In the heart of the Italian Pavilion at the Fancy Food Show 2025 in Las Vegas, we had the pleasure of meeting the Consul General of Los Angeles, Raffaella Valentini. In an exclusive interview, the Consul shared her insights on the growth of Made in Italy in the United States, highlighting how the perception of Italian food is evolving and capturing the hearts of American consumers. Additionally, she discussed Los Angeles’ resilience in the face of recent challenges and her vision for the future, emphasizing the wealth of opportunities for Italian brands.
Consul Valentini, thank you for joining us. How have you experienced these two years leading the Consulate in Los Angeles?
“Being Consul in Los Angeles is an extraordinary experience. Made in Italy is immensely loved in the United States. Every day, I see the respect and admiration for our products, as well as for our traditions and the beauty of our country. We strive to make our diplomatic work dynamic and engaging, touching every aspect of Italy to promote it at its best.”
Is the American audience changing the way it perceives Italian cuisine?
“Yes, the American public is evolving, thanks to our efforts and those of Italian chefs and restaurants. We are educating consumers to recognize the quality and variety of our products, promoting the Mediterranean diet as a symbol of health and beauty. Los Angeles, where I reside, is a tangible example of this evolution: from a handful of Italian restaurants ten years ago, we now count at least 250. Our mission is to combat issues like Italian sounding and to promote innovation and tradition, which make our cuisine unique.”
How is Los Angeles addressing the recent devastating wildfires?
“These past few days have been very challenging. The fires have caused fatalities and significant damage, leaving many without homes. As a Consulate, we have supported our fellow Italians affected, offering aid and assistance. I want to emphasize the remarkable solidarity shown by Italian restaurateurs and brands, who have provided meals and concrete help. Los Angeles has an extraordinary capacity for resilience, and we look to the future with hope, especially with major challenges like the 2028 Olympics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
What role does Los Angeles play in the U.S. economic and technological landscape?
“Los Angeles is not just Hollywood. It’s a major hub for manufacturing, technology, and innovation. We are working on an investment guide for Italian SMEs, which we will present in March. This digital tool will help businesses navigate opportunities in the U.S. market with practical information and useful details.”
Where will this guide be available?
“The guide will be accessible on the websites of the Consulate General of Los Angeles, the Italian Trade Agency, and the Italian Embassy in Washington. We also invite everyone to follow us on our social media channels, such as the Instagram profile @ItalyinLA.”
Italy is increasingly in the spotlight in the U.S., also thanks to events like the stopover of the Amerigo Vespucci in Los Angeles.
“Exactly, it was a memorable visit, the first for the training ship in Los Angeles. The event drew 700,000 visitors to the Italy village and 400,000 aboard the ship. This success demonstrates the affection and admiration Americans have for our country.”
A heartfelt thanks to the Italian Trade Agency, the Specialty Food Association, and Universal Marketing for hosting us at this prestigious event.
