Booths showcasing products at the international chilli trade fair Rieti Cuore Piccante (Photo: VNA) Rome (VNA) – Vietnamese spicesand farm produce have been displayed for the first time in Italy’s central cityof Rieti, a popular hub for chilli growing, during the international chilli tradefair Rieti Cuore Piccante that opened on August 29.
The annual event, that runs until September2, is also a chance for Vietnam to introduce Vietnamese cuisine and otherattractions to Italian friends.
According to Vietnamese Trade Counsellor inItaly Nguyen Duc Thanh, Italy is a big chilli importer, with a much greaterdemand compared to other countries in the region. Despite being chilliproducers themselves, Italy still has to imported 70 percent of the chilli itconsumes domestically.
Apart from chilli, Italy consumes otherspices. The country imports peppercorn from Vietnam with revenue of about 10million USD per year. Italy also imports Vietnamese coffee with 300 million USDper year in revenue, and many other agricultural products, Thanh said, advisingdomestic exporters to pay due attention to the market.
The Rieti Cuore Piccante has about 100 boothsintroducing more than 800 kinds of chilli around the world, along with 80events throughout of the fair. Along with chilli, it also features various kindsof spices.
Visitors also have chance to taste foods featuringchilli as an ingredient, while enjoying local music and the historical relicsites of Rieti.
Rieti Cuore Piccante has become a key culturalevent for locals in Rieti.
In 2017, the fair attracted some 160,000visitors. This year, the Vietnamese Embassy is joining the fair as a sponsor. Itis also the first time Vietnam has joined the event.–VNA
VNA
