Updates

CGCN 4/1/22 CGCN 4/1/22

THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION RELEASES “THE U.S. – ITALY STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP” REPORT

In the Coalition’s First Report, Group Explores Long-Standing Bilateral Relationship And Benefits

In the Coalition’s First Report, Group Explores Long-Standing Bilateral Relationship And Benefits

WASHINGTON - Today, following the release of the Biden Administration’s 2022 Trade Agenda, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) released its AIFC report on “The U.S. – Italy Strategic Partnership”, outlining the long-standing strategic relationship and partnership between the United States and Italy and its impact on both nations. The report highlights those uniquely Italian food products that have added significant cultural value to the U.S., looks at the trade irritants between the U.S. and Italy, and examines the future of trade relations between the two countries.

The report states, “The need to continue a robust U.S.-Italy economic relationship must remain a top priority for the Biden Administration and Congress. As global trade continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, the U.S. and Italy are positioned to capitalize on this new opportunity to further advance both countries’ economic and social interests to promote transparent supply chains, democratic values, and combat abusive trade practices that threaten global stability.”

AIFC’s co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti released the following statement on the report:

“The robust relationship between the United States and Italy can be seen every day in our social, cultural and commercial bonds. Our two countries have celebrated 160 years of diplomatic relations together and we commend the Biden administration and its officials, like United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, in their commitment to preserving these ties. This is a valuable report and is crucial in reflecting on the many benefits of the U.S.-Italy relationship while also strategically thinking ahead in terms of ongoing trade relations.”

Some key takeaways from the report include:

Since at least 2008, Italy is consistently one of the U.S.’s top 15 trading partners.
In 2020, one of the largest flows of exports of waffles and wafers was exports from Italy to the U.S., totally $59 million and accounting for 1.31 percent of world exports of waffles and wafers.
The cultural impacts of Italian American businesses providing authentic Italian cuisine daily to all Americans cannot be overstated. To highlight just one example of this, Americans drink 656 million cups of coffee per day 8, more than any other beverage including tap water.
American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) members alone support 5.9 million jobs; $422.9 billion in economic output; $94.78 billion in taxes; and $1.8 billion in manufacturing.

The report concludes, “Since the Biden Administration has continually highlighted its intent to collaborate with allies, Italy cannot be overlooked in the broader European trade context. The U.S. and Italy must work intentionally to negotiate long-term solutions to resolve trade irritants, such as the Large Civil Aircraft dispute, and establish bilateral and multilateral agreements to enhance cooperation and avoid the need for any punitive actions.”

Read the report at https://www.aifcoalition.org/s/AIFCWhitePaper41.pdf

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. For more information on the AIFC click HERE.

Media Contact:
press@aifcoalition.org

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CGCN 2/8/22 CGCN 2/8/22

THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION LAUNCHES “AT THE TABLE WITH SUSAN AND LUCY”

Co-Chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti Discuss Italian Food, Heritage, and Family Life In New Video Series

WASHINGTON - Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) launched a new digital initiative titled At The Table With Susan And Lucy. The short interview-style videos chronicle the memories, experiences, and heritage of what being Italian-American means to AIFC’s two co-chairs Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti.

In a joint statement, Susan and Lucy stated:

“This is an exciting endeavor for us and we look forward to having friends and guests on to discuss what being Italian-American means to them. We hope our discussions and interviews showcase the strong bond between the United States and Italy, and inspire others to reflect on their relationship with Italian food and heritage.”

The pair will cover a variety of topics including shared experiences of their Italian heritage, the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, tariffs and trade, sustainability, US-Italy relations, and more.

To watch the first three videos of At The Table With Susan and Lucy, please visit aifcoalition.org/atthetable or follow @aifcoalition on Instagram and Twitter.

CGCN 10/29/21 CGCN 10/29/21

American Italian Food Coalition Encourages World Leaders at G20 And COP26 To Commit To Unlocking Global Trade and Protecting Our Planet

“Healthy economies, well-balanced diets and a healthy environment are keys to our future.”

