The 17th annual World Pasta Day 2013
Yes, there really is an annual World Pasta Day and this website was created to promote its 17th annual celebration with politicians and culinary experts gathered in Istanbul to discuss the role of pasta in the Turkish economy and as a healthy, sustainable food in one's diet. The site originally provided all the necessary information to attend the "Pasta Congress" held in Istanbul. Once the 2013 World Pasta Day event was over, the site's domain was allowed to expire. Recently I discovered that the domain was available, so I bought it with the goal of recreating as much of its original content as possible from archived pages. I did not want someone else to purchase the domain and re-purpose the site for something that had nothing in common with the original Turkish 2013 World Pasta Day convention website.
I attended this event as a guest of the company I was assisting in some customized app development to address a number of security issues that could not be handled with their current (COTS) commercial off-the-shelf software. My company provides custom web application development services for businesses and organizations that require specialized, industry-specific solutions. Often times, I have found, companies initially purchase commercial off-the-shelf software which appear to suit their needs. Unfortunately one of the problems with having an over the counter software is that the business is now beholden to the manufacturer that created the COTS. I always shudder when I see the disruptions that occur when a company's COTS software is discontinued or requires the business to now purchase an unexpected expensive upgrade. In the worst scenario I have heard of companies going out of business because the down time required to get new programs up and running resulted in too much lost revenue. The custom business and web application development that we do for our clients is actually owned by them. They can keep the programs and tools as long as they like. Custom software development alleviates concerns that the everyday programs a company relies on will suddenly not be available anymore. Once the new custom apps were integrated in their CMS, I had a few days for some R&R before returning to the US. It was during this time I was invited and attended the annual World Pasta Day Congress. It was a great experience.
Although the need for the original site is finished, some of the information on the site was still valid. Nevertheless, I would suggest that you primarily consider the information on this site for its historical value.
2013 INVITATION
Distinguished Guests,
We are celebrating World Pasta Day on the 25th of October.
Pasta is a healthy and natural dish that makes everyone from children to the sports persons smile. Let's make October 25th a memorable day as we celebrate World Pasta Day.
Pasta is an irresistible staple food found in the dietary habits of all civilizations stretching from Ancient Rome to China. Pasta is the leading food of the Turkish Food Industry in terms of the exports figures. Pasta is found as the primary main course at millions of tables. We want to spread the word about the proper cooking techniques and unlimited options of sauces and enrichments available to enhance the basic pasta dish.
World Pasta Week shall commence in Turkey with an event on October 25th entitled “Pasta: The Sustainable, Healthy and Delicious Food.” The event is sponsored by the Turkish Pasta Industrialists Association with contributions from the International Pasta Organization (IPO). The October 25th World Pasta Day has been simultaneously celebrated throughout the world since 1997. During the event we shall discuss all the inaccurate and misleading myths about pasta and disseminate the proper information about this incredible and versatile product.
- Pasta is quick and easy to cook.
- Pasta, and pasta meals, are delicious.
- Pasta, and pasta meals, are nutritious, healthy foods.
- Pasta is very flexible and convenient.
- Pasta is not an expensive food.
- Pasta can be served hot or cold.
- Pasta can be served as a main dish or a side dish. It can also be served in soups, salads, and even in desserts!
"Pasta does not Make You Fat"
"Our priority as the producers is to extend food safety and the proper consumption habits regarding pasta. Besides providing an abundance of vitamins and minerals, pasta also has a cholesterol lowering impact due to its zero fat content. Moreover it reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Since it is instantly converted into energy in the metabolism, pasta dishes are the ideal foodstuff for athletes and persons who require physical power for their jobs. But most important of all, consumers should understand that the pasta, in and of itself, does not make you fat.
Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors Chairman of the Board of Directors
Nihat UYSALLI Murat BOZKURT
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Venue of Organization: ÇıraÄŸan Palace Kempinski ÇıraÄŸan Cad.32 BeÅŸiktaÅŸ 34349 Ä°stanbul
Date of Organization: 25 Ekim 2013
Language of Organization: Turkish with a simultaneous translation
Gala Dinner: Sait Halim PaÅŸa Yalısı Köybaşı Cad. No:117 Yeniköy – Ä°stanbul
Congress Web Address: www.worldpastaday2013.org
Exhibition Areas : The exhibition area shall be open to visit on 25th October 2013 between 08:30 - 18:00.
