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The Best of Italian Design, 7th Edition -October, 21-22
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Location: Coral Gables Country Club
2027 Autentico: the Italian Food & Wine Festival
LOCATION: CORAL GABLES COUNTRY CLUB
990 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134
The Coral Gables Golf and Country Club is an eminent landmark built in 1922, and a pivotal component to the city founder, George Merrick, whose Mediterranean style helped set the tone for the city’s architecture. It is considered to be the first public building in Coral Gables.
The facility boasts a magnificent Grand Ballroom and three satellite unique and charismatic spaces. With stunning crystal chandeliers, spectacular black marble foyers, rich Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, ornate Italian marble columns and cornice molds. The Coral Gables Golf & Country Club is a statement of luxury and sophisticated elegance.
Autentico: The Italian Food & Wine Festival | Spring 2027 – Exhibitors
WHEN Spring 2027 – Dates TBD
WHERE Coral Gables Country Club (990 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134)
THE EVENT
Autentico – the Italian Food & Wine Festival is the only high-end Food & Wine Festival in Miami that mainly focuses on Italian cuisine and flavors.
Autentico unfolds in two parts: an exclusive industry showcase fostering connections between Italian producers and U.S. food and wine professionals, importers, and buyers, followed by a Grand Tasting inviting a select audience of local food enthusiasts to savor and discover exceptional products.
EXHIBITORS
Italian F&B producers, F&B importers, distributors representing Italian brands, and hospitality suppliers
Total stations expected: 40+
VISITORS
Hospitality industry professionals (restaurant owners, chefs, beverage managers, and buyers for hotels and restaurant groups), cruise industry representatives, F&B trade visitors, importers and distributors, influential voices in media (journalists and food vloggers), and discerning local consumers.
Total attendance expected:
- 200+ F&B professionals
- 800+ Food Lovers
LOCATION
The 8th edition of Autentico – the Italian Food & Wine Festival will take place at the Coral Gables Country Club (990 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134).
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LOCATION
PROGRAM
DAY 1: – Orientation Activities (Exhibitors Only)
- 10:30am-12:30pm | ORIENTATION MEETING: INTRODUCTION TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA MARKET
Presentation by U.S market experts + Industry Testimonials
(Optional activity for companies approaching the Florida market for the first time)
- 2:00pm-4:00pm | GROUP VISIT TO GOURMET MARKETS & GROCERY CHAINS
(Optional activity for companies approaching the Florida market for the first time)
- 7:00pm-9:00pm | GOURMET RECEPTION
Featuring Meet & Greet and Speeches by top food & wine distributors
DAY 2: – Event Day
- 2:30pm-4:00pm | TALKS (F&B PROFESSIONALS ONLY)
Seminars on current relevant topics for the Food & Beverage industry
- 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.
- 6:00pm-8:30pm | GRAND TASTING FOR A SELECTED PUBLIC OF FOOD LOVERS
Extraordinary opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products to a public of select food lovers. Chefs from local Italian restaurants will also delight the public with their signature dishes prepared using authentic Italian products.
EXHIBITORS’ OPPORTUNITIES
IF YOU ARE AN ITALIAN FOOD & BEVERAGE PRODUCER
OR AN IMPORTER OF AUTHENTIC ITALIAN PRODUCTS
SEIZE THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
TO SHOWCASE YOUR BRAND:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON EXHIBITING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT
ALESSIA MARCENARO, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MARKETING@IACC-MIAMI.COM
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS REGISTRATION
IF YOU ARE AN IMPORTER/DISTRIBUTOR, RESTAURATEUR, CHEF, GOURMET MARKET OWNER, WINE SHOP OWNER, OR HOSPITALITY BUYER:
COMPLIMENTARY PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN IN 2027
Important note: industry professionals are guaranteed complimentary entrance to the event upon arrival before 5:00 pm
PAST EDITIONS
Below watch the official video of the past editions:
- Autentico: the Italian Food and Wine Festival 2026
- Autentico: The Italian Food and Wine Festival 2025
- Authentic Italian Food & Wine Festival 2024
- Authentic Italian Food & Wine Festival 2023
- Authentic Italian Food & Wine Festival 2022
- Authentic Italian Table – Food & Wine Festival 2019
- Authentic Italian Table 2018
AUTENTICO: THE ITALIAN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Miami, Primavera 2027
Presentazione:
Nel 2024, l’export italiano verso gli USA ha registrato una crescita significativa (+9,8%) rispetto al 2023, con un valore totale di 75 miliardi di dollari, di cui 8.45 miliardi nel settore agroalimentare, confermando il trend positivo degli ultimi anni. In questo contesto, lo Stato della Florida si conferma il terzo mercato per valore delle importazioni di prodotti agroalimentari italiani.
