The Georgia Chapter of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast will celebrate Italian National Day with a special networking cocktail organized in collaboration with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.
The reception will bring together board members of the Gwinnett Chamber, representatives of the Coordination Committee of the IACCSE Georgia Chapter, IACCSE members, and the Honorary Consul of Italy in Georgia, Filiberto Garascibetta.
This gathering will offer a valuable opportunity for our current members to connect with prominent representatives of the Gwinnett business community, while enjoying an evening in celebration of the Italian Republic and the strong ties between Italy and Georgia.
The Chamber is also planning additional initiatives in June, including a roundtable dedicated to tariffs and duties, featuring a best-practice exchange among CEOs members of our Chamber.
Stay tuned for more details.
You can reach Ludovica Guglielmo, Project manager, for the IACCSE – Georgia Chapter at: atl@iaccse.com .
The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is pleased to announce that the Italic Award Gala will take place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the prestigious JW Marriott Marquis in Downtown Miami.
This year’s Gala will be a truly special occasion, celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Chamber and honoring its longstanding commitment to strengthening business ties between Italy and the United States. The event will also coincide with the celebration of the G20 Summit, adding further significance to this important milestone.
The evening promises to be a spectacular event, featuring many surprises and exceptional guest speakers, including some of the most prominent Italian entrepreneurs on the global stage, soon to be revealed.
In the coming weeks, the Chamber will share additional details regarding sponsorship opportunities and corporate tables.
The Board of Directors of the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast is delighted to invite members, partners, and friends to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable evening.
CBP launched the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) April 20, 2026, as Phase 1 only for unliquidated entries and liquidated entries within 80 days of liquidation.
CBP also specified the actions required for requesting refunds:
The Importer of Record (IOR) and its customs broker must have an ACE account.
ACH must be set up in ACE.
The IOR or its customs broker must submit the request for refund (CAPE Declaration) via CAPE in the ACE system.
The CAPE Declaration must be submitted as a .CSV file in ACE.
The CAPE Declaration template will be available in the ACE system.
Once the CAPE Declaration has been processed and validated by CBP, ACE will liquidate or reliquidate the entries by removing the IEEPA HTS codes.
Refunds will be issued directly to the IOR’s bank account recorded in ACE or to a party the IOR has designated to receive refunds on its behalf via CBP Form.
Lastly, after the CAPE Declaration is accepted by CBP, refunds will be issued within 60 to 90 days.
What Importers Should Do:
If not already created, create an ACE account immediately
Register to receive refunds via ACH using your U.S. bank account
Prepare an ACE report covering all entries with IEEPA duties (including the liquidation dates)
For Phase I refund requests, Prepare a CAPE Declaration consisting of a .CSV (comma-separated values) file containing only entry numbers, and only entry numbers 1) for which IEEPA duties were paid, and 2) that are unliquidated or liquidated less than 80 days prior to the date the Declaration will be submitted.
RSVP FOR THE B2B SESSION BY CLICKING ON THE BUTTON BELOW – TRADE ONLY
Complimentary invitation for: restaurateurs, chefs, beverage managers, general managers, buyers at hotels and cruise industry, importers and distributors, gourmet markets and retail chains
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 – the Italian Food & Wine Festival presents two different sessions: the first one for food & wine professionals only, is meant to facilitate the interactions between Italian producers and U.S. buyers, while the second part of the event is a Grand Tasting, an opportunity for exhibitors to present their products to a selected public of local food lovers.
Hospitality industry (restaurant owners, chefs, beverage managers, buyers at hotels and restaurant chains), Cruise Industry, F&B visitors, F&B importers and distributors, influencers (journalists and food bloggers), and local consumers.
Total attendance expected:
200+ F&B professionals (2:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
800+ Food Lovers (6:00 pm – 8:30 pm)
LOCATION
The 7th edition of Autentico – the Italian Food & Wine Festival will take place at the Coral Gables Country Club (990 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134).
DAY 1: (Tuesday April 29th) – Orientation Activities (Exhibitors Only)
DAY TWO: Wednesday April 29th – Event Day
2:30pm-3:15pm | TALKS (F&B PROFESSIONALS ONLY)
Italian Food and Wine in the U.S.: Growth Opportunities Amid Today’s Challenges — Logistics, Tariffs, and Competition
As the U.S. market continues to evolve, Italian food and beverage brands are navigating an increasingly complex landscape shaped by shifting consumer preferences, rising competition, operational challenges, and mounting cost pressures across the supply chain.
