From October 6-11, the IACC brought a delegation of grocery category buyers to Peschiera del Garda, Italy for the third edition of “America Buys Italian,” a B2B summit connecting local Italian food and beverage producers with decision makers and purchasing managers from three major independent U.S. grocery chains. Italian suppliers had the opportunity to present their products to representatives from Niemann Foods, Columbiana Foods (Giant Eagle) and Garafalo Markets (ShopRite), making new and profitable connections while further extending the reach of Italian specialty food products on the U.S. market.

Participants, including a cohort of C-level executives from each grocery chain and members of the National Grocers Association leadership team, had the opportunity to visit a number of area highlights, including Otella Winery, Mercato Centrale, La Esse, La Rinascente, Imoon Village, Cascina La Benedetta, and Bersi Serlini Franciacorta.

With the success of its third edition, America Buys Italian has cemented its place as an important annual forum for connecting decision makers from top U.S. independent grocery chains with food and wine producers from all over Italy. The IACC would like to thank event partners the National Grocers Association and Export USA for their invaluable support in co-organizing America Buys Italian, as well the numerous Italian counterparts who graciously shared their knowledge, innovative spirit and generous hospitality with our group.

Click HERE to view an event photo gallery.