WASHINGTON - Today, the American Italian Food Coalition’s co-chairs, Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, issued the following statement in advance of this year’s G20 Heads of State and Government Summit, which will take place on Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31 in Rome, Italy, and the subsequent 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland:

“This weekend marks the beginning of significant global discussions on the state of our economy and the health of our planet. In Rome, we hope that the leaders of the world’s most powerful economies commit to unlocking more global trade, which is critical to the prosperity and well-being of every nation. Furthermore, as co-chairs of the American Italian Food Coalition, we are pleased that Italy, such a critical and valuable ally of the United States, is hosting the G20. As we look ahead to COP26 in Glasgow, we urge world leaders to make sustainable food supplies a priority – healthy economies, well-balanced diets and a healthy environment are keys to our future.”

CGCN 10/11/21 CGCN 10/11/21

The American Italian Food Coalition Celebrates Italian-American Heritage Month

Encourages U.S. To Continue Strong Partnership With Italy As Rome Holds G20 Summit

WASHINGTON – Today, co-chairs of the American Italian Food Coalition, Susan Molinari and Lucy Calautti, released the following statement celebrating Italian-American Heritage month and encouraging the U.S. to continue its strong relationship with Italy as heads of state and government head to Rome later this month for the G20 Summit:

“Italian-American Heritage month commemorates the centuries-old friendship and deep ties between the United States and Italy. As we both know well from our own family backgrounds, the legacy of Italian immigrants in our country runs deep, the fruits of which have become staples in American culture and in our daily lives. But this month, we should not just look back, but also forward to foster economic, national security, environmental, and cultural bonds that are driving the future of both of our nations. Italy has the important task of heading up the G20 at the end of this month as the world’s largest industrialized economies work together to tackle a litany of shared challenges. It is in our interest to work together and we are confident in the continued future relationship of our two great countries.”

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CGCN 9/30/21 CGCN 9/30/21

Lucy Calautti Joins American Italian Food Coalition as Co-Chair

Calautti To Work Alongside Former New York Congresswoman Susan Molinari

Media Contact: press@aifcoalition.org

WASHINGTON – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) announced Lucy Calautti, prominent businesswoman and seasoned federal affairs strategist, as the group’s new co-Chair. Lucy will serve alongside former New York Congresswoman Susan Molinari.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the American Italian Food Coalition, and I look forward to working to showcase the critical alliance and strong cultural bonds between the United States and Italy,” said Calautti. “I am encouraged by the Biden Administration and our European allies in their recent announcement of a 5-year reprieve from the long-standing Airbus-Boeing trade dispute. The ties that bind the United States and Italy are deep and strong cemented in our shared cultural experience that I know so well growing up a proud Italian American. I couldn’t be happier to be working with Susan Molinari as we work to highlight the importance of Italian food and culture to American officials.”

Launched in 2019, the AIFC is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring that American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers. Former New York congresswoman Susan Molinari, who joined the group last March, serves as Co-Chair alongside Calautti.

“As two Italian-American women from New York, I am thrilled to work and partner with Lucy,” said Molinari. “Our shared Italian heritage and our commitment to strengthening the Italian-American relationship will be at the heart of our work as co-Chairs of the AIFC. ”

Lucy Calautti was born and raised in Queens, New York in an Italian American family. Her great grandfather was the mayor of Rosetto, Puglia and she credits her commitment to public service, political experience, and enjoyment of cooking to her deeply-rooted Italian family heritage.

While in her teens, Lucy joined the U.S. Navy and was trained as a photographer, taking intelligence photos of ships at sea. After the navy, Lucy headed west for her education and eventual work in political campaigns. In 1986, she ran the successful come-from-behind U.S. Senate campaign of Kent Conrad. The North Dakota media called the race one of the most consequential events of the century. In 1987, Lucy joined the office of Congressman Byron Dorgan (D-ND) as Chief of Staff, overseeing policy and politics in an office that represented the entire state. She managed Dorgan’s successful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1992, and became the new senator’s Chief of Staff.

In 2000, Lucy left government service to become one of the only women executives in Major League Baseball. She headed the sport’s government relations and served as special assistant to Commissioner Bud Selig for nearly 20 years. Lucy’s lifelong love of baseball stems from her father, Pasquale, with whom she grew up attending New York Mets baseball games as a child.

