We interviewed Giampiero Calzolari, President of Bologna Fiere and of one of the most important brands in Italy, Granarolo. We chatted with him about the trade fair world, its future evolution and how it is a strategic sector to tell the value of Made in Italy in the world.
What is the Role of Bologna Fiere in an International Event to Strengthen the Role of Italian Fairs as Platforms for the Promotion of Made in Italy?
The Bologna Fair is the most internationalized Italian fair among the significant fairs on our planet. For some time we have been carrying out systematic initiatives abroad with some of our brands, and today being here, for us, means presiding over an important fair, but also opening a relationship with the organizers, it means putting ourselves in a dimension of further challenge. Made in Italy is a great resource for our country, those who make fairs know they can count on an important base, taking it to the world is simple but not easy. You have to work constantly to strengthen relationship and integrate with other operators. Here we also participated in the set-ups and we are very satisfied.
What is the key to communicating the value of Italian craftsmanship and excellence in the American market?
Telling the truth. There are many small and medium-sized companies that have been able to meet the international challenge and beyond, maintain an excellent relationship between the tradition of food and the ability of innovation without ever losing the focus on territoriality.
In an ever-changing exhibition world, how is Bologna Fiere changing its approach to attracting international exhibitors and buyers?
We cultivate the communities of our exhibitors, and we are taking a lot of ownership of what is the new feeling going through those who produce. We are at the disposal of industrial districts and we are in a moment of reflection on prospects. The Fair cannot just be a display of the existing but a place where future scenarios made of lights shadows, risks, opportunities are imagined. The Fair is only commercial exchange but also integration of cultures and reflection with respect to the evolution of the short and medium term.
What does it mean for a brand to be here today?
I am also president of an important brand, Granarolo, and we are present here. The United States is a big market, there are important discussions about duties but there is a common feeling between the American consumer and the European tradition, particularly Italian, that makes us consider this a strategic country and on which there is still much to do. Occasions like these are useful to accredit and strengthen the work with commercial and promotional networks.
The article Giampiero Calzolari at New York’s Fancy Food Show: “the Fair is not just an exhibition but a place for perspectives” comes from TheNewyorker.
Vogliamo crescere e ampliare il nostro business alle aziende americane, supportarle qui sul territorio.
L’articolo Veronica Pantone al Fancy Food: “così aiutiamo le aziende a sviluppare e valorizzare il loro capitale umano” proviene da IlNewyorkese.