To mark the 8th week of Italian Cuisine in the World, ICCO Canada is organizing a series of exciting events. Our aim is not only to showcase exquisite products from Italy but also to cultivate a sense of belonging and pride within the Italian-Canadian community. Through these events, we hope to create a platform that not only celebrates the rich flavours of Italy but also fosters a sense of unity and connection within our local community.

Masterclass: The Flavours of Tuscany

ICCO Canada is excited to welcome Finocchiona PGI, Prosciutto Toscano PDO, Pecorino Toscano PDO and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Toscano PGI during the 2023 Week of Italian Cuisine. These Tuscan excellences will be presented to a selected group of media, influencers and industry representatives in an exclusive masterclass during which Chef Roberto Fracchioni will explain the qualities and characteristics of each product and suggest how to incorporate them in various dishes. This project is supported by Regione Toscana.

November 15, 2023 |@ 12 pm

Nella Cucina

Admission is free, only limited seats available.

Contact us before Nov 11th >>

Masterclass: Flour Types and their Use

On the occasion of the 2023 Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, ICCO Canada is organizing the masterclass "Flour Types and their Use" in collaboration with Molino Bruno, an Italian company from the beautiful Calabria Region. During the masterclass attendees will get in-depth insights into Molino Bruno's flour varieties, they will experience hands-on demonstrations by seasoned chefs followed by tasting sessions showcasing the versatility of Italian flour.

November 16, 2023 |@ 12 pm

The Chefs' House, George Brown College

Admission is free, only limited seats available.

Contact us before Nov 11th >>

ICCO Unico Primo Pentola d'Oro Awards

Only a few spots left to attend the 11th edition of the ICCO Unico Primo Pentola D'Oro Awards 2023. Do not miss the chance of a night of celebration and good food!

Please remember to use the code ICCOMembersPdO23 to get a discount for our members.

The ICCO Unico Primo Pentola d’Oro Awards gala promotes the excellence of Italian cuisine and its centuries-old traditions of rich flavours, regional diversity, and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The event is a celebration of Ontario’s food and beverage industry that recognizes the lasting impact of exceptional leaders who have dedicated their lives to creating remarkable businesses and contributing to the growth and success of the industry.

The food and beverage industry nourishes us, satisfies our taste buds, and fuels our social gatherings. It constantly evolves, driven by innovation and the changing demands of consumers. The Pentola d’Oro aims to provide a platform to not only recognize the achievements of great leaders but also to learn from one another and forge new partnerships that could shape the future of this dynamic industry.

The event creates a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere by bringing together stakeholders such as restaurants, suppliers, grocery and beverage experts, packaging innovators, delivery providers, media, influencers, food writers, and bloggers.



Contact us for more information>>

PENTOLA D'ORO AWARD

sponsored by Pizza Nova

Dino Bianco

Chief Executive Officer - Kruger Products Inc.

Dino Bianco, currently the Chief Executive Officer of Kruger Products | Produits Kruger since March 9, 2018, boasts an illustrious career with notable achievements.

His experience spans finance, sales, marketing, and senior management, primarily with Kraft Foods, where he led The Kraft Heinz Company Canada as President, overseeing 23 brands, 11 facilities, and more than 5,000 employees. He also excelled as President of Kraft's U.S. Beverage division in Chicago, driving substantial growth and innovation. His strong ties with North American retailers are reflected in his recognition with the "Golden Pencil" award from the Food Industry Association of Canada.

Mr. Bianco holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. He has served on the boards of Welbit Foodservice and Andrew Peller Limited.

ITALY-CANADA AWARD

sponsored by Fortinos

David Rocco

International Celebrity Chef and Executive Producer

International Celebrity Chef and Executive Producer, David Rocco brings his passion for food, travel and adventure to millions of homes through his worldwide hit television programs David Rocco's Dolce Vita, and his spin-off shows; Dolce India, Dolce Africa, Dolce Italia, Dolce SE Asia and David Rocco's Dolce HomeMade coming this fall. Author of three Internationally Bestselling cookbooks, Chef Rocco will launch his own line of pasta and sauces across Canada and the US later this year. In the summer of 2021, David opened his first Canadian establishment, David Rocco - Bar Aperitivo in Toronto's Yorkville neighbourhood making it on Canada's 100 Best Restaurant list. A global celebrity, David is seen in over 100 countries around the world– including National Geographic, Fox Life, Food Network and Cooking Channel, BBC Food, Hola! TV, and TLN. David has been a trailblazer in food television, breaking down barriers and stereotypes to bring cultures together through the love of sharing a meal. 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

