Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion said, “Our updated maps send a clear message that additional support for obesity prevention and treatment is an urgent priority. Obesity is a disease caused by many factors, including eating patterns, physical activity levels, sleep routines, genetics, and certain medications. This means that there is no one size fits all approach.”
Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, Co-Chairs of the AIFC, have hosted nutrition experts Dr. Paul Gately, Dr. Roberta Re, and Dr. Richard Clemens on their video series, At the Table this year for discussions about the importance of a positive approach based in holistic nutrition which reflects the links between diet, environment, lifestyle, and overall health maintenance. In addition, the AIFC hosted a 2023 Positive Nutrition Roundtable at the Embassy of Italy, followed by a Positive Nutrition Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill this summer. Both events brought together nutrition experts from around the world to discuss the growing appetite worldwide for responsible portion sizes, balance, and health.
The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
Nutrition Expert Dr. Roger Clemens Joins At the Table with Susan and Lucy
Contact: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released an At the Table with Susan and Lucy as part of the Coalition’s ongoing interview series hosted by AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti. This month, Susan and Lucy interviewed Dr. Roger Clemens, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and a Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of PolyScience Consulting.
In his At the Table interview, Dr. Clemens discussed his global nutrition work in underserved communities. He emphasized the role of positive nutrition in fighting non-communicable diseases, stating,
“Non-communicable diseases are quite complex…We have to understand the culture and traditions, as well as genetics, of people in order to make a difference in their lives… We need to respect people, and once you respect people you need to gain their trust… once you do that, you can make great inroads into their health and promote better nutrition… The Mediterranean style diet is related to quality and accessibility of food…Many places with the highest rates of non-communicable diseases don’t have access to this food, and we have to make sure they do.”
The AIFC is proud to partner with experts like Dr. Clemens to promote positive nutrition worldwide. To watch the full interview, please visit www.aifcoalition.org/atthetable.
Stay connected with the AIFC by following us on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and LinkedIn at @AIFCoalition.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
Margaret Valentine Joins At the Table with Susan and Lucy
Press: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released an At the Table with Susan and Lucy as part of the Coalition’s ongoing interview series hosted by AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti. Susan and Lucy interviewed Ms. Margaret Valentine, founder of Pound it Out LOUD Entertainment.
In her At The Table interview, Valentine discussed using her business savvy and background as a singer-songwriter to develop young women artists through her company, Pound It Out LOUD Entertainment. Valentine spoke about what inspires her as an artist, her various creative ventures, her heritage as an Italian-American, and work empowering young women, stating,
“I think women… in all different industries, are often marginalized. I think we are still held to a different standard than male colleagues. I knew I wanted to start a company… when I saw that women were not getting opportunities in the country music scene… Some say ‘it’s just the way it is, women need to bring it more.’ This preconception combined with the fact the music industry is very unfair... deals made with young artists often favor the label and don’t empower the artists, particularly female artists. I knew I wanted to start something different… I don’t want anyone telling her who she is, what she should say. Women supporting women has to be bigger than a hashtag on social media. You have to stick your hand out and actively support other women, including women who are your competition.”
To watch the full interview, please visit www.aifcoalition.org/atthetable.
Stay connected with the AIFC by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn at @AIFCoalition.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
At the Table with Susan and Lucy is a web series hosted by the Honorable Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, featuring discussions and interviews with prominent guests about Italian food, heritage, and politics.
AIFC Co-Chairs Celebrate National Heritage Week
Every year, National Heritage Week takes place in mid-August as a part of European Heritage Days. These are a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union in which over forty countries participate. Of course, we participated by celebrating our Italian-American heritage!
Italians began immigrating to the United States during the Italian diaspora in 1880, two decades after the Unification of Italy. Poverty was the driving force of immigration, as many Italians lacked access to land due to sharecropping, or mezzadria, especially those in South Italy. Many immigrants looked for any type of work to send money home to family members. It is estimated that Italian immigrants sent or took home between $4 million and $30 million each year during this period of migration. Immigrants took various jobs on, but continued to work and live in hazardous conditions, in cramped housing, sometimes with other families. They also experienced a wave of prejudice and nativist hostility from Americans. The U.S. was in an economic depression, and Italian immigrants would often be blamed for taking American jobs.