This panel brings together leaders from hospitality and food distribution to explore how demand for Italian products is developing across different channels.
From retail shelves to dining experiences, speakers will share insights into where opportunities are emerging, how purchasing decisions are changing, and why premium Italian products continue to stand out when supported by authenticity, consistency, and strong market positioning.
Panelists:
John Flora – President, Flora Foods
Mario Martinez – Director, Procurement & Logistics – Aman at Sea
Alfredo Picardi, Corporate Director of Operations and Quality Assurance, MDM Hotel Group
Carolina Cossu, Director of Sales Southeast USA, Ethica Wines North America & Asia-Pacific
Carlo Lascialfare, VP Client Relations North America, Corpay
Moderator: Tommaso Cardana – President – Tomson Hospitality
3:15pm-3:45pm | CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION PRESENTATION (F&B PROFESSIONALS ONLY)
3:30pm-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 While tasting authentic Italian products and signature dishes, guests will have the opportunity to get to know more closely Italian culture and culinary tradition.
Following the Supreme Court’sruling that invalidated IEEPA-based tariffs, all importers of record who paid these duties are entitled to refunds. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is processing refunds, including for entries already liquidated, by recalculating duties without the IEEPA charges. Importers should monitor their Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) accounts for refunds, which include interest. CBP had collected approximately $166 billion in duties and deposits associated with these IEEPA tariffs and thousands of importers have brought claims seeking recovery of the amounts paid.
Key Details on IEEPA Tariff Refunds:
Eligibility: All importers of record who paid IEEPA-authorized tariffs (e.g., Section 301 tariffs) are eligible for refunds, not just those who filed lawsuits.
Process: CBP is directed to liquidate or reliquidate entries “without regard” to IEEPA tariffs. The process involves filing declarations in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system.
Scope: The refund covers over 53 million entries, including over 60% that were informal, indicating a broad application.
Action Required: While some refunds may be automatic, experts advise importers to review their entry records, identify IEEPA-paid entries, and ensure protests are filed within 180 days of liquidation if not already covered. an automatic refund system is not yet fully in place, and the process may move forward with some complications.
Downstream Customers: Companies that passed these tariff costs to customers may face litigation from those customers seeking to recover their share of the refund.
Interest: Refunds will include interest, which must be accounted for in financial and tax filings.
Documentation: Accurate documentation of the paid IEEPA duties is crucial for securing the full refund amount. Gather the relevant documentation, including Entry Summaries (CBP Form 7501), proof of payment, and the tariff classifications applied.
For the most up-to-date information, consulting with legal counsel specializing in international trade is recommended.
Uneven Performance of Italian Exports To The United States in 2025
The first data published on Italian exports to the United States during 2025 point to a highly uneven situation across sectors, partly due to the impact of tariffs introduced by the U.S. federal government on foreign products.
According to an analysis by Italian Institute of Statistics, ISTAT , the aggregate figures show an overall 7.2% increase in Italian exports to the United States in 2025, which remain the second most important market for Italy, after Germany. However, this positive figure masks a more complex reality. The growth has been driven almost entirely by the sharp increase in pharmaceutical exports, which surged by 54%, reaching €15.7 billion and accounting for 22.7% of Italy’s total exports to the U.S.
When this pharmaceutical effect is excluded, the picture changes significantly. Italian exports would show an overall decline of 1.7%, equivalent to about €863 million less.
Among the sectors most affected are several pillars of Italian manufacturing. The automotive sector declined by 18.5%(–€655 million), agri-food exports fell by 4.5% (–€348 million), wood and furniture dropped by 8.2%, and machinery declined by 3.4%. By contrast, the fashion sector—including textiles, clothing, and leather goods—proved more resilient, posting a 2.4% increase and reaching €5.7 billion.
In 2025, there were also significant increases in exports of ships to the United States (+111%) and aircraft and related components (+290%), sectors characterized by high value-added products and longer production cycles.
Aggregate data from the United States Census Bureau, however, show a different figures and somewhat different picture. In 2025, U.S. exports to Italy rose to $43.7 billion (up from $32.4 billion in 2024), while U.S. imports from Italy declined slightly to $74.4 billion, compared to $76.3 billion the previous year. As a result, the trade surplus in Italy’s favor, while still substantial, narrowed from $44.0 billion in 2024 to $30.8 billion in 2025. These figures refer exclusively to trade in goods and are expressed in nominal U.S. dollars.
