Danube will be the first to sell bresaola, an Italian specialty of lean dried salted beef, in Saudi Arabia JEDDAH: Stefano Stucci, Italy’s consul general in Saudi Arabia, announced his partnership with Danube Co., a supermarket and hypermarket chain in the Kingdom, to introduce Italian products to Saudi consumers. The announcement coincides with Italian Cuisine Week, which is taking place on Nov. 18-24. As of Nov. 19, Danube will be the first to sell bresaola, an Italian specialty of lean dried salted beef, in Saudi Arabia. “It’s great to be able to do this partnership with Danube. Food is culture, but it’s also business, as it amounts to 10 percent of my country’s GDP (gross domestic product),” said Stucci. “Danube is one of the biggest food distributors and importers, not only in Saudi Arabia but in the Middle East, so it’s really a pleasure to do this partnership with them,” he added. “Food means a lot to us (Italians). It’s culture, sharing, being together, work, business. It’s really a big pleasure to share this part of our culture with you.” Waleed Bindawood, chief commercial officer of Bindawood Group, which owns and operates Danube, said introducing bresaola follows Danube’s legacy of introducing new products to Saudi consumers. “The campaign is a splendid initiative to create awareness of some of Italy’s best-known food brands to Saudi consumers and facilitate them in our Danube stores, offering the chance to sample these wonderful Italian products,” he added. Bindawood told Arab News that Danube is honored to launch this partnership, adding: “Beef bresaola will be sold exclusively in our branches in Danube across the Kingdom.” Italian Cuisine Week, which has been celebrated for four years now, promotes traditional Italian food, which is a central part of the country’s identity. This year, it includes cooking events and food trucks.