Le esportazioni italiane di prodotti alimentari e vino verso la Florida hanno registrato un significativo aumento del 28% rispetto al 2023, raggiungendo un valore complessivo di 557 milioni di dollari. Il prodotto italiano più esportato in assoluto in Florida è il vino, che da solo vale 253 milioni di dollari, seguito dalle acque minerali con 69 milioni. Al terzo posto troviamo le preparazioni a base di cereali e prodotti da pasticceria, che totalizzano 53 milioni, mentre al quarto posto si posiziona l’olio d’oliva con 49 milioni. Seguono i liquori con 45 milioni, le salse con 21 milioni e la pasta con 20 milioni. Chiudono questa classifica i formaggi, che raggiungono i 13 milioni di dollari, e il caffè con 12,5 milioni di dollari (Fonte ICE). Questa crescita è legata a diversi fattori, tra cui la sempre maggiore attenzione dei consumatori americani alla qualità, genuinità e tracciabilità dei prodotti. La Florida, con i suoi 23,5 milioni di abitanti e oltre 150 milioni di presenze turistiche annuali, rappresenta un mercato in costante espansione e con gusti sempre più sofisticati ed internazionali.
Miami, principale metropoli dello Stato, è ormai riconosciuta come una delle capitali gastronomiche degli Stati Uniti, grazie alla presenza di ristoranti internazionali, celebrity chef, festival culinari e gourmet markets specializzati in prodotti di eccellenza.
Per promuovere ulteriormente le eccellenze enogastronomiche italiane sul mercato di Miami, la Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast organizzerà, nella primavera del 2027, l’ottava edizione dell’evento “Autentico: The Italian Food & Wine Festival”. L’evento prevede la partecipazione di circa 40 espositori e 200 importatori, distributori, ristoratori e chef della Florida, coinvolti in due giornate di incontri, seminari, degustazioni e networking con le aziende italiane presenti.
Per le aziende italiane del settore Food & Wine, questa rappresenta un’opportunità unica per entrare in contatto con controparti commerciali qualificate, esplorare un mercato in crescita e testare i propri prodotti durante il Grand Tasting, aperto al pubblico locale.
Programma della settima edizione di Autentico: The Italian Food & Wine Festival:
Giorno 1 – ATTIVITÀ ORIENTATIVE
- Incontro di orientamento: introduzione al mercato della Florida con esperti di settore americani e testimonianze aziendali di imprese italiane già operative.
- Visita guidata a gourmet market e punti vendita GDO di Miami.
- Gourmet reception: networking con autorità diplomatiche e importatori/distributori selezionati, con focus sui trend di mercato.
Giorno 2 – ATTIVITÀ PROMOZIONALI E COMMERCIALI
- Seminari tematici: approfondimenti sul settore F&B nelle navi da crociera e sull’evoluzione della ristorazione di alta qualità a Miami.
- Sessione Trade: incontri B2B tra espositori e visitatori professionali presso l’area espositiva (riservato ai professionisti del settore).
- Grand Tasting: apertura al pubblico di food lovers, con la partecipazione di ristoranti, pasticcerie e gelaterie che offriranno assaggi ai visitatori. Un’opportunità strategica per le aziende italiane di far conoscere i propri prodotti direttamente ai consumatori finali.
Per maggiori informazioni sull’evento e iscrizioni:
Le aziende italiane interessate a partecipare possono contattare la nostra Camera di Commercio all’indirizzo: marketing@iacc-miami.com
Ente organizzatore:
L’Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE), con sede a Miami, è un’organizzazione statunitense senza scopo di lucro, ufficialmente riconosciuta dal governo italiano, che si dedica alla promozione del commercio tra Stati Uniti e Italia. Fondata nel 1991, la IACCSE fa parte di Assocamerestero, l’associazione delle Camere di Commercio Italiane all’Estero. Conta oltre 320 aziende associate, tra cui alcuni dei marchi più rappresentativi del Made in Italy negli USA. I soci operano in diversi settori, tra cui arredo-casa, ristorazione, meccanica e logistica.