Today, Lucy presides over her own strategic advisory business, Dakota Strategies, representing the Children’s Hospital Association and Baltimore Orioles baseball. She served on the Board at the Center for Native American Youth, a national organization devoted to the education and well-being of native children on reservations. She was also President of the historic National Woman’s Party, devoted to the memory of women’s suffrage. Lucy is married to United States Senator Kent Conrad (Ret.) and is mother to one grown son and one grandson.

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CGCN 6/15/21 CGCN 6/15/21

American Italian Food Coalition Praises US-European Airbus-Boeing Tariff Announcement

Group Hopes “Both Sides Can Come Together to Find Permanent Resolution”

WASHINGTON (June 15, 2021) – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) issued the following statement after the United States and a group of European nations announced a 5-year reprieve from the long-standing Airbus-Boeing trade dispute:

“Today’s agreement between the Biden Administration and our European allies on the long-standing Airbus-Boeing impasse is a significant step towards resolving this dispute and reaffirming our alliance with Europe. This trade dispute has hung over the United States and some of our closest European allies for too long – jeopardizing products from countries, like Italy, that is not an Airbus consortium country. We hope both sides can come together to find a permanent resolution to stop any further risk of our nations being swept up in another harmful, retaliatory trade battle.”

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CGCN 6/2/21 CGCN 6/2/21

AIFC STATEMENT ON DIGITAL-SERVICES TAX RETALIATORY TARIFFS

AIFC Pleased Certain Italian Food Products Not Included; Urges US-Europe to Take ‘Meaningful Steps’ to Resolve Tax, Trade Issues

WASHINGTON – The American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) issued the following statement today after the Biden Administration did not include certain Italian food items, notably coffee, wafers, and pasta, on its retaliatory product list of those nations that have imposed Digital Services Taxes:

“We are pleased that the Biden Administration kept certain Italian food products, including sweet biscuits, waffles, wafers, pasta, and coffee, off its Digital-Services Tax retaliatory tariff list. There are a variety of significant tax and trade negotiations taking place between the United States and Europe. We hope that in the coming months as the leaders of the G-7 meet in the United Kingdom and the G-20 in Italy this Fall that meaningful steps can be taken to bring about long-term solutions to strengthen our alliance with our European friends.”

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CGCN 6/2/21 CGCN 6/2/21

Celebrating National Italy Day on June 2nd

AIFC Chair Susan Molinari reflects on the bond between the U.S. and Italy on this important holiday.

CGCN 5/12/21 CGCN 5/12/21

THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION PRAISES U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE KATHERINE TAI’S COMMITMENT TO RESOLVING BOEING-AIRBUS DISPUTE

Group is pleased the Biden Administration is taking a multilateral approach and embracing key allies like Italy

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 12, 2021 – Today, The American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC), released the following statement regarding U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s testimony on President Biden’s trade agenda at today’s U.S. Senate Finance Committee hearing:

“We are pleased that the Biden Administration and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai are working closely with the European Union and the United Kingdom to find a permanent resolution in this long-standing airline trade dispute. A strong U.S.-driven multilateral approach, working in partnership with America’s key European allies like Italy, is essential to confronting the many challenges we continue to face around the world. We hope the continued dialogue between the Biden Administration, the United Kingdom and the European Union results in a final resolution of this decades long airline dispute and allows us to move forward in more coordinated and mutually beneficial manner.”

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CGCN 3/17/21 CGCN 3/17/21

THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION CONGRATULATES KATHERINE TAI ON HER CONFIRMATION AS U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

WASHINGTON, DC – March, 17, 2021 – Today, The American Italian Food Coalition’s (AIFC) co-chairs Lou Barletta and Susan Molinari issued the following statement congratulating Katherine Tai on her confirmation as the next U.S. Trade Representative:

“We congratulate Katherine Tai on her confirmation to be the United States Trade Representative. The role is a crucial one in working through many significant trade issues, including the Boeing-Airbus dispute. The Biden Administration made the right call in working with the European Union to put a pause on tariffs to work toward a final resolution in this long-stranding airline trade feud. We are hopeful that moving forward the EU and the US will work towards a multi-lateral approach together to confront the world’s challenges. As Italy and the United States celebrate 160 years of diplomatic relations this year, we urge them to resolve the dispute quickly and further strengthen their social, cultural and commercial bonds.”

