Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners - ICIF

Values

Quality, authenticity, respect, hospitality and food safety

A cultural driving force that transmits values

The purpose of ICIF, the Institute of Food and Wine of the Regions of Italy, is to classify, protect and promote the image of Italian cuisine, the excellence of local produce and regional food and wine culture, by promulgating knowledge amongst professionals around the world Emphasizing the value of real Italian Cuisine and the excellent food products that distinguish it is one of ICIF’s main objectives in order to promote “Made in Italy”.

Lifestyle, hospitality, and authenticity

ICIF has always taken the values of Italian food and wine, Italian hospitality and lifestyle around the world by participating in events and initiatives, both in Italy and abroad. The promotion of Italian Cuisine and top quality Italian food products occurs through the training of young chefs at the Italian headquarters in the Castle of Costigliole d’Asti, in the Chinese Institute in Shanghai, in the institutes of Sao Paulo and Flores da Cunha in Brazil, and through collaboration with Schools and Universities of Gastronomy in various countries around the world.

Main activities

Culinary Training, promotion of “Made in Italy”, major events and the fight against counterfeiting

Training

Training for young Italians and foreign cooks to acquire a professional specialization in Regional Italian Cuisine; the syllabus also includes training on food safety and sustainable policies in the management of the food chain.

Promotion of ‘Made in Italy’

Promotion of Italian cuisine and top quality Italian products abroad, through the organization of training courses and the diffusion of information regarding “Made in Italy” and its implementation by professional chefs and restaurateurs around the world. Promotion of Italian food and wine products abroad in fairs and International events. Organisation of food and wine tours to discover the essence of Italian Regional Cuisine and Culture, the top quality products and the rich culture of the Italian Regions.

Major events

ICIF is at the vanguard of international events where an authoritative voice in the restaurant business is required, providing expertise for initiatives which promote Italian food and culture.

Fight against counterfeiting

They call it “Italian Sounding”, the imitation or forgery of Italian food products abroad. A fake food product has a mixture of Italian names, logos, images and slogans clearly attributable to our country. In addition to its educational objectives, ICIF was founded with the aim to classify, protect and promote the image of Italian cuisine and products of excellence overseas, protecting artisan productions, defending consumers from adulteration and forgery and by spreading knowledge and techniques among professional chefs and restaurateurs around the world.