Gourmet's Italia Moscow end report
17.07.2009: Gourmet’s Italia Moscow under the patronage of the city of Moscow
Helmuth Köcher, president of Gourmet's International, looks back on a successful event: “We are very honoured to have the patronage of the city of Moscow for our oenogastronomic event and the number of visitors who attended and the interest that was shown even though it was only the second time we have been here.”
The third stage of the EuroTour in Moscow took place on 22nd and 23rd June 2009 with 42 producers, 20 of which were from the Region Campania and the rest from Trentino South Tyrol, Piedmont, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Tuscany and Abruzzo. All together approximately 130 wines and culinary specialities were offered for tasting. Gourmet’s Italia Moscow was organised in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Moscow, the Region of Campania and with Dante Stefano Del Vecchio from Mistery Apple Communication.
On 22nd June the seat of the event was the Italian Embassy, properly said, the private rooms of the Ambassador Vittorio Claudio Surdo that he kindly offered to us. These wonderful rooms with their high ceilings, richly decorated walls and beautiful objects are part of a historical manor and tell the story of this country full of tradition. The perfect place for the terrific wines culinary delicacies of Merano WineFestival & Culinaria that were presented for tasting. Gourmet’s International was confronted with unanticipated problems which luckily could be resolved in time. More than 50 journalists were present at the press conference, many websites, blogs and journals also promoted the event and amongst the visitors were well known politicians and business people. The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the show cooking with Enrico Derflingher, Italian head chef in Lecco and one of the most famous representatives of the Italian cuisine using simple ingredients. He impressed the guests with his creations which have their origins in the Region of Campania, Carnaroli-Risotto with exquisite Fiano di Avellino wine, Provolone affumicato, a typical smoked cheese from the region, and Penne alla crudaiola with olive oil, basil and buffalo mozzarella.
On 23rd June the event changed to the heart of Moscow, the heart of the Russian Federation, at the world famous Red Square in the rooms and halls of the Historical Museum. More than a thousand visitors showed their interest and enthusiasm for the first class wines and delicacies. Under the visitors were 24 importers with their representatives including the two biggest companies on the Russian market, Alianta Group and Simple Wines, as well as 62 representative from 55 enterprises from the HoReCa sector (hotel, restaurant catering) including many restaurants and wine bars, 282 experts and over 600 gastronomes, wine lovers and gourmets.
Helmuth Köcher’s closing words: “People love the Italian wines and gastronomic produce and the market is very large. This is shown by the steady increase of imported Italian produce on the Russian market. I can happily say that we will definitely be coming back to Moscow for a third time next year.”