At the heart of the Summer Fancy Food Show, the largest trade show dedicated to the food sector in the United States, the Italian Food Awards USA 2024 took center stage, showcasing the finest innovations from the Italian food and beverage industry. Among the myriad of exceptional products, our Italian Gelato Macaron emerged victorious in the prestigious Sweets category, solidifying its place as a beloved treat among American consumers.

A Celebration of Italian Innovation

Organized by Italianfood.net, the Food Group’s international project, the sixth edition of the Italian Food Awards USA highlighted the most innovative Italian products launched in the past two years. This esteemed event aims to cater to the growing demand for imported food in the U.S. market, helping American retailers and food service operators discover the untapped potential of authentic Italian cuisine.

With Italian cuisine under consideration for UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list, the recognition of our Italian Gelato Macaron at this event underscores the global appreciation for the quality and tradition of Italian food.

The Numbers Behind Italian Food Exports

Italy’s food and beverage exports to the USA reached a staggering €6.8 billion out of a total of €64 billion in 2023. In the first four months of 2024, sales in the American market surged by over 18% compared to the previous year, making the USA Italy’s third-largest destination for food exports and the leading market outside the EU. This growing appetite for Italian products sets the perfect stage for our award-winning Gelato Macaron.

Rigorous Selection and Esteemed Jury

The Italian Food Awards 2024 selection process was meticulous. Italianfood.net selected the most innovative Italian products through a two-step evaluation process. A panel of internationally prominent retailers, chefs, and professional operators in the food service channel cast their votes, contributing 70% to the final ranking. The remaining 30% was determined by analyzing sales performances in the U.S. market.

The jury, comprised of twelve esteemed professionals from the international food business community, included names like Amanda Kennedy (Rouses Markets), Cathy Gaffney (Wegmans Food Markets), and Cathy Strange (Whole Foods Market), among others.

A Star-Studded Awarding Ceremony

The awarding ceremony featured a renewed partnership with Universal Marketing and a new collaboration with NIQ research firm. The event opened with remarks by Phil Robinson, senior vice president of the Specialty Food Association, and Erica Di Giovancarlo, new commissioner of Italian trade in the United States. Culinary icon Lidia Bastianich shared her inspiring journey, highlighting the evolution and appreciation of Italian food in the USA.

Our Italian Gelato Macaron: A Fusion of Excellence

Our Italian Gelato Macaron, a delightful fusion of French macarons and Italian gelato, captivated the jury and attendees alike. Boasting delicate, crisp shells and rich, creamy gelato fillings, our macarons are made from locally sourced ingredients, using only natural flavors. This ensures the highest quality and authenticity, offering a luxurious treat that stands out in the market.

Available in six enchanting flavors per box, our gelato macarons are always gluten-free and crafted with artisan-quality gelato. They promise a sophisticated, family-sized novelty that invites consumers to indulge in a sensory delight.

Gratitude and Future Innovations

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the jury members, including Amanda Kennedy, Cathy Gaffney, Fabrizio Facchini, and others, for recognizing our commitment to innovation. Their acknowledgment encourages us to continue delighting and innovating in the Italian frozen food sector.

A special thank you to Italianfood.net for organizing this incredible event and providing a platform to celebrate the best of Italian food innovation.

As we savor this sweet victory, we remain dedicated to bringing the finest Italian flavors to American homes, one delectable bite at a time. Buon appetito!