The 9th edition of Levante PROF has officially opened, becoming the most comprehensive international fair in Southern Italy dedicated to sectors including food, baking, pastry, pizza, gelato, beer, wine, bars, restaurants, packaging, public establishments, and hospitality. The event is being held at the Fiera del Levante in Bari until Wednesday, March 12.
Opening Ceremony and Key Attendees
The official inauguration of the 9th edition of Levante PROF was attended by prominent figures, including Vito Leccese, Mayor of Bari, Pietro Petruzzelli, Councillor for Local Development and Blue Economy of the Municipality of Bari, Lorenzo Leonetti, Councillor of the Municipality of Bari, Rocco De Franchi, Director of the Special Institutional Communication Department of the Region of Puglia, Francesco Paolicelli, Councillor and President of the Economic Development Commission of the Region of Puglia, Giorgio Salvitti, Senator of the Republic and Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, Francesco Schittulli, President of LILT, and Ezio Amendola, the event organizer, alongside numerous other figures from the Puglia business community.
A Key Event for Bari and the Agro-food Sector
Mayor Vito Leccese commented, “Bari is a city with extraordinary appeal, particularly in the restaurant and entertainment sectors. The discussions of the early months of this administration have confirmed the local interest in everything that Levante PROF represents. We have reached the 9th edition, and I see a significant number of visitors, exhibitors, and operators. I am very proud that the fair continues to focus on these specialties, attracting increasing attention from local and national businesses.”
Senator Giorgio Salvitti stated, “Thanks to this event, Bari becomes the capital of Italian agro-food. It is a fair that offers an excellent showcase for a sector that constitutes a unique heritage, one the world envies. The agro-food supply chain plays a decisive role in economic growth, job creation, and safeguarding our territories, acting as a vehicle for promoting national products, which, thanks to Levante PROF, receive extraordinary visibility.”
Rocco De Franchi, Director of the Special Institutional Communication Department of the Region of Puglia, emphasized, “Levante PROF has established itself as the third largest specialized trade fair in Italy for the Horeca sector, hospitality, foodservice, and restaurant industries. Since the early hours, the booths have been packed, confirming the strategic importance of the event. Through this event, Puglia presents itself not only as a welcoming region for tourists but also for those doing business in the sector, highlighting skills, talents, and entrepreneurial realities from all over Italy.”
Highlights from the Opening Day
Numerous meetings were held on the opening day of the fair. Among them was a conference organized by the Italian Bakers Association (FIPPA) in collaboration with LILT, focusing on disease prevention and the role of nutrition in health. The event featured speakers like Emma Prunella, Secretary of the Southern Italy Federation of Italian Bakers, Pastry Chefs, and Related Professions, and Francesco Schittulli, President of LILT.
In the afternoon, Franco Puglisi, Director of PuntoIT (a magazine specializing in gelato, pastry, and bars), interviewed Claudio Pica, Secretary-General of the Italian Gelato Makers Association (AIG), about the latest trends and flavors in gelato.
On March 10, there will be a series of technical demonstrations in the gelato sector, including a special session at 16:00 featuring a unique pairing: “Gelato and Wine”, led by Claudio Bove, President of AIG Puglia. The event will explore the perfect balance between the world of gelato and wine. Additionally, the 37th edition of “Gelato a Primavera”, Gelato Day, and Gelato Hallelujah (scheduled for March 23-24, 2025, in Rome) will be presented. There will also be pizza workshops curated by the Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli, featuring modern interpretations of recipes made with authentic integrated milling flours.
Continued Growth and International Recognition
Ezio Amendola, the event organizer, stated, “Levante PROF continues to grow, expanding its influence beyond national borders, with visitors from the Balkans and surrounding countries. Official recognition as an international fair confirms its value. This year, we are seeing a 20-25% increase in both exhibitors and visitors. The biennial nature of the event has given companies time to develop significant innovations, making this edition even richer and more cutting-edge.”
Event Information
Levante PROF will remain open until Wednesday, March 12, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
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For more information about the event, you can contact:
- Phone: +39.06/6634333
- Email: info@levanteprofbari.it
- Website: Levante Prof