In its continued commitment to providing customers with a diverse and high-quality assortment of products, H-E-B's partnership with the Italian Trade Agency continues to bring more than 3,000 authentic Italian imports to more than 300 H-E-B stores across Texas. Products will be showcased during the companywide Ciao Italia event happening in stores until October 11. Today, H-E-B officials were joined by Italian Trade Agency Commissioners Maurizio Forte and Matteo Picariello, and marketing promotion senior manager Patrick Capriati, for a celebratory "pasta ribbon cutting" kickoff ceremony at the H-E-B Escarpment Village located at 5800 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78749.

"We are honored to continue our partnership with the Italian Trade Agency to expand our unique offerings of Italian products to customers across the state of Texas," said Jody Hall, H-E-B Director of Global Sourcing. "With these specialty products, customers will be able to make that memorable dish they enjoyed while on vacation in Italy, or prepare an authentic Italian recipe with healthy and affordable ingredients, straight from the source."

From pizza inspired by the flavors of the Amalfi Coast, boutique Tuscan olive oils infused with hand sliced lemon and orange peels, pillowy pumpkin gnocchi pasta, specialty cheeses shipped straight from Italy and handpicked wines from across the Italian peninsula and islands – Ciao Italia offers an array of distinctive, innovative and authentic Italian products for Texans to enjoy.

"Over the years, we have found Texas to be a prime market for authentic Italian products," said Matteo Picariello, Italian Trade Commissioner (Chicago office). "As the largest food retailer in the state, H-E-B is an excellent partner in helping us bring unique products straight from Italian businesses to the state of Texas for customers to enjoy."

In honor of the two-week celebration, H-E-B stores will feature a selection of these products in upcoming meal deals, live in-store cooking demos, combo locos and more. Customers can also enter into the Ciao Italia sweepstakes online from September 30 to October 11 for the chance to win a Fiat 500X, a trip for two to Italy, a Vespa scooter or H-E-B gift cards. Official rules and entry requirements can be found at www.heb.com/italy.