About the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable
The Mediterranean Diet Roundtable® (MDR) is a think-tank designed to inform, inspire and promote the appreciation of ingredients and cuisines distinctive of the Mediterranean region, and to translate the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet into commercial opportunities within the United States.
The Mediterranean Diet has been recognized by UNESCO as a Global Intangible Cultural Heritage (2010), a symbol of a unique synergy between nature and the culinary culture distinctive of the Mediterranean countries. This designation is regarded as a universal value worldwide. The MDR is a healthy, delicious and sustainable choice for the planet, as well as a meaningful way to reduce obesity and other diseases in America.
The MDR is playing a key role in repositioning the Mediterranean Diet as a competitive driving force to shape the offerings in high volume commercial and non-commercial food services, as well as to retailers and restaurants. By attending our programs, you can learn more about the #1 diet in the United States from world-class scholars and insights from leading food industry icons! Gain a deeper understanding of the health values, uses, commercial benefits and market trends from our dynamic, informative and interactive settings.
Meet our founder:
Daniela Puglielli
Daniela Puglielli is the founder of the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable® (www.MDRproject.com) a think tank dedicated to the promotion of healthy products and lifestyle in America and principal of Accent PR, selected by Forbes Magazine as a leading PR agency in the country. With an extensive experience in branding, marketing and international partnerships, Daniela holds a Master’s Degree in Communications from the University of Turin (Turin, Italy) and a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts from the Conservatorio di Musica (Pescara, Italy).
She is also a founding member of Associazione Gamma Donna (Turin, Italy), former Director of the Global Business Roundtable (NYC), former Executive Director of The Center for Italian & Italian-American Culture (NJ), among many other boards. She recently became advisor to Gruppo Italiano, a non-profit nurturing the appreciation of authentic Italian cuisine in America. Among many recognitions, Daniela is the recipient of the Dean Martin Award and the prestigious Zimei Award from Pescara, her hometown in Italy. Daniela holds dual citizenship in both Italy and the U.S. and lives in Boston with her family.
Team 2023
Terry Nipp
Research Consultant with Columbia University’s Center, Senior Scientist at Texas A&M University
Allyson Browne McKithen
Executive Director of the World Trade Center, Washington DC and Vice President of International Programs at Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA)
Team 2022
Dennis M. Bier, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine
Hugo da Costa Ribeiro
Full Professor at the Department of Pediatrics at the FMB at the Federal University of Bahia
Lorenzo Maria Donini, MD
Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the Sapienza University
Stefanos N. Kales MD, MPH, FACP, FACOEM
Harvard Medical School & Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health
Food Crossroads
Team 2021
Stefanos N. Kales MD, MPH, FACP, FACOEM
Harvard Medical School & Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health
MDR Connect
MDR Kitchen Stories
