Ciao! Polagra – The Flavours of Italy Come to Poznań

There are cuisines we enjoy, and there are those we always return to. Italian gastronomy undoubtedly belongs to the latter. Pizza, pasta, aged cheeses, extra virgin olive oil and regional cured meats have become an integral part of Polish culinary culture. Today, it is difficult to find a restaurant, delicatessen or menu that is not inspired by Italian tradition.

Yet the popularity of Italian food is about much more than fashion. Consumers increasingly seek authenticity, simple ingredients, exceptional quality and products with a story to tell. These are the values that have made the Made in Italy label synonymous with excellence around the world.

This is why, during this year's POLAGRA, Italian cuisine will take centre stage in a dedicated space that promises to become one of the highlights of the event.

Ciao! Polagra -The Italian Heart of POLAGRA

From 23 to 25 September, the Poznań International Fairgrounds will host Ciao! Polagra – a unique Italian Pavilion bringing together more than 70 Italian producers representing different regions of Italy.

Designed for food industry professionals as well as everyone passionate about authentic Italian flavours, the pavilion will offer visitors a culinary journey through the aromas of aged cheeses, traditional cured meats, artisanal pasta, extra virgin olive oil, sauces, preserves and many other specialties that have shaped Italy's culinary heritage for generations.

Behind every product lies the story of a region, a family tradition and producers for whom quality remains the most important ingredient.

More Than Tasting - A Place Where Business Begins

While Ciao! Polagra will delight visitors with flavours and aromas, its primary mission is business.

The pavilion will become a meeting point for importers, distributors, buyers and HoReCa professionals looking to establish partnerships with Italian producers entering or expanding on the Polish market. It will provide an opportunity to discuss new commercial agreements, broaden product portfolios and discover innovative products that are often not yet available in Poland.

The exhibitor offering has been carefully designed to address the needs of every distribution channel.

Retail chains will meet producers capable of supplying large volumes, while the HoReCa sector will discover products created specifically for professional kitchens, restaurants and hotels. Visitors will also have the opportunity to connect with companies specialising in Private Label projects, as well as producers offering niche regional delicacies that can become distinctive additions to premium delicatessens and gourmet stores.

These conversations often become the starting point for long-term business partnerships.

Experience the Taste of Italy

One of this year's highlights will be the restaurant and tasting area, open throughout all three days of the fair.

Here, Italian products can be discovered not only through conversations with producers, but above all through taste.

Chefs from the Italian Federation of Chefs (FIC) in Poland will prepare dishes inspired by both classic recipes and contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine.

Italian Federation of Chefs at POLAGRA 2025

Meanwhile, Emiliano Castagna from the Italian Culinary Academy will lead guided tastings, sharing his expertise on traditional cured meats, Parmigiano Reggiano and extra virgin olive oil. Visitors will gain valuable insight into recognising premium quality and appreciating the subtle characteristics that often go unnoticed in everyday shopping.

 Emiliano Castagna

A Cuisine That Has Become a Way of Life

The global success of Italian cuisine is no coincidence. It has become one of the world's most recognised culinary traditions, symbolising shared meals, respect for quality ingredients and deep-rooted local heritage.

Today, Italian cuisine is also a candidate for inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its significance not only as a culinary tradition but also as a cultural and social phenomenon.

At POLAGRA, visitors will discover that the success of Italian products is built not only on recipes, but above all on people, passion and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Ciao! Polagra invites visitors to experience the authentic spirit of Made in Italy—where culinary inspiration meets real business opportunities.