November 25th, 2015 – Globally, the market of counterfeit food goods and that of Italian Sounding continue to generate a turnover of around €60 billion (2010 estimates): almost half of the Italian food industry turnover (€132 billion) and more than twice its exports (€27 billion). Of these €60 billion, about €6 billion concern counterfeiting and the remaining €54 billion are generated by imitations of Italian products. To combat this phenomenon and protect foreign consumers, the Ministry of Economic Development has decided to create – with the help of the Italian Chambers of Commerce Abroad network (CCIE) – a promotional campaign strategy for the enhancement of 100% Italian products, with the aim of increasing awareness and consumption in target foreign markets. The project “Enhancement and promotion of authentic Italian food products” is funded with €7.5 million of the resources allocated to the Made in Italy Special Plan, with the involvement of 9 Italian Chambers of Commerce abroad operating in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Over the next two years (2016-2017), a series of promotional initiatives will support genuine Italian products in North America. (Red)