Catania's Belpasso food
processing plant has signed a contract with US distributor
Kroger to produce an initial 2.5 million tubs of 'authentic'
Sicilian ice cream for sale on the American market, it emerged
on Thursday.
The ice cream, which is to be marketed under the Italian
name 'gelato', will be produced in six flavors: pistachio,
hazelnut, stracciatella, chocolate, lemon and cappuccino
(created ad hoc for American consumers).
Other flavours including white chocolate, vanilla and
banana are due to be added from next year.
Belpasso is owned by Sicilian Sun Corporation of the
American holding company Firma, which aims to turn the plant
into a manufacturing hub for traditional Sicilian products
destined for the American market.
"Food is life," said Kroger vice president Gil Phipps.
"We are interested in genuine foods, in fresh and artisanal
products, and this is why we have invested in Sicily where we
think this potential exists," he continued.
"We have begun with ice cream but we are also interested in
other products such as bread, pasta and sauces. Throughout
America there is demand for things that are authentic, which
will be the future of the planet," Phipps concluded.
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