I.F.C. - Italian Foods Corporation

RALEIGH, N.C., July 13, 2010 – Italian Foods Corporation has reintroduced its highest-density LaPiana® Romantica Gran Riserva Balsamic Vinegar with eye-catching red labeling that is in compliance with new European Union requirements for aged balsamic vinegars. 

            The Romantica balsamic, from the Modena region renowned for its balsamic vinegars, is the highest quality level of Italian Food’s line of LaPiana balsamic vinegars, according to Elena Lapiana, Italian Foods’ general manager.  It has a density of 1.32 and a sugar level of 750 grams per liter.

            “The new labeling was designed to be a dazzling metallic red against a black bottle,” Lapiana said.  “A red heart on the label is a symbol of the name, Romantica, which evokes this balsamic vinegar’s sensuous, syrupy feel and decadent sweetness.  It is so good you will fall in love with it.”

            The 8.4 ounce bottles have a suggested retail price of $33. 

Italian Foods Corporation is expanding its line of traditionally-prepared grilled Italian vegetables with its new La Piana® Grilled Cipolline Onions.  The grilled onions are being introduced at the NASFT 2010 Summer Fancy Food Show, Booth No. 2241.

The distinctively-shaped Italian pearl onions’ natural semi-sweet flavor is intensified by grilling and then lightly flavored with spirit vinegar, garlic, parsley and chili pepper, according to Elena Lapiana, general manager of Italian Foods Corporation.

La Piana Grilled Cipolline Onions are imported from Northern Italy.  The small, flat cipolline borettane onions, with their sweet and delicate flavor, can be used for antipasti right from the jar or drizzled with balsamic vinegar for an appetizer or side dish.  They also may be added to soups and casseroles, served on sandwiches, in salads and as a pizza topping. 

La Piana Italian-style grilled vegetables, which are packed in extra virgin olive oil at the peak of their flavor, also include La Piana Grilled Eggplant, La Piana Grilled Bell Peppers and La Piana Grilled Sundried Tomatoes.  They are available in 10-ounce jars at a suggested retail price of $7.49.

Italian Foods Corporation has increased the density levels of its line of La Piana® aged balsamic vinegars from the Modena region and is introducing the higher quality vinegars with new labeling at the NASFT 2010 Summer Fancy Food Show, Booth 2241.

In compliance with European Union requirements, which no longer allow labels to indicate how many years of aging, Italian Foods’ new labeling with gold, silver and bronze is designed to help consumers differentiate the qualities of the vinegars, said Elena Lapiana, Italian Foods’ general manager.  “Now, only the word ‘aged’ may appear on the label as long as the balsamic has been aged in wood for at least three years,” Lapiana said.  “Our vinegars always have been produced in accordance with the requirements of the Protected Geographical Indication law and well above the minimum requirements.  With this new line, we have increased their quality levels even more.”

The new balsamic vinegars replace Italian Foods’ original line of 5-, 10- and 20-year balsamics.

Compared with the original balsamic vinegar line, La Piana® Bronze Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena now has a density of 1.18 compared with 1.145 and a sugar level of 400-430 grams per liter versus 350 grams.  The Silver balsamic increases density from 1.18 to 1.25 with sugar at 540-570 grams compared with 400-430 grams.  The Gold balsamic has a density of 1.32 versus 1.30 and sugar has increased to 750 grams from 650 grams.  Densities are measured as the ratio between the weight of 1 liter of the balsamic vinegar and 1 liter of water.  The longer the vinegar ages in wooden casks or barrels, the more aromatic, flavorful and syrupy it becomes, Lapiana said.

The vinegars are imported from the Modena region of Italy and made from the juice of Trebbiano grapes grown in the region.  These produce a rich, sweet and pleasantly acidic balsamic vinegar with intense, but well rounded, flavor, Lapiana said.  Suggested retail prices of the vinegars, which come in 8.4-ounce decorative bottles, are $9.99 for the Bronze, $18.99 for the Silver and $26.99 for the Gold.

“The Bronze vinegar is perfect for everyday use and is great for vegetables and vinaigrettes.  The Silver quality vinegar is sweet and tangy with a note of cooked grape must and goes great with cooked beef, fish and vegetables,” Lapiana said.  “The Gold balsamic is velvety with a balanced sweet and sour taste.  It is perfect as a finishing drizzle for Parmigiano Reggiano or fresh ricotta cheese, strawberries and ice cream.  It even makes a delicious after dinner drink.”

Italian Foods Corp. & Alimentitalia will be presenting their entire line of Italian foods at the 35th Winter Fancy Food Show - January 17-19 2010 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco! Be sure to stop by our booth #3613 to enjoy

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