Cuorebello is an Italian company that offers an innovative line of multifancional products for gelato, soft serve ice cream, and frappès. Cuorebello is produced in Italy, the home of great gelato, using state-of-the-art automated facilities, while meeting global food industry standards. The controlled-humidity, high-barrier protective packaging ensures a level of quality that no UHT process can guarantee. Logistic and warehousing strongly reduce the final profitability. Infact, in our case, only 30% of the weight needed for the final product is transported and stored, all at room temperature with a 24-month shelf life.
A finest Italian and International wines selection, to represent the essence of wine around the world. Dionis Srl represents wineries that share our passion for excellence and the desire to grow in international markets. Their strength lies in building lasting relationships based on trust, tangible results, and a deep understanding of the global wine industry. Dionis will represent the following wineries at Autentico 2026: Vignamadre, Donna di Coppe, Anna Spinato, Orefice Vini, Gobbi & Mannocchi, Giarola, Gozzi, Bosco, La Sala del Torriano, Menegola, Siridia and Leone/Gaglierano.
LaRocca International Coffee is based in Boca Raton, Florida, and operates in the coffee sector, supplying products and services to the restaurant and hospitality industry. The company was founded by Claudio La Rocca, whose experience in fine Italian artisan coffees spans several decades.
LaRocca provides a range of coffee products, including single-serve capsules, pods, ground coffee, and whole beans, along with Italian espresso machines and related technical support services. The company also offers installation, maintenance, and assistance through trained technicians.
Palimex is an export company specializing in ready-to-eat vegetable snacks. The company offers convenient, healthy products made from carefully selected vegetables, combining Italian culinary tradition with modern snacking trends. Sfiziosi Snack delivers flavorful and practical options for consumers seeking nutritious and authentic Italian snacks.
Pfitscher Srl is a family-owned company specialized in the production of authentic Speck Alto Adige PGI. Since 1980, the company has combined traditional artisanal methods with technological innovation to create high-quality cured meats with a distinctive and recognizable flavor. With a strong focus on craftsmanship, quality, and reliability, Pfitscher represents the passion and expertise behind the excellence of Italian charcuterie.
Prime Line Distributors was founded in 1981 in South Florida by Mr. Gianni Landi, an immigrant from Italy. Mr. Landi brought with him the rich culinary traditions and food culture of the Old World. His philosophy has always been that cooking is an art, and appreciating the quality and distinction of authentic foods is essential. From the very beginning, Prime Line has been a pioneer in imported specialty foods in Florida. The company was among the first to introduce unique products to the market such as artisanal imported cheeses, fine cured meats and charcuterie, extra virgin olive oils, aged vinegars, imported pastas, truffles, wild mushrooms, San Marzano tomatoes, specialty rice, premium flours, ancient grains, Italian espresso, and many other exceptional products. Prime Line delivers daily through its own fleet of refrigerated trucks, serving customers from its divisions located in New York City, South and Central Florida, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. They also ship nationwide and export to the Caribbean and Latin America. Today, their catalog features more than 3,500 products. Prime Line remains a family-owned and operated business led by the Landi family and a senior management team with extensive experience in the specialty food industry. They serve some of the finest restaurants, award-winning chefs, five-star hotels, gourmet markets, cafés, and luxury cruise lines.
Sparkling Rocco produces a refreshing non-alcoholic aperitif crafted from red-fleshed apples grown in the region. Inspired by the Italian aperitivo culture, the brand offers a vibrant alcohol-free alternative made from natural apple juice and gently carbonated to enhance its fresh and fruity character. Combining local apple tradition with a modern approach, Sparkling Rocco delivers a unique and sophisticated aperitif experience.
Alicon, a family-owned seafood company based in Sciacca, Sicily, has been specializing in anchovy preservation since 1969. Now in its third generation, the company is recognized for producing high-quality anchovies sourced exclusively from the Sicilian and Spanish coasts. Processed within 24–48 hours of catch, the anchovies are carefully selected, hand-cleaned, and matured in brine following traditional artisanal methods. Alicon remains one of the few companies still directly managing the production of salted and oil-preserved fish, ensuring authenticity, quality, and compliance with European standards.
Frantoio Galantino, a family-owned olive oil producer since 1926, is based in Bisceglie, Apulia, Italy. They cultivate over 15,000 olive trees on a 47-hectare estate and produce high-quality extra virgin olive oils using traditional, cold-press methods with granite millstones. Their range includes organic, PDO-certified, and flavored oils, all certified for sustainability, innovation, and exceptional quality.
