Sysco and the Italian Trade Agency London (ITA) and have signed a marketing promotional agreement that aims to increase the visibility of Italian-made food and beverage products across the island of Ireland.
A diplomatic and political delegation including the Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini, Ambassador Faganello, the ITA and the Italian-Irish Chamber of Commerce visited Sysco Ireland’s Dublin facility on Monday to formalise the initiative which aims to strengthen Sysco Ireland’s collaboration with the Italian government and reinforce the positioning of ‘Made in Italy’ products.
“This partnership will further strengthen the presence of Italian agri-food products in Ireland,” said Giovanni Sacchi, ITA London director. “In 2024 Italian agri-food exports to Ireland reached and exceeded 400 million euros with an increase of over 10% compared to 2023.
“With enthusiasm, we embark on this journey together with Sysco in Ireland, confident in the success of the initiative and the positive impact it will have for all involved.”
Sysco Ireland is the leading food service provider on the island of Ireland and has been part of the Sysco Corporation, the leading global food service distribution company since 2009.
With over 11,000 customers, Sysco Ireland employs over 1,700 people across Ireland and sources over 10,000 food products worldwide with 70% sourced locally across the island of Ireland.
“Sysco is delighted to welcome our Italian partners to our Dublin facility to formalise this agreement which confirms our commitment to supporting the marketing of authentic Italian food and beverage products,” said Mark Lee, chief executive officer of Sysco.
“Over the past few years, we have seen a dramatic growth in the popularity and demand for Italian food in Ireland and, as a leader in the food service industry, we are best placed to meet that demand with quality products. It is in working closely with the ITA that we can guarantee the authenticity and exceptional quality of our Italian offering to customers.”
Sysco’s commitment to growth is underscored by the appointment in 2023 of Italian sourcing manager, Michele Esposito. With over 15 years of experience in the Italian food industry, Esposito has curated a collection of authentic, high-quality Italian-sourced products, many of which had never been brought to Ireland before, to Sysco’s customers.
“It has been an exciting time for Italian cuisine in Ireland, so much so, that Sysco’s sales team now has three Italian Specialists who work across Ireland to provide our customers with expert advice on its Italian food range and products,” said Esposito.
“The contract agreement we have signed with the ITA will see us undertake several marketing activities across the Sysco Store, our sales brochures, across our social media and at events and showcases both internally and externally.”