Italian wine and food producers are seeking to deepen their presence in East Africa following the Borsa Vini Kenya 2026 trade event, which brought together exporters, regional buyers and hospitality professionals in Nairobi to explore commercial opportunities and strengthen business partnerships.
Held at Trademark Hotel on November 10, the event featured 26 exhibitors representing 10 Italian regions, providing a platform for Kenyan businesses and visiting buyers from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda to engage directly with Italian producers through business meetings, wine tastings and educational sessions.
Speaking during the event, Alessandra Rainaldi, Director of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in Nairobi, said the initiative was part of Italy’s broader efforts to support small and medium-sized enterprises in accessing international markets.
“We support small and medium enterprises to export and to invest worldwide,” Rainaldi said.
She described Borsa Vini as one of the agency’s signature initiatives, organised in Kenya and other international markets to promote Italian excellence in wine and food while creating opportunities for producers to establish commercial relationships with overseas buyers.
The Nairobi edition comes as Italian wine continues to strengthen its position in the Kenyan market. According to figures provided by the Italian Trade Agency, Italy is Kenya’s third-largest wine supplier, with its market share increasing from 11.5 per cent in 2025 to 14.5 per cent during the first half of 2026.
The growth highlights the increasing demand for Italian products and the potential for stronger business relationships between Italian exporters and Kenya’s hospitality, retail and food sectors.
Beyond the commercial opportunities, the event also showcased the cultural significance of Italian food and wine.
Giulia Orlandi, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Italy in Nairobi, said wine represented more than a commercial product, describing it as an important expression of Italy’s history, regional identity and cultural heritage.
“Wine is much more than a product because for us, for Italians, it reflects our history, our territories and our cultural heritage,” Orlandi said.
She also highlighted the connection between Italian wine, the Mediterranean diet and the country’s culinary traditions, noting the importance of preserving and sharing food culture internationally.
Borsa Vini Kenya 2026 formed part of the 11th edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, which runs in Kenya from November 8 to 14. The annual celebrations seek to promote Italian culinary traditions, food quality and the cultural heritage associated with the country’s cuisine.
As part of the programme, wine consultant and sommelier Victoria Mulu-Munywoki conducted masterclasses to introduce participants to different Italian wine varieties and help them develop a better understanding of wine appreciation.
Through guided tastings, participants explored wine styles, aromas and flavours while learning how to identify their preferences and understand the characteristics of different wines.
The programme also featured regional wine masterclasses and live cooking demonstrations led by Michelin-starred Chef Italo Bassi, combining culinary experiences with product education and business networking.
The trade engagement also highlighted opportunities for stronger economic cooperation between Kenya and Italy.
While Italian producers are seeking to expand their footprint in Kenya, Kenyan exporters are also increasing their access to the Italian market through products such as vegetable oils, coffee, flowers and fish.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Kenya’s export earnings from Italy increased by 50.2 per cent in 2025, demonstrating the potential for further growth in bilateral trade.
The event underscored the opportunities available to businesses in both countries through stronger commercial partnerships, cultural exchange and expanded access to international markets.