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CGCN 3/5/21 CGCN 3/5/21

AIFC Congratulates The Biden Administration and European Union On Their Joint Decision To Pause Tariffs Related To Airbus-Boeing Dispute

WASHINGTON – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition’s (AIFC) co-chairs Lou Barletta and Susan Molinari issued the following statement applauding the joint efforts of the Biden Administration and the European Union (EU) for announcing their decision to pause tariffs over the next four months related to World Trade Organization (WTO) Aircraft dispute during which time they will work on a permanent resolution.

“We would like to commend the Biden Administration and the European Union for the significant step they took to pause tariffs and work on finding a permanent resolution to the long-standing Airbus-Boeing airline dispute. This issue has impacted industries and nations like Italy that had no part in the disagreement for far too long. Over the next four months, there is a real opportunity for both sides to come together to chart a productive long-term course that further builds on the generations of goodwill that have defined not only the Trans-Atlantic partnership, but the Italian-American alliance as well.”

Read the joint U.S. and EU statement HERE.

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CGCN 3/1/21 CGCN 3/1/21

FORMER NEW YORK CONGRESSWOMAN SUSAN MOLINARI TO JOIN AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION AS CO-CHAIR

Encourages Biden Administration, Europe to Recommit to Critical Alliances

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) announced that former New York congresswoman and prominent business leader Susan Molinari will serve as the group’s new Co-Chair.

“As a second-generation Italian-American, I couldn’t be prouder to serve as Co-Chair of the American Italian Food Coalition,” Molinari said. “Our mission is focused on the critical alliance between the United States and Italy and the strong cultural heritage of Italians in America. President Biden’s recent decision to deescalate trade tensions over the Airbus-Boeing in Europe was a step in the right direction. I am encouraged by and confident that the Biden Administration will continue to rebuild our ties with Italy and Europe at this critical time.”

Launched in 2019, the AIFC is an alliance of more than 450 Italian companies, manufacturers, and trade associations dedicated to ensuring that American consumers continue to have access to high-quality, affordable imported Italian products including pasta, coffee, biscuits, and wafers. Former Pennsylvania Congressman Lou Barletta, who joined that group since its inception, serves as Co-Chair alongside Molinari.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Susan to the AIFC and look forward to partnering with her to send the message that Italy and America have deep ties and one of the strongest alliances in the world,” said Lou Barletta. “Together, we will continue highlighting the cultural bonds between our two nations, most notably so much of the food we enjoy every day.”

Former Congresswoman Susan Molinari (R-NY) was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. She grew up surrounded by a large family with strong Italian roots. Her grandparents immigrated to the United States from Calabria and Naples, Italy in the early 1900’s. From an early age, Molinari was involved in politics and grew up working on her father’s political campaigns.

In 1985, at the age of 27, she won her first campaign and was elected to the New York City Council. Five years later, the New York Staten Island Republican Party asked Molinari to run for office. After being elected to Congress in 1990, she went on to win reelection five times. Throughout her time in office, Molinari served on the Education and Labor; Transportation and Infrastructure; and Budget Committees.

Notably, as a member of the Budget Committee, Molinari participated in crafting the nation’s first balanced budget in 25 years. She also worked hand-in-hand with then-Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) on the Violence Against Women Act, which provided $1.6 billion toward the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women, imposed automatic and mandatory restitution on those convicted, and more.

After her time in office, among other positions, Molinari went on to become co-host of the CBS News Saturday Morning show; chair of The Century Council, a non-profit, corporate social responsibility program; and founder and chair of Susan Molinari Strategies, LLC.

Most recently, Molinari served as the Vice President of Public Affairs at Google for the Americas and oversaw dozens of policy offices throughout North and South America. She currently serves on the board of Harvard University’s Kennedy School Institute of Politics, The American Action Foundation, APCO Media, Protiviti, and many more organizations and nonprofits. She was selected as one of the Women of the Year by Glamour Magazine and recognized by Time Magazine as one of 40 most influential people under 40.