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PROGRAMME
World Pasta Day 2013 celebrations and the IPO Annual General Assembly, will be held in Istanbul (Turkey) on the 25th of October 2013, hosted by TMSD (Turkish Pasta Manufacturers Association).
The IPO AGM and the WPD 2013 Conference "Pasta: the perfect choice for a tasty, healthy and sustainable diet" will take place at the Ciragan Kempinski Palace
Programme
8:30 Welcome Coffee/Coffee Break Table
9:30-10:30 International Pasta Organisation Annual General Assembly Meeting (IPO Members only)
10:30-11:00 Welcome & Opening
Moderator: Murat Bozkurt, Chairman of TMSD Board of Directors
Vedat Mirmahmutoğulları, Undersecretary of Republic of Turkey Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Mustafa Erdoğan, Vice President of TMO Şemsi Kopuz, Chairman of TGDF Board of Directors
11:30-12:00 World Durum Wheat Markets Outlook
Chris Gillen, Canadian Wheat Board
Cagatay Maras, Market Monitoring and Evaluation Branch Manager of TMO
12:00-12:30 Pasta Trends and Communication Strategies
Claudio Zanao, President IPO
12:30-13:00 Pasta & Sustainability
Luca Fernando Ruini, Barilla
13:00-15:00 Lunch
15:30-16:30 Pasta & Health
Gulden Pekcan, Hacettepe University, Turkey Sara Baer-Sinnott, Oldways, Boston, US
Coffee break
16:30-17:00 Pasta & Taste
Vedat BaÅŸaran, Culinary expert and Chef, President of Culinary Arts Center (YESAM), Turkish Cultural Foundation
17:00 Closing remarks
Murat Bozkurt, Chairman of TMSD Board of Directors Claudio Zanao, President IPO
19.00 After a mini Bosphorus tour by boat, cocktail and gala dinner at Sait Halim Pasa Yalisi
*Mithat Körler and Latin Group performance at Gala Dinner.
More detailed information on the agenda of the IPO Annual Assembly and the Conference will follow in due course, including registration and hotel booking forms.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Turkey.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board of Directors and Inspectors of the Association
Murat BOZKURT- Chairman of the Board of Directors
Nihat UYSALLI- Deputy Board of Directors
Kemal CAKMAK& - Accountant Member
Abdulkadir KULAHCIOGLU
Mehmet KARAKUS
Board of Inspectors
Mehmet Unal GOYMEN
Aykut GOYMEN
Omer AK
More Background on WorldPastaDay2013.org
Pasta is one of the most beloved foods worldwide, celebrated for its versatility, simplicity, and ability to adapt to various culinary traditions. World Pasta Day is a testament to this global appreciation, created to highlight pasta's cultural, nutritional, and economic significance. Each year, this celebration brings together food lovers, culinary experts, and industry leaders to reflect on pasta's place in the world. WorldPastaDay2013.org was a website dedicated to the 17th annual World Pasta Day, held in Istanbul, Turkey. Although the website was initially designed to provide detailed information about the event, its significance extends far beyond the 2013 celebration.
History of World Pasta Day
World Pasta Day began in 1998, initiated by the International Pasta Organization (IPO). The event was created to promote the benefits of pasta as a nutritious, sustainable, and versatile food option. The first event was held in Naples, Italy, the heart of pasta production, setting the tone for the annual celebrations that would follow in various global cities. The event typically includes a series of conferences, culinary demonstrations, and discussions focusing on pasta's role in global cuisine, nutrition, and sustainability. World Pasta Day provides a platform for pasta producers, chefs, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and celebrate their love for pasta.
The event's global significance grew as it spread to various countries. By 2013, it had become a major international event, held in Turkey for the first time. This was a strategic location, given Turkey's growing role in pasta production and export, making it a fitting host for the 17th annual celebration. The event focused on topics such as pasta's sustainability, the myths surrounding pasta and health, and pasta's adaptability to various dietary needs.
Press & Media Coverage of World Pasta Day 2013
World Pasta Day 2013 attracted significant media attention, not only because of its global theme but also due to its location in Turkey, which was quickly rising as a major player in pasta exports. The event was covered by numerous food and lifestyle publications, as well as international news outlets.
