Alba’s white truffle, Piedmontese rice, Fassona beef, and celebrated wines were showcased at the Piedmont Gala Dinner in Osaka. The event, held in the Great Room of the W Hotel, gathered over 150 Japanese stakeholders and institutional guests.
Piedmont Governor Alberto Cirio said regional products could be a strong economic driver. He stressed the importance of diversifying exports.
“Our excellence can represent an economic engine for exports, especially with US tariffs,” Cirio noted.
“In Japan, like in Italy, food is culture. It becomes a bridge to strengthen friendship and create synergies,” he added.
The day began with a tasting of Alta Langa DOCG, Piedmont’s 2025 wine, led by sommelier Akira Mizuguchi. Trade Councillor Paolo Bongioanni described Alta Langa as Italy’s oldest Classic Method sparkling wine, with over three million bottles produced. He underlined its export potential, highlighting “great margin for growth abroad.”
In the evening, chef Masato Miyane prepared an all-Piedmontese menu. Having worked in Italy, he recreated iconic dishes in Japan. Guests enjoyed veal with tuna sauce, tajarin pasta with white truffle, and beef cheek in a Barolo reduction. Councillor Bongioanni presented each course, emphasising Japan’s enthusiasm for Piedmont’s products.
“Japan shows great interest in our offerings, from Alba truffle to Fassona beef and our wines,” he said.
He explained collaborations with Japanese air carriers are underway to promote Piedmontese wines. He also urged producers to seize opportunities in the country; “Japan loves Italy and can love Piedmont even more,” he concluded.
Italy’s Consul General in Osaka, Filippo Manara, said agri-food is Italy’s second-largest export to Japan, worth nearly €2 billion yearly. He thanked the Piedmont delegation and greeted Japanese and Italian officials attending the gala.
“Tonight, the protagonist is Alba’s white truffle,” Manara remarked, praising Piedmont’s innovation, culture, and gastronomy.
