IF YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY (RESTAURANT OWNERS, CHEFS, BEVERAGE MANAGERS, BUYERS AT HOTELS AND RESTAURANT CHAINS), CRUISE INDUSTRY, F&B IMPORTERS, AND DISTRIBUTORS, REGISTER HERE.

THE EVENT

Do not miss the opportunity to meet with 40+ Italian food & wine producers, importers, and distributors of Italian products, and hospitality suppliers. Join the authentic Italian food & wine festival!

Authentic Italian is the only high-end Food & Wine Festival in Miami that mainly focuses on Italian cuisine and flavors. It aims to connect Italian F&B producers, F&B importers, and distributors representing Italian brands, and hospitality suppliers with local chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, importers, and distributors.

The event also enriches the understanding and appreciation of Italian culture by promoting the country’s food and wine to a selected public of food lovers, through partnerships with authentic Italian restaurants, bakeries, and gourmet markets that will delight the public with their signature dishes.

PROGRAM

2:00pm | CHECK-IN opens

2:30pm-4:00pm | TALKS (F&B PROFESSIONALS ONLY)

Seminars on current relevant topics for the Food & Beverage industry

2:30 pm|Specialty foods distributors panel: “Consumer trends and the strive for delivering original and innovative products.”

In an effort to satisfy consumers’ new tastes, specialty food importers & distributors continue to upgrade the food alternatives available in the market.

Gregg Alpern, Director of Food Service, Flora Foods
Tim Bascombe, CO-Founder/Principal, Grocers Gateway Group
Jose Casals, Corporate Chef, US Foods

3:10 pm|Hotels & restaurants panel: “The quest for creating an authentic culinary experience.”

The art of hospitality is always on the move to satisfy the experiential needs of sophisticated customers.

Francesco Balli, Co-founder and CEO, Grove Bay Hospitality Group
Alfredo Picardi, Corporate Director of Operations and Quality Assurance, MDM Hotel Group
Jamil Dib, co-founder and co-owner of Vida & Estilo Restaurant Group (V&E Restaurant Group)

3:50 pm|Cruise Lines panel: "Sustainability of culinary operations"

In recent years, the cruise line industry has been navigating towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Cruise-goers are increasingly seeking healthier and environmentally conscious dining choices while cruise companies have refined operational improvements and cut food waste and costs.

• Fabio Scaglione, Senior Director Food & Beverage Operations, Celebrity Cruises

• Levi Mezick, Director, Culinary Program Development, Virgin Voyage

•Daniele Salamone, Director of Beverage Operations, Celebrity Cruises

4:00pm-6:00pm | TRADE SESSION (F&B PROFESSIONALS ONLY)

Trade-only Networking in the expo area with Florida’s F&B importers/distributors, chefs, restaurateurs, and gourmet market owners.

Click here to know more about the exhibitors

6:00pm-8:30pm | THE EVENT OPENS THE DOORS TO LOCAL CONSUMERS

Tickets are available on eventbrite at $68+.

6:45 pm|GOURMET EXPERIENCE

Don't miss the FRESH PASTA MASTERCLASS sponsored by Nonna Enterprises. Join Italian grandmothers for a genuine cooking experience.

PARKING:

990 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134

Free parking upon arrival before 5:00 pm

PARKING IS LIMITED

BE SAFE, DON'T DRINK, AND DRIVE! We strongly encourage attendees to use Uber or Lyft to reach the venue.

This is a 21+ only event.

Important note: complimentary entrance is guaranteed only to registered guests upon arrival before 5.00 pm and also grants access to the Grand Tasting (from 6.00 pm). Arrival after 5.00 pm will be charged at the entrance with the full Grand Tasting ticket fee ($68+).

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO HAVE YOUR TICKET DOWNLOADED ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE OR PRINTED, TO FACILITATE THE CHECK-IN PROCESS AT THE DOOR.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Authentic Italian Food & Wine Festival 2024 - Trade Only