The Embassy of Italy in Washington, AIFC, and YPFP co-host Event on Innovation in Sustainable Cocoa Production

March 24, 2023

Inquiries: press@aifcoalition.org ; stampa.washington@esteri.it

Washington, D.C. – This week, the Embassy of Italy in Washington, together with the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) and Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP), hosted a workshop to promote innovation and technology in sustainable cocoa production.

The event featured panelists representing academia, business, non-profits, environmental groups, and the media. The event was moderated by Kate Tully, Associate Professor in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland.

During the event, panelists discussed innovation and technology in agriculture to improve sustainable production, threats to global cocoa production, assessment of sustainable food production systems in a changing climate, consumer concerns, and identifying sustainable management strategies.

Ambassador of Italy to the United States Mariangela Zappia attended the event and provided opening remarks. She stated:

“Italy, while not a producer, is an important transformer and user of this precious and delicious commodity in its worldwide known confectionery industry. Thus, our desire to present a positive example of the commitment that our industry has in regard to sustainability. We are all part of this world, and we need to promote good practices to achieve a common goal.”

In her remarks, AIFC co-chair the Honorable Susan Molinari recognized the value consumers place on sustainability and the commitment of AIFC members to meet their needs, stating:

“Cocoa is one of the building blocks for the foods that AIFC members produce. We know our partners here today work hard to produce cocoa in a sustainable way and are actively seeking to increase sustainable farming practices. We look forward to promoting their important work. Sustainably sourced ingredients in Italian products are essential, as demand for traditional Italian products is growing, highlighting the importance of the strong trade relationship between Italy and the United States that allows families and cultures to remain connected across the Atlantic. Sustainable food systems are foundational to supporting this growth.”

Innovations in Sustainable Cocoa is the second installment of an ongoing series hosted by the Embassy of Italy in partnership with the AIFC and YPFP 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.