Veronafiere and AIC Veneto: together for inclusive, gluten-free food options
Veronafiere is taking a further step toward inclusivity and catering to the dietary needs of its exhibitors and visitors. Thanks to a collaboration with AIC Veneto (the Italian Celiac Association), the Verona exhibition center is enhancing its gluten-free culinary offerings, ensuring monitored safety standards and specially trained staff.
The initiative, which began in September 2025 and was coordinated by AIC Veneto, involved the technical training of managers from the catering companies active at the fair—Cardinali, Compass, Grangusto, and Scapin. These professionals participated in in-depth theoretical sessions regarding celiac disease, the gluten-free diet, and European labeling regulations.
In the four dining areas within the exhibition center, strict cross-contamination prevention rules are applied—a vital necessity in high-traffic environments like trade fairs. Each company received a tailored protocol of requirements to follow, adapted to their specific operational characteristics.
Customer safety is guaranteed through a periodic monitoring system; AIC Veneto conducts audits on raw material sourcing and processing procedures before every event. The trained dining spots are easily identifiable through dedicated signage developed by Veronafiere and AIC Veneto, featuring partner logos and clear information on the available options. The goal is to provide a gluten-free food selection for every event, ranging from packaged goods to fresh, made-to-order dishes.
“Veronafiere, in collaboration with AIC Veneto, has embarked on an awareness journey that makes the restaurants within our halls even more welcoming and inclusive. It is not just about meeting a dietary requirement, but about ensuring that the fair experience is of high quality for all our guests, reducing barriers and increasing safety.” — Barbara Ferro, CEO of Veronafiere
“AIC Veneto is pleased to collaborate with Veronafiere on a path that centers on inclusivity and food safety for those with celiac disease. This experience is a concrete example of how training, care, and responsibility can translate into an offering that is truly accessible to everyone.” — Simone Bertin, President of AIC Veneto
The collaboration made its successful official debut during Motor Bike Expo last January. The next step in the project between Veronafiere and AIC Veneto is the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding to consolidate this partnership, which will include biannual inspections to maintain the highest levels of food safety over time.
