Made in Italy Expo to Spotlight Italian Innovation and Industry in the Southeast

This September, a piece of Italy is coming to Georgia—and not just what you eat, wear, or dream about on vacation. The Made in Italy Expo is planting its flag in Atlanta, and with it comes a renewed sense of pride, purpose and presence for Italian creativity and craftsmanship in the heart of the Southeastern United States.

The expo, set to run from Sept. 15-22, is more than just a celebration of Italian lifestyle. It’s a strategic move to shine a spotlight on the deep yet often undetected Italian industrial footprint already thriving in Georgia and neighboring states. 

From advanced manufacturing to fashion, design, logistics and food tech, Italy is showing up in the Southeast in powerful new ways—and this series of events is designed to make sure the region takes notice.

The initiative is organized by the Italia America Reputation Lab in collaboration with the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Southeast – Georgia Chapter. It’s the first time a program of this scope has come together in Atlanta, specifically to elevate the Made in Italy brand as both a cultural treasure and a business powerhouse.

So what’s on the agenda? 

Over the course of eight days, Atlanta will host an array of activations, from an Italian food fest with participating restaurants offering specialty menus (Sept. 15-20) to a curated film festival (Sept. 19-20) to a closing night event featuring food, music and a Milan-style fashion show. Throughout, the expo will tap into what Italy does best: creating experiences that feel unforgettable, but with the goal of driving not just in-the-moment enjoyment, but also long-term business engagement. 

Here’s the twist: this is not just about what Italy can offer from afar. It’s also about celebrating the more than 60 Italian companies that are already here in Georgia, quietly building technologies and partnerships across the region, contributing several billions to the state’s economy and employing thousands of residents. 

Italy ranks second in Europe in terms of manufacturing output, with a stronghold in precision mechanics, sustainability, logistics and automation. In recent decades, Georgia and surrounding states like North Carolina and Tennessee have become proving grounds in the U.S. for Italian companies whose commitment to quality has made them household names back home:

• Manufacturers like Pirelli tire, Essilorluxottica and Aquafil have imported innovative practices, enhancing local production capabilities and creating high-quality jobs in Georgia. 

• Technology and fintech companies like Crif Select, SCM Group and Cassioli are developing cutting-edge solutions, helping bolster the dynamic tech ecosystem in Georgia. 

• Logistics companies like JAS Forwarding play a crucial role in optimizing supply chains and improving efficiency, supporting Georgia’s status as a major transportation hub. 

Elevated design and dining

The design industry, meanwhile, benefits from Italian companies’ renowned expertise and creativity, influencing trends and elevating the quality of design services and products available in the state: Dolce & Gabbana at Phipps Plaza, the Ferrari dealership in Roswell, and the showrooms of Natuzzi Divani and Pedini are just a few iconic examples of the high-end Italian retail presence in the area. 

This landscape is complemented by a vibrant culinary scene, with longtime ambassadors of Italian cuisine like Piero Premoli at Pricci and Riccardo Ullio with Sotto Sotto, paired with newer hotspots Rosetta Bakery and YEPPA, which has energized Buckhead’s nightlife and is now preparing to launch YEPPA Villa in one of the most celebrated areas of the Italian Riviera.

The 2025 edition is being called a “teaser” for what’s coming in 2026 — the full program, which will become an annual reference point for Italian visibility in the U.S. market. 

By building momentum now, the team behind the Expo hopes to create a sustainable, scalable format that can be repeated and expanded not just in Georgia, but in other parts of the country.

Leaving an economic footprint

More than just a festival or trade show, the Expo wants to leave behind a cultural and economic footprint. That means bringing Italian brands face-to-face with U.S. retailers. It means creating space for students and professionals to engage with Italian innovation. It also means reinforcing the idea that Italian products aren’t just luxurious—they’re smart, sustainable and made with a purpose. 

But while the Expo is deeply business-minded, it never forgets the emotional pull of Italian culture.

Take the Sept. 22 Industry Talks on Italian innovation and green manufacturing at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. This won’t just be a branding pitch. It’ll be a conversation about factory automation, ‘algorethics’ and circular-economy principles—all areas where Italian companies are already leading globally. And the goal is to connect those leaders with American buyers, distributors and policymakers.

There’s also a strong community focus: The Expo team has made it clear that they want this to also be a springboard for local entrepreneurs who are incorporating Italy into their core processes. 

Take J Goldin Eyewear, which is conceiving in Dunwoody their sunglasses collections rigorously manufactured in Italy to preserve the high-quality value imprinted in their design phase. Another segment of the program will even highlight how Italian olive oil-based cosmetics are gaining traction among African-American consumers for their quality and heritage. That’s a connection point rarely explored — exactly the kind of story the Expo wants to elevate.

In the end, this is about reputation. Italy has long been admired for its beauty, its style, its sense of tradition. But it’s time for a new chapter—one that also emphasizes innovation, industry, and long-term collaboration. The Made in Italy Expo is here to help write that story, and to make sure it starts right here in Atlanta.

Get engaged and win fantastic prizes including tickets to Italy, a six-day stay in the Italian Riviera and vouchers from prime Italian restaurants in Atlanta, like Pricci, Sotto Sotto, Yeppa, Novo Cucina, and Kitty Dare. Additional food and wine brands involved in the program include, Parmigiano Reggiano, Urbani Truffle, La Regina, Acqua Lauretana, Valdo Prosecco, Riso Acquerello, Palazzo di Varignana EVOO, and unique specialties from the Liguria Region.

For more information, visit www.madeinitalyexpo.org or follow @MadeInItalyAtlanta on social media. 

But don’t just watch from afar. Come taste, see, and discover what “Made in Italy” really means in 2025—and why it matters more than ever for the future of Georgia, the Southeast and beyond.