With an annual production of millions of tons of fruits and vegetables, Italy is one of the world’s leading exporters of high-quality horticultural products. The presence of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) labels emphasizes the country’s commitment in preserving agricultural traditions and promoting authentic products.
This narrative is enhanced by I Love Italian Food and its network, in collaboration with seven Consortia for the protection of Italian horticultural products. Together, they have created a three-year video storytelling project that goes beyond simply praising the goodness of these excellences, offering an innovative perspective through video recipes and storytelling.
The IGP Green Asparagus from Altedo, PGI Sour Cherry from Vignola, PGI Peach and Nectarine from Romagna, IGP Lusia Salad, IGP Pear from Emilia Romagna, PGI Red Radicchio from Treviso and Castelfranco Veneto, and PGI Chioggia Radicchio are the protagonists of the videos that have revealed the multiple facets and stories behind these treasures of Italian agriculture.
Partner for the third consecutive year, I Love Italian Food has expanded the project this year by introducing mixology and involving seven renowned Italian bartenders, selected from the regions of origin of the protected products. The goal of “Vite e Terra,” the title of this format, is to provide new interpretations and usage suggestions for PGI products, offering consumers an innovative way to appreciate these Italian excellences.
Each bartender involved in the project has created an original cocktail with one of the seven horticultural products as the main ingredient. Their creations are an ode to creativity and skill, offering an unusual and delightful perspective on Italian flavors through the fascinating lens of mixology.
Seven “works of art in a glass,” each dedicated to a unique story, underline the versatility and richness of these protected Italian products. They demonstrate that tradition can harmoniously coexist with innovation in a unique sensory journey that has increased consumer awareness of these horticultural excellences.
Scroll through the gallery below to discover all the cocktails!
A special thanks to the bartenders who created the featured cocktails in the project:
- Pera dell’Emilia Romagna IGP – Samuele Campanini, Jigger Spirit & Cucina (Reggio Emilia)
- Asparago Verde di Altedo IGP – Francesco Trimigno, Emporio 1920 (Bologna)
- Ciliegia di Vignola IGP – Andrea Lazzaretti, Ex Spaccio delle Carceri (Modena)
- Pesca e Nettarina di Romagna IGP – Michael Limoni, Botanico (Faenza)
- Pera dell’Emilia Romagna IGP – Enrico Scarzella, Velluto (Bologna)
- Radicchio di Chioggia IGP – Riccardo De Bei, Bartender School MB (Chioggia)
- Radicchio Rosso di Treviso IGP – Nicola Toniolo, Cloakroom Cocktail Lab by Samuele Ambrosi (Treviso)
