Italy has been named as partner country for the next meeting of Anuga, one of the world's leading food and beverage industry exhibitions, which is due to take place in Cologne, Germany on 8-12 October 2011.
'I am very satisfied because Italy has today been officially declared partner country for the 2011 edition of Anuga in Cologne, one of the largest trade fairs for food and drink products in the world,' commented Italian Minister of Agriculture Luca Zaia.
The move represents a slight change of approach for the Italian grocery trade, which has in the past maintained a more modest profile at such events.
'We could not continue to keep a low profile,' added Mr Zaia. 'Germany is our main partner in the agribusiness sector, with a growing percentage of exports and absorbing almost 20 per cent of our total exports.'
Anuga will provide a valuable opportunity for the Mediterranean country to boost its standing in the German market further, he said.
'Betweeen now and the next edition of the fair we intend to encourage, with the help of our Embassy and institutional represenation in Germany, an even greater presence `for Italy` on the German market so that we will be there at the show in stronger and greater number.'
