PUNTOITALY N°2 - July - December 2012

19 THE ITALIAN MAGAZINE FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS IN GELATO, PASTRY AND TRENDY FOOD-AND-DRINK would create an event of wide appeal at European level and make it possible to inform consumers effectively and accu- rately of the exclusive properties of artisan gelato, which ren- der it unique when compared with any other sweet or dessert. To launch the message adequately in European Parliamentary circles, Artglace ran a three-stage programme at Strasbourg: a meeting to give information, in the course of which the nutritionist Virginia Ruggiero illustrated the charac- teristics and particular features of artisan gelato; an official press conference to explain the contents of the Declaration; and a grand finale with the tasting of artisan gelato, open to all people working at the European Parliament. The Hon. Giancarlo Scottà and Hon. Antonio Cancian, who had backed the initiative over the previous two years, spoke at the press conference. The Hon. Scottà proposed that an artisan gelato outlet be opened inside the Parliament, so as to showcase the product on a continuing basis. The Strasbourg event was this year again supported by Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, which had launched the idea of or- ganising it in 2008 on the occasion of the 49th edition of the Longarone International Artisan Gelato Expo (Belluno Province, Italy). To give a further boost to the collection of signatures, a delegation from Artglace was once again present at the Strasbourg Parliament on the occasion of the plenary session held last May. • A moment of the press conference promoted by Artglace at the European Parliament. Sergio Silvestris, a Member of the European Parliament, has this year been the point of reference for the organisation of the Artglace meeting in Strasbourg. Opening the press conference, he emphasised that artisan gelato makes a significant contribution to the economy of Europe: it has a short supply chain, which often involves producers as suppliers of fresh, genuine ingredients. The meeting at the Parliament in Strasbourg was also an opportunity to demonstrate the importance that the gelato makers from the Province of Belluno (in the Veneto Region of Italy) have had in the spread of artisan gelato throughout Europe ever since the 19th century. The mayors of the most representative towns historically involved in gelato making also participated in the Strasbourg initiative.