Puglia project puts grape production on the map

Buyers from Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Lithuania and the United Arab Emirates are set to take part in Regina di Puglia, a series of initiatives designed to raise awareness of table grape production in the south-easternmost Italian region.

The event, which takes place in Noicattaro on 23-26 July, has the backing of local authorities and regional officials, as well as gold sponsors Generazione Vincente and OP Pignataro, and silver sponsors OP Meridia and Industrie Tecnologiche.

It has also attracted wider support from the Puglia region: an official agreement with the city of Bari was signed recently, and other regional municipalities are expected to follow suit.

Interestingly, that support is expected to lead to the signing of a collaboration pact between various local authorities on 26 July. Its aim will be to run joint activities that promote Puglia’s table grapes to national and international markets.

“Regina di Puglia is based on the potentially rich connection that such a significant product has with a region that is steeped in historical, cultural, and natural attractions,” said a spokesperson for the project.

Among those due to take part in a special conference on 26 July are Ismea, national grape association CUT, Puglia exporter body APEO, and the PGI Puglia Grapes consortium, in the presence of regional agriculture minister Donato Pentassuglia.

On previous days, the event will include tastings, entertainment, and shows, as well as company visits and B2B meetings with buyers, journalists, and bloggers– all set against the backdrop of the traditional Madonna del Carmine festival.