Two of the largest food trade associations in Italy have joined forces to create an entity that represents 450 companies, the ANSA news service has reported.
Unione Italiana Food will bring together the members of the Association of Italian Sweets and Pasta Industries (AICEPI) and the Italian Association of Food Industries (AIIPA).
Together, the two groups' total exports amount to about €10 billion. They encompass some 800 brands from industries including coffee, pasta, sauces, fruit and vegetables and baked goods.
The goal of the initiative, according to the president and vice-president of Unione Italiana Food, Paolo Barilla and Marco Lavazza, is for the food industry to "be more effective" in its dealings with business and government.
The new association plans to work together with the Italian Food & Drink Industry Federation (Federalimentare) to help its associates grow, while also providing a united front when dealing with national institutions.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
