A Tribute to Ivano Pocchiesa
The Ivano Pocchiesa Journalism Award returns this year, organized by Longarone Fiere Dolomiti and the Association of Bellunesi in the World. This prestigious award is dedicated to the memory of Ivano Pocchiesa, who passed away in 2013. Pocchiesa, who was the press officer of Longarone Fiere from 1990 to 1995, was also a writer and journalist who authored several articles and books about gelato.
The award ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM, during the Agrimont National Fair of Mountain Agriculture in Longarone, Veneto.
Celebrating Excellence in the Artisanal Gelato Sector
Established in 2014, the Ivano Pocchiesa Journalism Award honors a journalist or writer who has distinguished themselves through their attention to the artisanal gelato industry and their efforts to raise awareness about its economic and social importance. The 2025 edition of the award will be presented to Angelo Grasso, a leading figure in the artisanal gelato world, for his remarkable contributions to the sector, particularly through his extensive teaching and training work.
Angelo Grasso has trained thousands of gelato professionals through over 1,000 specialized courses and has written numerous articles that continue to be featured in leading trade journals. He has also authored several well-regarded publications, including manuals on the art of gelato making.
Angelo Grasso's Industry Recognition
Recently, Angelo Grasso received a special certificate of recognition from Bravo, a company with which he has collaborated for years. At the annual "Comunicando" Awards by Editrade, he was named Ambassador of Communication in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the promotion and communication of artisanal gelato.
Longarone's Role in the European Day of Artisanal Gelato
The award ceremony is part of the initiatives organized by Longarone Fiere Dolomiti for the 13th edition of the European Day of Artisanal Gelato, which was first conceived in Longarone in 2008. The event will be linked to Agrimont because, as stated in the European Parliament's document that led to the creation of this celebration on July 5, 2012, artisanal gelato is considered an excellence among dairy products, thanks to its quality and food safety, which highlight the value of agri-food products from each European Union member state.
Focus on Agrigelaterie and Legislation
During the Ivano Pocchiesa Award ceremony, there will be a discussion on the topic of agrigelaterie—gelato producers who integrate agricultural production with gelato making. Given that there is currently no specific regulation for these activities, the meeting will serve as an opportunity to propose a regulatory framework that ensures consumer protection and supports producers.
Celebrating Gelato at Agrimont
In addition, to honor the European Day of Artisanal Gelato, there will be a gelato tasting at the meeting area (Hall C) from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The tasting will feature two special gelato flavors: the “Hallelujah” gelato, dedicated to the Jubilee, and the “Gelato al Miele della Rinascita”, made from honey produced in the pilot sites of the Life Vaia project. This initiative is part of the Gelato Tradizionale Veneto project, aimed at promoting the region's traditional gelato, both economically and internationally.
Conclusion: A Day of Recognition and Promotion
The Ivano Pocchiesa Journalism Award in Longarone is not just a celebration of journalistic excellence but also an opportunity to spotlight the economic and social value of artisanal gelato, emphasizing its important role in the agricultural and food sectors. The event will also serve as a platform to propose new regulations for the agrigelaterie industry, ensuring its sustainable growth and protecting both consumers and producers.