AIFC Co-Chair Lucy Calautti’s family was part of the Italian migration. Both of her grandfathers, hailing from Southern Italy, were fortunate to bring skills that kept them well-employed. Her Grandpa Serverno was an iron worker who utilized his skills to open a chandelier-making business in New York. His lighting fixtures adorned the iconic Tavern on the Green in Central Park. Her other grandfather, Giancarlo, supported his family by giving piano lessons, and eventually opened a music store in Little Italy.
Additionally, AIFC Co-Chair Susan Molinari’s family immigrated to the U.S. in the 1900s, with 5 of the children of Giuseppe and Raffaello Molinaro moving to New York. It is believed that their names were changed to Molinari at Ellis Island. Her great grandfather quickly adapted to his new home and became a barber. Her grandfather, Sigismondo Robert Molinari, joined his family in NYC at age 12. S. Robert became successfully involved in his new community on Staten Island , practicing real estate and eventually running and winning a seat in the New York State Assembly. His son, Susan’s father Guy (Gaetano) Molinari, followed his father’s footsteps in public service and served in the New York State Assembly, The United States Congress, and as Borough President of Staten Island. Susan then continued the tradition and became Minority Leader of the New York City Council, then a Member of Congress. For this Italian family, it didn’t take long to go from a barber’s chair to seats in the US Congress.
About a third of Italian immigrants settled in New York City. Due to the social and political divisions of the Italian peninsula, Italian villages tended to isolate themselves based on village and region, but they would come together for distinctive events like weddings, feasts, christenings, funerals, and festas (parades)– which would celebrate the feast day of a villages’ patron saint.
At the turn of the 20th century, Southern Italian immigrants were among the lowest-paid workers in the United States. Italian immigrants began to fight against unsafe conditions by taking organized action, leading strikes, and forming Italian Workers Unions in various parts of the U.S. This helped Italian immigrants achieve advances in the U.S. workforce and enjoy a wider range of careers. By the 1920s and 30s, the initial immigrant generation began to see their children grow up as American citizens. From then on, Italians began to be recognized as a cultural piece of American life, especially during the explosion of mass media after WWII. Italian cuisine became popular around the U.S., as soldiers returning from Europe would bring with them cravings of food they had tasted abroad. Italian icons popped up everywhere – Rocky Marciano was the world’s first undefeated heavyweight champion in boxing; Diane Di Prima was a prominent writer of the Beat movement; chemist Giuliana Tesoro was granted over 100 patents, one of which was for flame-resistant fabric; Enrico Fermi created the world’s first nuclear reactor and received a Nobel Prize for his work on induced radioactivity and discovery of trans-uranium elements; Anna Magnani was the first Italian to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance; Joe DiMaggio led the New York Yankees to nine World Series championships; and singers Perry Como and Dean Martin dominated American radio.
Today, Italians and Italian-Americans are broadly represented in many industries and Italian cuisine is common throughout the U.S., with pizza and pasta being some of the most popular selections of food for Americans. The U.S. additionally imports wine, wafers, coffee, chocolate, eggs, meat, cocoa, and fruits from Italy– all of which help keep traditional Italian recipes alive in the U.S.
We support the preservation of Italian heritage in the U.S. and sharing our culture with our neighbors. For more information, please visit AFICoalition.org
AIFC Commends Senate Confirmation of Jack markell as Ambassador of the U.S. to Italy and San Mariano
On Thursday, July 27, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Jack A. Markell as Ambassador of the United States of America to the Italian Republic and San Mariano. Following Ambassador Markell’s confirmation, American Italian Food Coalition co-Chairs Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti shared the following statement:
“A seasoned diplomat, Markell brings a wealth of experience to this important role. This pivotal appointment is set to strengthen economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between the United States and Italy. His leadership and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to advancing the shared interests and values of our nations. We look forward to working with Ambassador Markell and others to ensure American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products.”
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
The American Italian Food Coalition Praises Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Visit to the White House
Press: Press@aifcoalition.org
On the occasion of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to the White House, American Italian Food Coalition co-chairs Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement:
"On behalf of the American Italian Food Coalition, we welcome Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to the White House! This visit reaffirms the strong relationship between the United States and Italy through discussion of strategic interests, including our shared commitments to sustainability and closer transatlantic coordination through trade.
