What is the Mediterranean Diet Roundtable?

There are no doubts that the Mediterranean Diet is an eating pattern that leads to better health results. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of many countries, in truth it cannot be codified as a unique set of recipes and food patterns. Most people know by now what its main philosophy is and its main components are, i.e., the use of olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fats, the abundant use of legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits, some dairy products, lots of fish, little meat, and a surprising variety of cereals, used in many different ways – from pasta to cuscus, from pitas to pizza and anything in between. All good stuff! But WHY the need of a networking event about the Mediterranean Diet in America? Isn’t there enough scientific debate about this topic? Yes, there is a huge amount of scientific and academic debate about the Mediterranean Diet as well as any other diet in America. Because obesity is a real problem in this country, and eating is a huge business. We can avoid to buy a new car or skip a shopping season for the latest fashion. But we need to eat every day. The goal for our event is to focus on the positive impact of the Mediterranean Diet on health and well-being, while offering a one-of-a-kind network with the industry’s opinion leaders, media, importers and distributors and professional decision-makers in the food industry, along with doctors, scientists, nutritionists etc. to address the important topic of a balanced diet in schools, hospitals, seniors’ centers/nursery homes, cafeterias, etc. We will introduce a complete program vertically integrated, involving many Mediterranean Countries, Growers/Processors, Manufacturers, Importers, Logistics Companies and many others. The aim is to provide access to quality, cost-competitive Authentic Products, Menu Ideas, and synergize with government institutions of participating Countries, providing the End User all that is needed for a Healthier Diet. Our program will encompass Retail & Food Service.

In schools, work environments, hospitals, seniors’ centers, and even restaurants, aside from a few exceptions (to be highlighted at the event), what ends on the plates is the result of a painful procurement process. There are so many efforts to educate the palates and the minds of students, patients, elderlies and workers to use a good meal plan, a savvy choice of food combinations, a push towards local and organic food. But, despite all those efforts, choices are limited, the fattening of the population is evident and the amount of wasted food is immoral. The reality is that we need a more open sourcing of products that are naturally good, and naturally more flavorful, even if they come from far away.

Hence the need to organize a meeting where a crowd of national and international Food Industry professionals can meet and discuss, taste, converse, learn, and connect. Our hope is that choices will be made, not because of a law or an imposition but because an opportunity to strive for excellence.

Join us for the first, exciting Mediterranean Diet Roundtable. We look forward to welcoming you.

By Daniela Puglielli, Producer
Mediterranean Diet Roundtable