Publications such as The Guardian and Reuters highlighted the event's focus on dispelling myths about pasta's negative reputation concerning health. Industry experts emphasized that pasta, when consumed in moderation, is a healthy source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and nutrients. Coverage also focused on the event's sustainability angle, with various presentations exploring how pasta could contribute to more sustainable diets worldwide. This discussion aligned with broader trends in the food industry, where sustainability had become a priority for consumers and producers alike.
Audience and Cultural Significance
World Pasta Day 2013 catered to a diverse audience, including culinary professionals, pasta producers, food enthusiasts, and policymakers. The event was designed to address both industry professionals and the general public, making pasta more accessible and relevant to global food discussions. In addition to being a staple food in countries like Italy, pasta has a global appeal and is consumed in various forms around the world—from ramen noodles in Japan to pasta salads in the United States.
Culturally, pasta holds a significant place in the diets of many countries. In Italy, it is a national symbol of identity, with various pasta shapes and recipes passed down through generations. In Turkey, pasta is becoming increasingly popular, with growing production and exports, reflecting the food's adaptability to different cultures. World Pasta Day 2013 also highlighted the importance of pasta in Turkey's economy, where it plays a key role in both domestic consumption and international trade.
Known For: Themes of Health and Sustainability
One of the key themes of World Pasta Day 2013 was the focus on pasta as a healthy and sustainable food option. At the time, pasta had faced criticism due to misconceptions that it contributed to weight gain and other health issues. However, experts attending the event were keen to highlight pasta's nutritional benefits. In particular, they focused on its role in providing energy, especially for athletes and individuals with physically demanding jobs. Additionally, pasta is a low-fat food that can be easily integrated into various diets to promote overall health.
Sustainability was another major focus of the event. Discussions centered on how pasta could contribute to a more sustainable global food system, particularly due to its relatively low environmental impact. Compared to other staple foods such as meat and dairy, pasta has a lower carbon footprint and requires fewer resources to produce, making it an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Insights and Specifics: Pasta's Economic Impact in Turkey
World Pasta Day 2013 not only celebrated pasta's global appeal but also emphasized its economic importance to Turkey. Turkey is one of the top producers and exporters of pasta in the world, with the pasta industry playing a crucial role in the country’s economy. Turkish pasta is known for its high quality, thanks to the country’s ideal climate for growing durum wheat, the key ingredient in most pasta varieties.
The event also provided insights into the global pasta market, with industry experts discussing trends in pasta production, export, and consumption. Turkey’s pasta producers have successfully tapped into international markets, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, where demand for affordable, nutritious food is growing. The country’s strategic location, bordering both Europe and Asia, gives it a unique advantage in exporting pasta to different regions.
Press and Media Coverage Highlights
World Pasta Day 2013 received coverage from a variety of media outlets, ranging from food blogs to mainstream news. Coverage often highlighted the unique intersection of pasta, health, and sustainability. For instance, Food Navigator ran a feature on the event, showcasing how pasta's image as a comfort food was being rebranded as a healthy, sustainable option. Meanwhile, Culinary Institute News featured interviews with chefs and pasta experts who discussed the versatility of pasta and its relevance in the modern culinary world.
Other media outlets, such as Turkish Food Network, focused on the economic importance of pasta to Turkey, particularly its role in exports and job creation. Coverage emphasized that pasta is one of Turkey’s most significant food products, with producers investing heavily in improving the quality of their products to meet international standards.
Cultural and Social Significance
Beyond its economic and nutritional benefits, pasta holds a special place in the cultural fabric of many societies. In Italy, pasta is seen as more than just food—it is a way of life, a symbol of family and tradition. This cultural significance is echoed in other countries, where pasta dishes have been adapted to local ingredients and tastes. In Turkey, for instance, pasta is often paired with ingredients like yogurt, herbs, and spices, creating a unique fusion of Italian and Turkish culinary traditions.
World Pasta Day 2013 celebrated this cultural diversity, showcasing pasta’s ability to bring people together across different cultures and regions. The event served as a reminder that food is not just about nourishment but also about connection, tradition, and identity.
WorldPastaDay2013.org was created to commemorate an event that highlighted the global love for pasta and its importance in our diets, culture, and economy. While the 2013 celebration in Istanbul has passed, the themes discussed at the event—pasta’s health benefits, its role in a sustainable food system, and its cultural significance—remain relevant today. As pasta continues to be a staple food in households worldwide, events like World Pasta Day play a crucial role in promoting its positive image and encouraging its consumption as part of a healthy, balanced diet.