sponsored by Jan K. Overweel

Paul Spagnuolo

GM Pane Fresco and Meat Production Facility

Loblaw Companies Limited

Paul Spagnuolo joined the Retail Grocery business at Fortinos Supermarket Ltd (co-founded in 1961 by his parents) in Hamilton, Ontario. Progressing through various roles within Fortinos, Paul quickly became a vital part of its success as the VP of Procurement and Merchandising along with his team. In 1998 Paul moved to Loblaws Inc. to assume the role of Vice President (VP) of Procurement focused on Ethnic Foods, Supplies, and Health Foods. In 2003 he became the VP of Procurement for Bakery and Seafood. He moved throughout the business for several years until 2010 when he became the GM of the Pane Fresco Commissary shifting his focus to gathering a great team to create and implement the Pane Fresco concept within Fortinos stores. In 2014, Paul took on the additional responsibility of the Fortinos Meat Production Facility – which began with his father’s (Umberto Spagnuolo) sausage recipe – still authentically a staple today. 

BUONISSIMO AWARD

sponsored by City of Vaughan

Fil Bucchino

International Extra Vergin Olive Oil Expert & Founder

Abandoned Grove

Florence-born, Toronto-based Fil Bucchino is a globally-renowned extra virgin olive oil expert, accredited professional taster, and passionate advocate for over two decades. As the founder of Abandoned Grove, he produces premium extra virgin olive oil from rejuvenated groves, with over 5,000 trees now thriving. Fil's work extends to hosting and co-producing the award-winning documentary "Obsessed with Olive Oil" Recognized with the AIRO "2023 Olive Oil Personality" award, he frequently collaborates with institutions like Yale University and is a sought-after international speaker and olive oil contest judge across four continents. Fil stands as the sole Canadian recognized in the Italian Directory of Virgin and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Experts and one of four North Americas listed in the ONAOO International Register.

BEST SIGNATURE COCKTAIL AWARD

Massimo Zitti

Mother Cocktail Bar; Host Secret Diners; World Class Canada

Massimo Zottu, known as Massi, has a profound passion for the hospitality industry, having embarked on this journey from a young age and worked in seven different countries. He's not only the proud owner of Mother Cocktail Bar, which ranked 37th in the 50 Best Bars North America Awards, but he's also the World Class Canadian Champion of 2022 and a dedicated coach, helping Jacob Martin achieve global victory in the same competition in 2023. For Massi, hospitality is an art, and he blends it with hard work and genuine warmth to create a humble and authentic guest experience.

MISTRESS OF CERIMONY

Camille Arcese (@camicooks)

Camille Arcese - best known as @camicooks - courageously shifted from a thriving modelling career in 2011 to pursue her culinary passion at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Her journey led her to become a private chef in various cities, collaborating with major brands, and achieving her dream of appearing on TV. While not Italian by birth but by marriage, Camille has always cherished Italian cuisine.

Her culinary style is all about simplicity, uniting people with love-infused food. Her next endeavour? Penning her first cookbook and embarking on more culinary adventures.

GRAZIE MILLE TO OUR SPONSORS!

CELEBRATING THE

8th WEEK OF ITALIAN CUISINE IN THE WORLD

The "Week of Italian Cuisine in the World" is a project dedicated to celebrating Italian culinary excellence on a global scale. Going beyond geographical boundaries, this celebration delves into the worldwide popularity of Italian food and drinks, emphasizing the international success of the "Made in Italy" brand. In doing so, it brings attention to the diverse and rich tapestry of traditions and flavours that define Italy's gastronomy. This event doesn't merely highlight the exceptional taste of Italian dishes; it also spotlights the high-quality agri-food products that play a defining role in shaping Italy's culinary heritage.

At the heart of this celebration lies the "The Extraordinary Italian Taste" project, a mission to unveil the eno-gastronomic traditions of each Italian region. More than a dietary model, the project promotes the Mediterranean Diet as a lifestyle, promoting well-being and balance. It serves as an educational platform empowering food enthusiasts to appreciate the authenticity of Italian products, ensuring the preservation and celebration of the true essence of "Made in Italy."

In its eighth edition, from November 13th to 19th, 2023, the event embraces the theme "A tavola con la cucina italiana: il benessere con gusto" (At the table with Italian cuisine: well-being with taste). This resonates with ongoing efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for Italian cuisine as an intangible heritage, whose proposal was submitted by the Italian government in March 2023. This recognition deepens the connection between culture and food, acknowledging them as integral components of a cultural phenomenon and a way of life.

Italian cuisine, reflecting the country's cultural diversity, encapsulates social practices, rituals and gestures. The universal acknowledgement of the Mediterranean diet as a beacon of health emphasizes the campaign for a wholesome lifestyle.

Recognizing the profound global impact of Italian cuisine, the "Week of Italian Cuisine in the World" celebrates the enduring legacy of Italian gastronomy - a fusion of taste, tradition, and the timeless art of savouring life at the table.