Tuscan food producers will have an opportunity to connect with international markets as BuyFood Toscana returns to Florence on October 28 and 29, bringing together 58 local businesses and 45 buyers from more than 20 countries.
Now in its eighth edition, the event promotes Tuscany’s certified food and agricultural products, including those bearing the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) labels alongside organic produce and other regional quality certifications. More than 600 business-to-business meetings have already been scheduled, with 27 buyers attending for the first time.
The programme was presented this morning at Palazzo Strozzi Sacrati by Tuscany regional president Eugenio Giani and regional councillor for agriculture, tourism and the economy Leonardo Marras.
“BuyFood Toscana is an established instrument of our agricultural and food policy,” said Marras. “The region does not simply recognize and protect designations; it accompanies businesses where their future is decided, namely international markets.” The event, he added, demonstrates the growing appeal of Tuscan certified products to new international partners, while highlighting the connection between agricultural production, landscape protection and local communities.
Five tours organized by the Florence Chamber of Commerce, the North-West Tuscany Chamber of Commerce and the Chianti Classico Olive Oil Consortium will give visiting buyers the opportunity to explore the region’s production traditions and discover the processes behind its food specialities. On October 28, the Tuscan Olive Oil PGI Consortium will hold a masterclass for students at Florence’s Aurelio Saffi hospitality institute, led by chef Mattia Barciulli. From October 28 to November 1, the third edition of the Week of Tuscan DOP and IGP Products in 100 Restaurants, organized by the QuORe association, will invite participating restaurants across the region to showcase certified specialities on their menus.
