Turning biodiversity into a competitive advantage and trade fair participation into a structured approach to international expansion: this is the strategy Calabria is bringing to SIAL Paris, with 39 food and beverage companies taking part. We spoke with Saveria Cristiano, head of the Promotion Division at the Calabria Region’s Department of Agriculture.
Which sectors do the 39 participating companies represent?
The delegation offers a broad snapshot of Calabria’s food and beverage industry, from mountain spring water and baked goods to distinctive local specialties such as ’nduja. There is also a wide range of beverages made with the region’s citrus fruits.
What makes Calabria distinctive in terms of food and agriculture?
Calabria’s strength lies in the extraordinary diversity of its landscape. Within just a few kilometers, you can go from mountains to plains and the sea, with environmental conditions that support a wide variety of agricultural products.
What role does the regional government play?
For many Calabrian companies, expanding into international markets offers a tangible opportunity for growth. The regional government has developed an ongoing promotional program, helping businesses connect with qualified buyers and importers.
What is the main challenge in establishing a presence abroad?
Quality alone is not enough: we need to explain the places, people and circumstances behind it. A food product always carries the image of the place it comes from.