Founded in Italy, Clai is an agricultural cooperative operating in the pork supply chain, managing all stages from farming and animal care to processing and distribution. Through a fully integrated and controlled production system, the company ensures product traceability, quality, and respect for animal welfare, delivering fresh meat and cured products rooted in Italian tradition.
Founded in Italy in 1905 and headquartered in Bologna, Fabbri 1905 is a family-owned company renowned for its premium food ingredients, including the iconic Amarena cherries, fruit syrups, and products for gelato, pastry, and beverage applications. Now in its fifth generation, the company combines tradition and innovation to serve both consumers and professionals, distributing over 1,000 products in more than 100 countries and representing a global benchmark of Italian sweet food excellence.
Founded in Italy in 1956 and headquartered in Reggio Emilia, Ferrarini S.p.A. is one of Europe’s leading producers of cured meats, offering a wide range of traditional Italian products distributed worldwide. The company is renowned for its Prosciutto Cotto, Prosciutto di Parma DOP, mortadella, and salami, all crafted following authentic regional recipes and long-standing production expertise. With production facilities rooted in key gastronomic regions of Italy and a strong commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation, Ferrarini represents a benchmark of Italian food excellence and the Made in Italy heritage.
Galbusera is an Italian company founded in 1938 in Valtellina, specializing in the production of high-quality biscuits and baked goods. Rooted in a strong family tradition, the company combines craftsmanship with a focus on innovation to meet a wide range of nutritional needs. Galbusera is committed to promoting well-being through balanced recipes made with carefully selected ingredients, such as whole and minimally refined flours, high oleic sunflower oil, and free-range Italian eggs. With a diverse portfolio of products, the company continues to uphold its values of quality, authenticity, and respect for both people and the environment.
GB Group is a consultancy company dedicated to the exclusive representation of Italian food manufacturers in the North American market. The company supports Italian brands in expanding their presence abroad by providing strategic guidance, market expertise, and tailored solutions. Acting as a bridge between producers and international partners, GB Group promotes the excellence of Made in Italy products while helping clients navigate distribution, positioning, and growth opportunities in the U.S. and beyond.
Bibanesi are crunchy breadsticks made with selected, quality flours, extra virgin olive oil and natural ingredients. Hand-stretched one by one, left to rise for a long time and baked slowly, they enclose the taste of traditional Italian craftsmanship, without preservatives, additives or artificial flavors. A simple and flavor-rich product, available in many varieties for every palate.
Monini is a renowned Italian company specializing in the production of premium extra virgin olive oils. With a history dating back to 1920, Monini offers a range of high-quality oils sourced from the finest Italian olives. The company is committed to sustainability and innovation, ensuring that each product maintains the rich tradition of Italian olive oil craftsmanship. Monini’s products are celebrated for their distinctive flavors and health benefits, particularly their antioxidant-rich qualities.
Oleum Sicilia is an organization of Sicilian olive oil producers, bringing together over 3,000 farms and more than 600 associated producers through cooperatives. Based in San Cipirello, in the province of Palermo, the company manages all stages of the supply chain—from production and selection to bottling and distribution—ensuring full traceability and consistent quality. Oleum Sicilia offers a wide range of products, including Organic, IGP Sicilia, and DOP-certified oils such as Val di Mazara and Monte Etna. Committed to sustainability and the promotion of authentic Made in Italy, the organization exports worldwide, showcasing the excellence of Sicilian olive oil.
Founded in Italy in 1948 and headquartered near Naples, Passalacqua S.p.A. is a family-owned coffee roasting company renowned for preserving the tradition of Neapolitan coffee. Now in its fourth generation, the company selects high-quality Arabica and Robusta beans from 14 countries and crafts premium blends through a careful roasting process rooted in artisanal expertise. With over 70 years of history, Passalacqua combines tradition, quality, and passion to deliver authentic Italian coffee appreciated worldwide.
Polara is an Italian beverage company founded in 1953 in Modica, Sicily, specializing in the production of traditional soft drinks inspired by the island’s flavors. Rooted in a strong family heritage, the company creates beverages such as gassosa, spuma, chinotto, and citrus-based drinks using carefully selected ingredients and original recipes. Combining artisanal tradition with continuous innovation, Polara has expanded its product range while maintaining its authentic Sicilian identity. Today, the company distributes its beverages in around 50 countries, serving both retail and Ho.Re.Ca. channels and promoting the unique taste and culture of Sicily worldwide.
