Announcing the First Mediterranean Diet Roundtable

New York, 1/22/15 – The organizers of the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable (MDR) announced today their first national event, to be held on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at the Graduate Center of CUNY University, New York City. It will bring together the entire spectrum of the U.S. Food Industry along with many Mediterranean manufacturers for a one-of-a-kind meeting. The goal is to explore new and better Mediterranean-inspired menus capitalizing on the “Mediterranean Diet,” whose medical appeal and stunning health benefits have proven to be unquestionable. The MDR is not a scientific gathering, but rather an informative and resourceful setting and especially a networking event.

In 2010, the Mediterranean Diet was recognized by UNESCO as a “Global Intangible Cultural Heritage,” and it is a world-renowned symbol of a unique synergy between nature and culture, distinctive of Mediterranean countries. Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean Diet reduces the risk of certain illnesses. A study conducted on more than 1.5 million healthy adults, demonstrated that following a Mediterranean Diet was associated with a reduced risk of death from heart disease and cancer, as well as a reduced incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases (source: Mayo Clinic, ranked #1 Hospital in the nation).

The MDR is focusing on such substantial positive impact on health and well-being, from a scientific, cultural and culinary point of view, while offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to network with the industry’s opinion leaders, media, importers and distributors. It will bring together professional decision-makers in the Food Service arena, along with doctors, scientists, nutritionists etc. to address the important topic of a balanced diet in structures such as schools, hospitals, seniors’ centers/nursery homes, cafeterias, etc. as well as distinctive “corners” in stores and supermarkets. It will introduce a complete program vertically integrated, involving as many as 22 Mediterranean Countries; Growers/Processors, Manufacturers, Import Logistics Companies, to provide Quality Cost Competitive Authentic Products, Menu Ideas, and supported by the Trade Commissions of participating Countries, providing the End User all that is needed for a Healthier Diet. This program will encompass Retail & Food Service.

The goal is to increase the presence of healthy products, distinctive of the Mediterranean Regions, in American cuisine and menu choices. The full-day program includes a discussion on all levels of nutrition aspects, menu engineering, stores and cafeteria strategies, best practices in mass feeding programs: attendees will gain a better understanding of the health values and commercial benefits of sourcing Mediterranean products for their respective clients/customers.

Speakers at the program include, among many others:

• Sara Baer-Sinnott, President of Oldways, a nonprofit food and nutrition organization credited, with the Harvard School of Public Health, and the European Office of the World Health Organization, with having introduced the classic Mediterranean Diet in 1993 along with the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid;
• Ken K. Toong, Executive Director of University of Massachusetts Amherst Auxiliary Enterprises, also At-Large Director of National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS).
• Debby Kasper, RDN, LDN, SNS, Director of Clinical Nutrition and Wellness Program Development at Premier, Inc. – a healthcare performance improvement alliance of approximately 3,400 U.S. hospitals and 110,000 other providers. Premier’s mission is simple: To improve the health of communities.

The scientific panel is led by Italian professor Giovanni Scapagnini, M.D. Ph.D. who also serves on the “International Network of the Centers on Genetics Nutrition and Fitness for Health,” in Washington, D.C.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for what promises to be a wonderful, international event. Tickets to participate and additional information can be found on the event website: www.mdrproject.com.