Italic Award Recipients
Italic Award Recipients 2026
The Italic Award honors the “Ambassadors of Made in Italy” who have distinguished themselves for promoting Italian excellence in the American market, shaping and influencing its lifestyle and culture.
The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is proud to announce the Ambassadors of Made in Italy for the 2026 edition:
ANDREA ILLY, CHAIRMAN OF ILLYCAFFE’
Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffe’, will be among the recipients of the prestigious Italic Award at the Italic Award Gala.
Founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1933, illycaffè is recognized worldwide as one of the most iconic symbols of Italian excellence.
With a background in chemistry, Andrea Illy joined the family business in the 80s and later led the company’s international expansion, transforming illycaffè into a global premium brand present today in more than 140 countries.
Under his leadership, the company became internationally admired for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, and among the first Italian companies to achieve B Corp certification.
Through his vision and leadership, Andrea Illy has played a significant role in promoting the excellence of Made in Italy worldwide and strengthening the relationship between Italy and the U.S. market.
VERONICA SQUINZI, CEO OF MAPEI GROUP
Veronica Squinzi, CEO of Mapei Group will be among the recipients of the prestigious Italic Award at the Italic Award Gala.
Founded in 1937, Mapei has grown into one of the world’s leading companies in the field of chemical products for the building industry, with operations in 59 countries, 98 subsidiaries, and 106 production facilities worldwide.
Veronica Squinzi, alongside her brother Marco, represents the third generation of the family leading the company. She has contributed to Mapei’s global development and strategic growth, helping to reinforce its international presence and long-term vision.
Today, the company is recognized globally for its continuous investment in research, innovation, and sustainable development, values that have positioned Mapei as a benchmark of Italian industrial excellence around the world.
Veronica Squinzi’s leadership reflects a modern and international vision of Made in Italy, capable of combining entrepreneurship, innovation, and global impact.
The Italic Award
The Italic Award is an initiative of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE) that honors the “Ambassadors of the Made in Italy” who distinguished themselves by promoting the Italian excellence in the American market influencing its lifestyle and culture.
Italic is the name given to this prestigious award presented by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast as emblem of the Italian essence, craftsmanship and innovation. It has been designed by the renowned Italian designer Dodo Arslan whose eclectic creativity gave birth to unique pieces as well as serial productions, ranging from electronic devices to bronze fusions. His works have been exhibited in various museums around the world.
Every year the Italic Award is realized with different materials for the purpose of promoting the quality of Italian design companies and the work of their artisans.
The Italic Awards from Past Editions
Bronze | created and crafted by Dodo Arslan (2016)
The 2016 Award was conceived and designed by Dodo Arslan and brought to life under his close supervision at De Andreis artistic foundry in Milan, Italy, chosen for the creation of these unique pieces and celebrated for its collaborations with numerous acclaimed artists, including the internationally renowned sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro.
The 2016 Recepients of the Italic Award, celebrated at the Alfred Dupont Building, were:
- Dario Sanidero, President and CEO, Snaidero USA
- Andrea Buccellati, President and Creative Director, Buccellati
Learn about the production process here.
White marble | Crafted by Citco (2018)
The 2018 Award was crafted by CITCO using exquisite Carrara marble, resulting in a piece that perfectly reflects elegance, sophistication, and the excellence of Italian design. CITCO, one of the finest marble expert in italy, collaborates with prestigious clients such as Zaha Hadid Architects, Ron Arad and Norman Foster.
The 2018 Recepients of the Italic Award, celebrated in the Penthouse at Riverside Wharf, were:
- Peter Vittori, Managing Director Florida, Caribbean and Latin American Sales, American Airlines
- Ugo Colombo, Founder, CMC Group
Learn about the production process here.
Acrylic Glass | Crafted by Giovanni Scacchi, Metea (2021)
The 2021 Award has been realized in collaboration with Metea, who has developed the technique and explored the versatility and potential of acrylic glass for international Architects and brands such as Cappellini, Louis Vuitton and Zaha Hadid Architects.
The 2021 Recepients of the Italic Award, celebrated at PortMiami – Carnival Cruise Terminal D, were:
- Richard Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA
- Daniel Fanara, Senior Vice-President Services and New Shipbuilding, Fincantieri
Learn about the production process here.