Tartuflanghe brings the authentic taste of Italy’s prized truffles to the world through gourmet products crafted in the heart of the Langhe region. With roots in Alba and over 40 years of experience, the brand blends tradition with innovation in a wide range of truffle-based specialties. From truffle oils and sauces to snacks and condiments, each product reflects a commitment to quality and culinary excellence. Tartuflanghe sources premium ingredients and employs artisanal techniques to preserve the rich, earthy flavors of the truffle.
Tre Marie is an Italian brand specializing in premium baked goods, particularly traditional leavened products such as panettone and pandoro. The company is known for its careful selection of ingredients and the use of slow, natural leavening processes that enhance flavor, softness, and aroma. Combining craftsmanship with attention to quality, Tre Marie offers a range of products that reflect the excellence of Italian pastry tradition, appreciated both in Italy and abroad.
ALLIED SPONSORS
Corpay is a global corporate payments company that simplifies business expenses through automated payment solutions. It is publicly traded on the NYSE under the ticker CPAY and is a member of the S&P 500. The company provides services in corporate payments, vehicle payments, and lodging payments, helping businesses manage expenses like fuel, tolls, parking, and workforce lodging.
Complimentary invitation for: restaurateurs, chefs, beverage managers, general managers, buyers at hotels and cruise industry, importers and distributors, gourmet markets and retail chains
The Grand Tasting is open to the general public for $85++ a ticket.
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 – the Italian Food & Wine Festival presents two different sessions: the first one for food & wine professionals only, is meant to facilitate the interactions between Italian producers and U.S. buyers, while the second part of the event is a Grand Tasting, an opportunity for exhibitors to present their products to a selected public of local food lovers.
EXHIBITORS
Italian F&B producers, F&B importers, and distributors representing Italian brands, hospitality suppliers
Hospitality industry (restaurant owners, chefs, beverage managers, buyers at hotels and restaurant chains), Cruise Industry, F&B visitors, F&B importers and distributors, influencers (journalists and food bloggers), and local consumers.
Total attendance expected:
200+ F&B professionals (2:30 pm – 6:00 pm)
800+ Food Lovers (6:00 pm – 8:30 pm)
LOCATION
The 7th edition of Autentico – the Italian Food & Wine Festival will take place at the Coral Gables Country Club (990 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134).
DAY 1: (Tuesday April 29th) – Orientation Activities (Exhibitors Only)
————————————————————————————————————
DAY TWO:Wednesday April 29th – Event Day
2:00pm-3:30pm | TALKS (F&B PROFESSIONALS ONLY)
Italian Food in the U.S. in 2026: Where Demand Is Growing Despite Tariffs — and Why Premium Still Wins
As tariffs, logistics costs, and price sensitivity continue to reshape the U.S. imported food market, which Italian categories are most exposed, and which are still showing strong growth? This panel will bring together importers, distributors, brokers, and buyers to discuss how demand is evolving across retail, foodservice, and specialty channels, and why premium Italian products can still succeed when supported by authenticity, brand strength, and the right market positioning.
· which Italian categories are under the most pressure from tariffs and costs,
· which categories are proving more resilient,
· where buyers still see room for growth, especially for premium and differentiated products.
3:30pm-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.
FULL EXHIBITORS DIRECTORY COMING SOON
6:00pm-8:30pm | GRAND TASTING FOR A SELECTED PUBLIC OF FOOD LOVERS While tasting authentic Italian products and signature dishes, guests will have the opportunity to get to know more closely Italian culture and culinary tradition.
The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE) invites all its members to participate in our upcoming M&A Workshop in Miami and Atlanta, designed for executives, CFOs, and legal and finance leaders navigating cross-border transactions between Italy and the United States.
For many Italian companies, acquisitions are the fastest path to scale in the U.S.—accessing customers, talent, distribution, production capacity, or strategic know-how. This workshop is designed to provide a practical, executive-level playbook on how to:
Define an acquisition strategy and identify the right targets
Understand valuation, deal terms, and financing options in the U.S. market
Navigate legal, tax, and due diligence priorities in cross-border deals
Execute post-merger integration and deliver growth after closing
Dates & format (same in both cities):
Miami:Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM
FIBA – Financial & International Business Association: 80 SW 8th Street, Suite 2170, Miami 33130
Atlanta:Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 PM
Georgia Chamber of Commerce : 270 Peachtree St., NW – Suite 2200 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Each event includes a 2-hour workshop followed by a cocktail networking reception.
Four expert speakers from the firms: Rödl, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, Barakat + Bossa, and Greenberg Traurig, will each deliver a 25-minute presentation, followed by a live moderated Q&A to address real-world challenges faced by companies operating across borders.
