Tunisia Named Partner Country for Summer Fancy Food Show

Tunisia grabbed headlines this fall when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a Tunisian democracy group. Now it is hoping to garner more attention for its distinctive foods as the partner country for the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York.

The show is the largest marketplace for specialty food in North America. It takes place June 26 to 28 at the Javits Center.

Tunisia has a rich culinary history flavored with Arab, Greek, French, Turkish and Spanish influences, but its food is not as widely known in the United States as that of other Mediterranean and North African countries. 

At the show, more than 38 Tunisian companies will present a wide range of products including olive oil, pasta, dates, biscuits, confections, spicy harissa, candies, jam, tuna and organic products in a special pavilion at the international trade event. There will be chef demonstrations and tastings each day. 

"Tunisian food has a place on America's table today with strong demand for healthy, flavorful foods," said Chris Nemchek, senior vice president of the Specialty Food Association, owner and producer of the Summer Fancy Food Show. "The show will provide a forum for Tunisian food companies to reach important new markets."

The pavilion is sponsored by the Tunisian Export Promotion Center (CEPEX) and Tunisian Olive Oil (PACKTEC). Food processing is Tunisia's third largest manufacturing sector.

Tunisia first exhibited at the Summer Fancy Food Show in 1999. This year's presence is its largest yet. 

"As partner country, Tunisia has an opportunity to promote its image and Tunisian products in the U.S. market," said Sami Hassene, deputy director, CEPEX.