From Vinitaly to Unesco, Italian cuisine recognised as a heritage of humanity

Born at Vinitaly in 2023, the bid reaches its conclusion in New Delhi and confirms the strategic role of Veronafiere

The recognition of Italian cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco marks a major symbolic milestone for Italy and for its entire agri food sector. Approved in New Delhi by the Unesco Intergovernmental Committee, this inscription endorses a cultural model rooted in transmission, know how, social practices and the deep connection between territories, products and conviviality.

One of the origins of this success can be traced back to Vinitaly 2023, when the candidacy was officially announced in the aisles of the fair by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, alongside Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida and Undersecretary of State for Culture Gianmarco Mazzi. Two years on, the process has culminated in an international recognition that goes far beyond the culinary sphere, embracing Italian cultural identity as a whole.

Veronafiere, a central player in this journey, welcomes a result that strengthens the visibility and credibility of the Italy system on global markets. For Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, this inscription “adds even greater value to the extraordinary richness of the country’s wine and food heritage” and provides tangible support to businesses in wine, food, olive oil and hospitality. Speaking from New Delhi during the international Vinitaly previews, he underlined how Italian cuisine and wine today represent an essential benchmark for both trade professionals and consumers worldwide.

This Unesco recognition comes at a strategic moment for Italian exports, particularly in India, a fast growing market with significant untapped potential for wine. The Vinitaly Preview New Delhi, hosted at the residence of the Italian Ambassador Antonio Bartoli in the presence of Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, brought together institutional leaders, economic stakeholders and representatives of Indian culture. The event highlighted two key forthcoming appointments: the Vinitaly India Roadshow in Mumbai and Panaji in January 2026, and the next edition of Vinitaly in Verona, scheduled from 12 to 15 April 2026.
Beyond the immediate news, this Unesco inscription reinforces the role of Veronafiere’s major platforms, from Vinitaly to SOL Expo and Fieragricola, as international promotion tools for a model built on quality, sustainability and the culture of taste. It above all serves as a reminder that Italian cuisine is not merely a collection of recipes, but a living, shared and transmitted heritage, now officially recognised as such on a global scale.