The 2nd International Wine Festival and Trade Show (IWFTS) by VinAfrica under the auspices of the Italian Embassy in Ghana held a press conference with invited bloggers, business persons and press to highlight the upcoming key trade, food and wine events.
The Italian Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Giovanni Favilli poignantly stressed on the importance of cultural exchange to promote both food, wine and other trade elements between Ghana and Italy. Italian Cuisine Week and the International Wine Festival and Trade Show aim at opening up another tourism and trade opportunity to Ghana were his words during the press conference. He said both events will bring European wine and culinary insights to the local market and enable players in the hospitality industry in Ghana upgrade their knowledge and skills.
Speaking also at the press conference was CEO of VDB Consultancy & Trade Limited, concept bearers of VinAfrica, Vannessa Koko Djaba. She pointed out that the event was not only going to be an opportunity for West Africa to interface with the burgeoning global wine industry, but will most importantly create the basis to position Ghana as a dedicated hospitality destination specialised in services to the international wine industry. Her passion about food was evident as she stressed on how adding value to our local foods can propel us onto the global food industry.
His Excellency Giovanni Favilli & Ms Vanessa Koko Djaba
The International Wine Festival and Trade Show (IWFTS), a four-day event, will commence on the 9th November 2017 with a trade exhibition which will afford consumers, traders and Vineyards the opportunity to interact with and understand the demands of the industry in Ghana and the sub-region. The “Akwaaba” night, an entertainment-filled welcoming event which takes place the following day at Labadi Beach Hotel is expected to be the perfect reception package which preludes events happening for the next two days. There will be dedicated champagne, wine, cocktail and food stations representing each participating country as well as performances from afro-pop star, Noella Wiyaala.
The Wine-to-Wine Business Forum which will see presentations and seminars facilitated by key industry stakeholders will come off at the Tang Palace Hotel on the 11th November. The climax of the festival on 12th November dubbed the 3 Maestro Gala Dinner will feature three renowned Michelin starred chefs hailing from three main wine producing regions preparing culinary delights and which will be paired with wines from their respective countries as well as performances from the Calabash Group and a surprise big name artist to play the night out.
On the 18th of November a charity dinner organised by the Italian Business Association Ghana and Cooking For Charity will be held towards the development and expansion of The Good Samaritan's Home in Adidome, Volta Region. The proceeds will be donated to the home which is was established to care for children with Down Syndrome.
After the press conference, there was further engagement with the guests on the rather exciting upcoming event. It was an enjoyable interaction with Italian hors d'oeuvres such as mini arancini di riso, bruscheta and mini-pizza bites. The wine served was light and enjoyable which is typical of most Italian wines.
Giang Vu , Francesca & Naa Oyoo
It's hard to talk about global cuisine and not mention Italian cuisine. It's not only hard but almost a sacrilege not to mention the originators of pizza, pasta, bruschetta, tiramisu and all the other phenomenal gastronomic foods. Oh and the wine. The wine is very important. Thank you Italy 🙏🏾🇮🇹. The Italian Cuisine Week is open to the general public and all foodies in Ghana. Ciao!