The Creative Mind Behind the Italic Award
Dodo Arslan is an Italo-Armenian Art Designer, recognized by Taschen among the 90 leading figures of contemporary design, featured in the volume Design Now.
Alongside his work as a light, product, and graphic designer, for over twenty-five years Arslan has developed an intense formal and material research within the field of ArtDesign.
With an international career spanning Europe, the United States, and South America, Arslan has given form to profound values — identity, excellence, memory, and culture — through trophies and sculptures that celebrate outstanding individuals and institutions.
He is the creator of the Italic Award trophy, a recognition conferred upon distinguished Italian personalities in America by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce (IACCSE). Commissioned by the Centenary Foundation (1873) of the Banca Svizzera Italiana, he conceived the Incontro trophy, awarded to Italian and Swiss personalities who have built cultural bridges between Italy and Switzerland. On the occasion of the Centenary of the Italian Air Force, he sculpted Níkē, a work expressing the glory of achievement and triumph, inspired by the celebrated “Goddess of Victory.”
His creations were exhibited in Milan at the Welltech Award in the National Museum of Science and Technology, at the Inside Art event at the Arnaldo Pomodoro Foundation and in various museums and events all over the world. Moreover, two of his pieces are displayed in the permanent collection of the Campari Design Gallery. The Triennale Museum dedicated him “Le Attrazioni della Materia” personal exhibition in 2009.
His creations, auctioned by Pierre Bergé & Associés in Brussels, have entered the international circuit of collectible Art Design.
Arslan has been awarded the Archiproducts Design Award, the ADI Index 2022 and 2023 selections, the Young&Design prize, as well as the Mini Design Award, the Pirelli Pzero Logo competition and the Art Directors Club.
He has conducted courses, workshops and lectures in design faculties in Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Egypt, Macedonia, USA and Sweden.
Among the many collaborations, Arslan has engaged in projects for the Banca Svizzera Italiana, Bimota, Campari, CITCO, Emera, Fonderia Artistica Battaglia, Fonderia Artistica DeAndreis, Hands on Design, Italy-America Chamber of Commerce, Jacuzzi, Mandelli 1953, Pirelli PZero, Riva1920, Taurini, Terzani, ToBeUS, UNIQ- Ǝ !, UPGroup and Venini.
Prior to founding the Dodo Arslan Studio, he gained experience at Studio & Partners (N. Bewick, M. De Lucchi, T. Fritze, E. Torri) for Deutsche Post, British American Tobacco and Zumtobel Staff achieving the Design Plus award and in the Continuum studio (Milan-Boston-Seoul) for Motorola, Hewlett Packard, Elan, Voelkl and Samsung, winning the Good Design Award and the KIDA Grand Prize.
Italic Award Gala – IACCSE 35th Anniversary Celebration
WHEN
Saturday– December 12, 2026
WHERE
JW Marriott Marquis (Downtown Miami)
255 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL, 33131
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
THE EVENT
The Italic Award Gala is a celebration of Italian excellence and the enduring relationship between Italy and the United States.
Hosted by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast in Miami, this special edition of the Gala will also commemorate the Chamber’s 35th Anniversary, bringing together prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, institutions, and community stakeholders for an evening of recognition, networking, and celebration.
Featuring the presentation of the prestigious Italic Award, distinguished speakers, and an authentic Italian hospitality experience, the Gala offers sponsors a unique opportunity to engage with an influential audience while aligning their brand with excellence and international business leadership.
Strategically scheduled just days before Miami welcomes world leaders and international delegations for the G20 Summit, the Gala takes place at a moment when global attention is focused on the region, offering sponsors an exceptional platform to enhance their presence and connect with a highly influential audience.
Watch here the highlights from the Italic Award Gala for 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Italy America Chamber of Commerce Southeast in 2021:
EVENT DETAILS
BECOME A SPONSOR
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your brand.
VENUE
The Italic Award Gala for the 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Italy America Chamber of Commerce Southeast will be held at the elegant and prestigious JW Marriot Marquis in the heart of downtown.
ITALIC AWARD
Learn about the award.
ITALIC AWARD RECIPIENTS
Find out more about the recipients of the 2026 Italic Award by clicking on the button below.
DINNER EXPERIENCE
Italian-style dinner in collaboration with Michelin-starred
Chef and signature wine pairings.
SILENT AUCTION
Register for our silent auction and bid on a broad selection of prices.