On April 15, Italy celebrates National Made in Italy Day, established to highlight one of the country’s most distinctive assets: the ability to combine creativity, quality, and territorial identity. This symbolic date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the birth of Leonardo da Vinci, an emblem of the “know-how” that still represents the beating heart of Italy’s production system.
Now in its third edition, the 2026 Day follows the path set in previous years but introduces a key element for the future of Made in Italy: education and training. Skills—especially those of younger generations—are becoming the true driving force to ensure continuity and innovation across Italian supply chains. The “4 I’s” – Identity, Innovation, Education, and Internationalization – are no longer just a theoretical model, but a concrete strategy for addressing global challenges.
While in 2025 the focus was on emerging technologies and industrial competitiveness, in 2026 the spotlight shifts to people: to the transmission of knowledge, the enhancement of professional expertise, and the ability to preserve the link between tradition and the future.
From training to authenticity: the role of Italian restaurants worldwide
Training does not only concern production processes; it also involves those who represent Made in Italy globally every day: Italian restaurants abroad. These establishments are among the main channels for spreading Italian food and wine culture and, at the same time, one of the sectors most exposed to counterfeiting and the phenomenon of Italian Sounding.
This is where the theme of skills intersects with that of certification. Training informed professionals who can recognize and use authentic products means strengthening the credibility of the entire “Italy system.” Certification of Italian restaurants abroad thus becomes an essential tool to ensure transparency, quality, and consistency with the values of Made in Italy.
It is not just about protecting a brand, but about preserving a cultural heritage: every authentic dish tells a story, every certified ingredient represents a territory, and every compliant restaurant becomes an ambassador of identity.
A system that is growing (also in numbers)
The value of Made in Italy agri-food products continues to show strong performance internationally. According to the latest analyses based on ISTAT and Coldiretti data—partners of the ITA0039 by ASACERT protocol—exports in the sector exceeded €65 billion in 2024, confirming a steady growth trend in recent years. At the same time, the Italian Sounding phenomenon has reached an estimated global value of over €120 billion, highlighting the still significant gap between authenticity and imitation.
These figures reinforce the need for concrete tools for protection and promotion, including certification, which is becoming increasingly strategic in ensuring consumer trust and business competitiveness.
The contribution of ITA0039 by ASACERT
In line with the objectives of National Made in Italy Day, ITA0039 by ASACERT continues its commitment to protecting and promoting authentic Italian agri-food products. Since 2019, the certification system has supported Italian restaurants abroad by verifying the compliance of the products used and helping to combat the Italian Sounding phenomenon.
This effort goes beyond certification, extending to the promotion of Made in Italy culture through innovative tools such as the ITA0039 App, designed to guide consumers in choosing genuinely Italian products.
In a year where training is at the center of reflection, the role of certification becomes even stronger: not only a guarantee of quality, but also an educational lever to build awareness, skills, and value.
Because Made in Italy is not only what we produce, but what we are able to pass on.