The U.S. and Italy trade more than $100 billion annually in goods and services. In recent years, this alliance has been threatened by tariffs disputes, such as the Boeing-Airbus case and the recent adoption of Digital Services Taxes. Food products are among the highest exports from Italy to the U.S., and AIFC members remain committed to ensuring Americans have access to the uniquely Italian foods they have grown to love.
The United States’ relationship with Italy, though, means so much more than food - it is a long-standing partnership dating back centuries and has grown stronger with time. With Italy’s upcoming presidency of the G7, we see this time as an opportunity for even greater collaboration and look forward to continuing to strengthen this special relationship that has greatly benefited both countries for so many years."
Yesterday, AIFC co-chairs Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti were pleased to attend a White House briefing with other Italian-American leaders in preparation for Prime Minister Meloni's visit.
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The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
AIFC Hosts Positive Nutrition Briefing for Congressional Staff
Last week, AIFC held a briefing on positive nutrition for congressional staff to emphasize the importance of including positive nutrition practices in the upcoming Farm Bill and Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
This briefing builds on discussions from AIFC’s positive nutrition roundtable at the Embassy of Italy last November and the resulting white paper, “Positive Nutrition: Shifting the Focus from Nutrients to Diet for a Healthy Lifestyle,” which was recently published in the international scientific journal Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies in Anorexia, Bulimia, and Obesity. Please click here for the full paper.
We extend a special thank you to Dr. Roger Clemens, Dr. Marco Silano, and Dr. Roberta Re for their expertise, and for traveling from Europe and California to participate in the briefing.
AIFC is committed to promoting the inclusion of positive nutrition practices in U.S. policy.
AIFC ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF “POSITIVE NUTRITION: SHIFTING THE FOCUS FROM NUTRIENTS TO DIET FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE”
Washington, D.C. – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) is applauding the publication of “Positive Nutrition: Shifting the Focus from Nutrients to Diet for a Healthy Lifestyle” in the international scientific journal Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity.
The paper contains key takeaways from last September’s Positive Nutrition Roundtable held at the Embassy of Italy and hosted by the AIFC, Mediterranean Diet Roundtable (MDR), and Cambridge Food Science. The multi-day event brought together world-renowned experts in nutrition and health to discuss positive nutritional strategies for a healthy future.
Upon the release of the paper, AIFC Co-Chairs Hon. Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement:
“As a coalition of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products, the AIFC is committed to promoting positive nutrition in U.S. policy. As Congress begins discussions on this year’s Farm Bill, we implore Congress to shift the narrative of restriction and ‘bad’ foods to a diet model grounded in lifestyle and holistic nutrition to reflect the links between diet, environment, lifestyle, and overall health maintenance.”
“Policies have been using the same actions with very limited results. We cannot expect change by doing the same thing. We need to shift the narrative from nutrients to diets and healthy lifestyles and take constructive action to deliver meaningful and lasting changes! Messaging is polarized between healthy and unhealthy foods (good vs bad), which could be misleading and oversimplifies a complex story.”
Said Dr. Roberta Re, moderator of the roundtable and co-author of “Positive Nutrition: Shifting the Focus from Nutrients to Diet for a Healthy Lifestyle.”
The release of “Positive Nutrition: Shifting the Focus from Nutrients to Diet for a Healthy Lifestyle” is complemented by a positive nutrition briefing for Congressional staff and industry partners, to be held in the U.S. Capitol building next Wednesday.
The American Italian Food Coalition is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers.
Former Governor of New York George Pataki Joins At the Table with Susan and Lucy
May 26, 2023
Press: press@aifcoalition.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released an At the Table with Susan and Lucy featuring former Governor of New York, George Pataki, as part of the Coalition’s ongoing interview series hosted by AIFC co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti.
In his At The Table interview, Governor Pataki spoke about his Italian heritage, leading New York City through 9/11, and the importance of trade between the U.S. and Italy. He stated,
“Trade between Italy and the US is absolutely essential, and it’s not just food…keeping those ties of commerce close are extremely important…Italy is a fair-trade partner and keeping those ties of trade close and without tariffs is incredibly important.”
To watch the full interview, please visit www.aifcoalition.org/atthetable.
Stay connected with the AIFC by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn at @AIFCoalition.