The Italian Reference Mediterranean Diet Nicotera is still leading the actions of the Chamber of Commerce for the promotion of local specialities of excellence. As planned, in fact, on May 4th last, by the Chamber of Commerce, a day of technical training dedicated to the catering personnel of the province of Vibo Valentia took place, aimed to diffuse the procedures for the licensing of the trademark enhancing in this way the local restaurant industries who wish to be distinguished by a typical and quality cuisine offer.

The initiative is part of the promotion of the Mediterranean Diet according to the food model from Nicotera, scheduled by the Chamber of Commerce that, already in collaboration with the homonym Association of Nicotera, has filed the correspondent trademark by the Ministry of Economic Development.

There have been several adhesions to the technical meeting. Thirty catering personnel among others attended, Professional Organizations, two Associations of Chefs. The training was conducted by Dr. Domenico Cetrone of Dintec - in-house company of the Chambers of Commerce- an expert in technical regulations, supported by Dr. Ornella Ortona – Official of the Chamber of Commerce, in charge of the project, and by the President of the Association of Nicotera - Dr. Vincenzo Ieruso.

During the meeting the Production Specifications and the Regulations for the Use were explained in details. The first lists the local dishes in line with the nutritional principles of the Mediterranean Diet, and, for each dish shows the ingredients, the doses and a brief description to illustrate the main features. All this in conformity with the indexes of the Mediterranean Adequacy tested by the University of Tor Vergata in Rome. The Regulations for the Use of the Geographical Collective Mark (MCG), however, indicate the rules for granting and withdrawing and the requirements for the selection of restaurants that operate in accordance with the principles of the Mediterranean Diet. In order to ensure greater diffusion and membership to the Geographical Collective Mark more informative seminars will be held for the catering personnel as being the consignees, to illustrate the membership guidelines to the certification and the benefits deriving from its application.

During the meeting two other interesting initiatives, which will take place in the near future, were also introduced: an Information Guide, and a dedicated computer portal.

A commitment that the Chamber of Commerce intends to maintain in order to promote the Mediterranean Diet of Nicotera and his Mark, to stimulate consumer awareness about the importance of a healthy and balanced diet; to promote, furthermore, the business community that, adhering to the initiative, contribute to the enhancement of what is an identification brand of the local excellences.

Rosanna De Lorenzo - Institutional information and Communication Manage