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Tunisia Signs on as Partner Country for Summer Fancy Food Show
Olive Oil, Dates, Harissa, and More to be Featured

NEW YORK (Jan. 19, 2016) -- 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 – 28, 2016, at 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 U.S. as that of other Mediterranean and North African countries. That may start to change.

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,” say 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,” says Sami Hassene, deputy director, CEPEX.

About the Specialty Food Association
The Specialty Food Association is a thriving community of food artisans, importers and entrepreneurs. Established in 1952 in New York, the not-for-profit trade association provides its 3,000 members in the U.S. and abroad the tools, knowledge and connections to champion and nurture their companies in an ever-evolving marketplace. The Association owns and produces the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows, and presents the sofi™ Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. Learn more at specialtyfood.com.

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For further information: Specialty Food Association Media Contact: Louise Kramer, Communications Director, lkramer@specialtyfood.com, 646-878-0130, or Tunisian Export Promotion Center Media Contact: Anis Basti, abasti@tunisiaexport.tn, 216-71-234-200/ext. 1517