Master classes are designed to introduce culinary, specialty food, and grocery retail professionals to PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) products. Taught by renowned food industry experts, master classes offer a “deep dive” into PDO/PGI products, including the certification process, details on the production methods of the most recognized PDO/PGI products, and the importance of utilizing PDO/PGI products, rather than their counterfeit counterparts.

The Authentic Italian Products Master Class Series is part of the “True Italian Taste” project, funded by the Italian Ministry for Economic Development and executed by Assocamerestero in collaboration with the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad, in order to raise awareness of and safeguard authentic Italian food products. “True Italian Taste” is part of the “Extraordinary Italian Taste” initiative.

In 2019, the IACC organized Master Classes for the following specialty grocery retailers:

Kowalski’s (February 12, 2019)

Di Bruno Bros. (March 12, 2019)

DeCicco’s (March 14, 2019)

Halpern’s Steak and Gary’s Seafood of Central Florida (October 29-30, 2019)

On October 29 and 30, managers, buyers, merchandisers and sales team members from Halpern’s Steak and Gary’s Seafood of Central Florida took part in the “ABC’s of PDO & PGI Products of Italy,” an educational program designed to educate food retail professionals about certified Italian products.

During this hands-on workshop, participants learned what the PDO and PGI certifications mean, as well as how to identify authentic Italian products. Attendees took an in-depth look at a selection of authentic Italian products and learned about each product’s unique provenance, production process, and organoleptic qualities. Participants also had the opportunity to taste a variety of PDO/PGI products and learned practical tips for product handling, storage, and merchandising, as well as food pairings and serving suggestions.