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CGCN 2/11/21 CGCN 2/11/21

THE AMERICAN ITALIAN FOOD COALITION COMMENDS THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FOR PAUSING ADDITIONAL TARIFFS ON EUROPEAN UNION PRODUCTS

Group Encourages US, EU to Reach Resolution on Long-Standing Dispute

WASHINGTON – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) issued the following statement praising the Biden Administration for pausing further retaliatory tariffs in the long-standing Airbus-Boeing dispute:

“The Biden Administration appropriately hit the pause button on another carousel round of tariffs in response to the Airbus-Boeing dispute. We have long argued that since Italy is not an Airbus consortium country, its products should not be subject to these retaliatory tariffs. Today’s action allows U.S. consumers to enjoy Italian products without the risk of increased costs. The decision also gives U.S. and EU representatives an opportunity to resolve this long-standing dispute and, by doing, strengthen the alliance between our nations.”

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CGCN 1/20/21 CGCN 1/20/21

AIFC WELCOMES PRESIDENT BIDEN, VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS INTO OFFICE

Alliance Looks Forward To Working With Biden Administration

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, January 20, 2021) – Today, the American Italian Food Coalition (AIFC) congratulated President Biden and Vice President Harris on their inauguration. The AIFC 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 released the following statement:

“The ties between the United States and Italy are some of the strongest in the world. With President Biden at the helm, we know the commercial and cultural ties between these two nations will continue to deepen and flourish. Italian food is a part of American culture and we look forward to celebrating this unity with the new Administration.”

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CGCN 8/12/20 CGCN 8/12/20

AIFC APPLAUDS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S AIRBUS DECISION

Head of the American Italian Food Coalition Says Tariff Announcement “Will Keep Consumer Prices Down, Save American Jobs, and Spare the Food So Many of Us Enjoy.”

WASHINGTON – Today, the Trump administration rightfully left uniquely Italian food products off a retaliatory tariff list. This list is in response to illegal subsidies of Airbus by France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. American Italian Food Coalition Chairman and Former Pennsylvania Congressman Lou Barletta praised this crucial decision.

“Today, once again, the Trump administration made the right decision on tariffs regarding uniquely Italian food products,” Barletta said. “Particularly right now, as our country continues to financially recover in the aftermath of Covid-19, jobs must be protected. Today’s decision will keep consumer prices down, save American jobs, and spare the food so many of us enjoy.”

CGCN 8/11/20 CGCN 8/11/20

KEEP THE FOCUS ON CHINA, NOT ITALY

Italy and the U.S. have a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship, including economic, cultural and culinary ties. In fact, Italian food, particularly pasta, coffee, biscuits and wafers, are as much a part of the American way of life as they are in Italy! The bonds are strong and have weathered many a storm over the years – including a recent discussion on tariffs originating from the EU-Airbus large aircraft dispute.

Fortunately, President Trump understands how important Italian-American businesses are to the economy and communities across the country. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has released two retaliatory tariff lists and, thankfully, most uniquely Italian food products were kept off both times. Because he’s stood with the Italian-American community and not imposed any unfair tariffs, President Trump has been able to rightly focus on China.

President Trump understands the real, existential threat that China poses to America. It’s no secret that China is trying to dominate the world militarily, technologically and economically, and the subsequent consequences for America would be significant and long-lasting. Fortunately, by imposing and threating tariffs on key products, President Trump has shaken the Chinese Communist Party. His focus is well-placed and warrants an unwavering focus.

For the sake of America’s future, President Trump needs to stay focused on China. It will take a united, concentrated effort to overcome this global challenge – that’s why the Administration should continue to avoid tariffs on key allies, such as Italy. Rather, taking steps to strengthen economic ties between the United States and its long-standing allies will promote continued growth and investment – particularly by Italian companies that have invested significantly in America.

This week, the USTR is releasing a new list of EU goods that will be tariffed as a part of this airplane feud. Simply put, Italy shouldn’t be punished for the illegal behavior of France and other European countries. Not only that, but focusing on China is a mission that’s critical to America’s best interest – we cannot afford to dilute this pursuit by hitting a longtime, key ally.