Among authentic flavors and family stories, the Italy pavilion once again stands out as a protagonist at the Fancy Food Show 2025 in Las Vegas, bringing the best of Italian gastronomic tradition to the international stage. We’re also here to tell the incredible story of those who make Italy great in the world, through an exclusive interview with Alberto Auricchio, ambassador of Italian dairy excellence and leader of the company of the same name, to discover the secrets of a family business that, from north to south, brings the best of Italian cheeses to tables all over the world.
Can you tell us more about your company and its history?
I always want to make an important premise: Grandfather and my father made the company great. Next year we are doing 150 years of history, an important milestone. We are still, and I say this to consumers, an all-family and all-Italian company, 100 percent Italian.
The company was born in the South but now you have a distributed presence throughout Italy. How did this evolution come about?
Absolutely, I myself have half-Napolitan blood and a Napoli fan, who is now first in the league! That said, today the company has nine plants in Italy. This may not be known by all consumers, but over the years we have expanded to all the great Italian cheeses: parmigiano reggiano, pecorino locatelli, gorgonzola, taleggio, asiago and provolone, to name a few. We produce everything directly from milk, according to our own recipes, to ensure a unique taste.
This is not your first Fancy Food. In so many years, how has Italy’s presence at this event and the perception of Made in Italy in the United States changed?
Fancy Food has grown a lot, especially this Winter Edition, which I have been attending for about 20 years. It used to be smaller, now it is a fair almost on the level of the New York one, very important for the West Coast. Italy continues to have a huge attraction not only in the United States, but also in South America, Australia and around the world. Italian companies are doing something different, focusing on excellence and telling stories related to products, which is what today’s consumers are looking for.
What is the strength of a family business like yours in the eyes of Americans?
Our 150-year history is a strength. We have always tried to maintain traditions-historic recipes and production methods-but adapting to market trends. Today’s consumers want products that are both sensory and sense gratifying. They buy from a family business, not a multinational corporation.
Italy was recently nominated as a UNESCO intangible asset for food. What are your thoughts on this?
We are very happy with this recognition, we also talked about it with the minister. It was incredible that countries like France and Turkey were already recognized and not Italy. The fact that our country is an official partner of Fancy Food, both Winter and Summer, is a very good goal.
Is it true that he would have wanted to be a doctor?
No, that was my older brother! He wanted to be a doctor, but he fell in love with our work. As he followed production in the dairies, he gave up the idea of the white coat to devote himself to cheese.
What are the future prospects of your company?
Twelve years ago we took an important step by purchasing our U.S. distributor. This has allowed us to have a direct presence in the United States, facilitating the relationship with buyers and brokers. We are also developing new products such as very fresh goat, buffalo and cow cheeses, which we are also trying to bring to America despite the short shelf life.
Will we see you again at the summer edition of Fancy Food in New York?
Absolutely! And maybe I will bring you our cheeses to taste directly at the studio.
Many thanks to the Italian Trade Agency, the Specialty Food Association and Universal Marketing for hosting us at this prestigious event.
The article Fancy Food Show 2025: one hundred and fifty years of Auricchio, with Alberto Auricchio comes from TheNewyorkese.
