The tenth edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World opens in New York with a series of initiatives at a pivotal moment for the U.S. food & beverage sector. With the introduction of new tariffs, whose real impact will become clear in the coming months, ITA New York reaffirms its commitment to promoting authentic Italian ingredients and supporting those who bring true Italian culinary culture to the United States.
Under this year’s theme, “Italian Cuisine: Health, Innovation, Culture,” ITA New York is hosting an event on November 20, 2025, in collaboration with the Accademia Italiana della Cucina and the Associazione Professionale Cuochi Italiani (APCI). The gathering will take place at the historic pizzeria Kesté in the Wall Street area of Manhattan, welcoming food-industry professionals and media for a discussion on the connection between Italian cuisine—globally recognized for its quality and health benefits—and the broader cultural identity it represents.
The themes align with Italy’s ongoing candidacy, “Italian Cuisine: Sustainability and Biocultural Diversity,” to be recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, with the official decision expected soon.
Moderated by Davide Ippolito of Il Newyorkese, the panel features:
- Erica Di Giovancarlo, Director of ITA New York
- Roberta Marini de Plano, Accademia Italiana della Cucina
- Damiano Rosella, APCI
- Nunzio Castaldo, Panebianco Wines
- Brian Knight, Orlando Foods
The discussion will be followed by two show-cooking demonstrations: a Neapolitan pizza masterclass by Roberto Caporuscio of Kesté, and a pasta session led by Chefs Fabrizio Facchini (Stellina Restaurant) and Nicola Fedeli (Fasano Restaurant NY).
Celebrating Authentic Italian Products
At the heart of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is the promotion of authentic Italian products—deeply rooted in Italy’s history and tradition—and the fight against Italian Sounding. Two additional initiatives highlight this mission:
• “Il Newyorkese” Video Campaign – in partnership with Coldiretti
A special video produced by Il Newyorkese celebrates a selection of New York restaurateurs who proudly choose genuine Italian products and wines every day, preserving Italy’s culinary heritage.
More than 30 restaurants have joined the digital media campaign, now featured on ITA New York’s Instagram account for the Food & Wine sector and the video will premiere during the event at Kesté.
• National Training Sessions with Eataly
As part of the annual collaboration agreement to promote Italian products worldwide, Eataly has organized eight educational show-cooking sessions across multiple U.S. states: New York, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, and two locations in California.
About the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World
Now in its tenth year, the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is dedicated to celebrating Italy’s agri-food excellence and culinary traditions abroad.
With over 9,500 events held in more than 100 countries over the past seven years, it has become one of the most significant promotional initiatives of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.