CYPRIOT specialties are seeking to dazzle the big apple.
Four major dairy companies in Cyprus are taking currently taking part in the 51st International Fancy Food and Confection Show at the Jacob Javits Convention Centre, New York City, from July 10 to 12.
The companies representing the island in New York, namely Pittas Dairy Industries, G&I Keses Milk Products, Christis Dairy, Petrou Bros Dairy Products, as well as Aphrodite Delights Ltd, all export to the United States and are taking part in an event, which the organisers says “attracts from 19,000 to 32,000 attendees from specialty food, wine, gift and department stores, supermarkets, restaurants, mail-order and other related businesses from across the globe.
“Attendees come to see more than 1,000 exhibitors presenting more than 50,000 specialty foods to discover and sample. Business booms at these trade-only shows, in a unique decision-maker to decision-maker environment. An impressive 87 per cent of all attendees either authorise or recommend purchasing decisions.”
The United States is one of the major importers of Cyprus and imports many traditional Cypriot products such as Halloumi and Commandaria.
Cyprus’ Trade Counsellor to the US, Dennis Droushiotis, said Cyprus has been successfully exhibiting at the Fancy Food Show for the last 20 years and that this year they were excited to be participating as a member state of the EU.
He added, “Our participation is one of the most effective ways to encounter and convey our message of Cyprus’ unique food products to importers, distributors, retailers and industry leaders in the US food industry.”
Safeguarding traditional Cypriot products was vital explained Droushiotis.
“It is extremely important that our exclusive national products, like Halloumi, Commandaria and, very soon, Zivania, are safeguarded and protected. There have been attempts of foreign companies to mimic our products.”
The Managing Director of Christis Dairy Panicos Hadjicostas, said the Fancy Food show was something his company took part in every year.
“We take part in this show every year and we aim all the time to strengthen our position within the United States, while it is also a great way to advertise our company. This show attracts thousands of people and with so many Cypriot companies it is also good advertisement for our island as well.”
