MILAN, Jun 17 (Class Editori) -- The fourteenth edition of the Panda D'Oro Gala Awards, the emblematic event of Made in Italy in China, took place on the 14th at the iconic W Hotel in Shanghai, marking a new record: 60 companies nominated for awards across eight categories and 23 winners, recognized for their excellent results in innovation, sustainability, branding, and cultural promotion in the Chinese market.
Organized by the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce (CICC), in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in the PRC, the Italian Consulate General in Shanghai, ICE, and the Italian Cultural Institutes in Beijing and Shanghai, the event attracted over 700 guests, including entrepreneurs, institutions, and representatives from the Italian and Chinese business communities.
The ceremony was opened by CICC President Lorenzo Riccardi, along with the Italian Ambassador to China, Massimo Ambrosetti. Riccardi emphasized how the 2025 edition fits into the celebrations for the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and China, reaffirming the value of the synergy between economy and culture as a driver of the success of Made in Italy abroad.
"We celebrated the centenary of Treccani -- a symbol of Italian knowledge -- with the presence of its General Director, Massimo Bray," Riccardi stated, highlighting how the event was a tribute not only to businesses but also to Italian cultural identity.
The highlight of the evening was the awarding of prizes in various categories. The Panda D'Oro Award 2025, the most coveted recognition dedicated to Italian companies that invested the most in China in 2024, achieving significant value growth, went to Fincantieri, Generali China Insurance, Itema, and Venchi, the Turin-based chocolate company.
The Innovation Award, awarded to companies that have invested the most in innovation, research, and technological development, bringing original and creative solutions to China, was given to Futurasun, a small and medium-sized enterprise producing photovoltaic cells in China, Brembo, Pininfarina, and Ningbo Ask Automotive.
The Destination Italy Award, aimed at those who have successfully promoted Italy as a destination for tourism, sports, and culture, enhancing the country's image in an increasingly competitive global context, went to Destination Italia, an online travel agency offering tailored stays and trips in the peninsula.
The Italian Excellence Award, aimed at those who best embody Italian excellence in design, lifestyle, fashion, luxury, and digital, saw De Longhi, Generali China Life Insurance, and Natuzzi, a producer of sofas from Puglia, on stage.
For the Italian Taste Award, ambassadors of Italian gastronomy in China capable of conveying authenticity and hospitality, the recognition was awarded to Barilla, Beretta, and Loacker, a pastry maker for 100 years.
For the Sustainability Award, given to companies that have adopted sustainable development strategies with concrete impacts on business, society, and the environment, the recognition went to Comau, Grimaldi, Omlog, and Jas Forwarding (China).
The Turnaround Award, designed for the company that has successfully overcome a critical moment thanks to solid management and operational improvements, saw winners Filpiù and Rina.
Finally, the Friendship Award, awarded to a Chinese company that has fostered economic cooperation and bilateral investments, was co-awarded to HCG International Travel Group and NUO Capital.
The 2025 edition was particularly rich in cultural content: in addition to the tribute to the 100 years of Treccani, there was a preview of the exhibition dedicated to architect Andrea Palladio, and a tribute to Italian cinema, celebrated also through the evening's menu, inspired by iconic films.
Crowning the evening were performances by the Nova Sinfonietta Orchestra of Shanghai, conducted by Italian maestro Roberto Fiore, and jazz vocalist Heidi Li. The gala dinner, curated by the Italian Federation of Chefs (FIC) in China, offered a gastronomic journey through the most authentic flavors of Italian cuisine, paired with fine wines and products offered by Joyetown, LunaNera, Sinodrink, Zonin 1821, and Inalca.
The event once again confirmed the strategic role of the Italian community in China and the strength of Made in Italy as a vehicle of excellence, culture, and innovation. (All rights reserved)
(Source: Class Editori)
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