FAQ - Digital platform for B2B/B2C meetings with Italian companies
What is the digital platform for B2B/B2C meetings with Italian companies?
This platform connects those seeking certified Italian products and selected companies with Made in Italy. We facilitate meeting requests, product information, and customized solutions, both for professionals and consumers interested in Italian quality.
Who is this service intended for?
This service is designed for foreign operators, buyers, importers, distributors, retail chains, restaurants, e-commerce sites, and consumers who wish to discover and purchase certified Italian products directly from the manufacturer. We support both those seeking reliable suppliers and those evaluating new Italian brands.
What services does it offer in the B2B sector?
For B2B meetings, we offer a pre-selection of certified Italian companies, organization of online or in-person meetings, support in finalizing requests and informational assistance regarding catalogs, certifications, and production capacity. We can also facilitate contacts for distribution or private label agreements, without taking the place of either party in commercial negotiations.
What services do you offer in the B2C sector?
For B2C meetings, we help consumers find certified Italian products by providing company information on origin, quality, purchasing channels, and sales outlets. We are not an e-commerce site, but we provide guidance on where and how to purchase safely, suggesting reliable brands and manufacturers based on the needs expressed in the request.
Who can request a meeting or products?
Companies, professionals, organizations, associations, and end consumers, both in Italy and abroad, can apply. Simply describe the type of product or Italian company sought, the target market, and the purpose of the meeting. We evaluate each request and propose the most suitable approach to the requester's profile.
How does the service work in practice?
Fill out a short request form indicating who you are, what you are looking for, and the expected timeframe. Our team analyzes the information, identifies the most suitable Italian companies and suggests one or more qualified contacts. If necessary, we can arrange an online meeting or put you in direct contact with the selected companies.
What are the response times?
For standard inquiries, we typically respond within 2–3 working days with a first response. For more complex searches or very specific sectors, it may take up to 7–10 business days. In any case, we will inform you by email about the status of your request and the next steps.
Is there a cost for this service?
The preliminary assessment of your request and initial informational guidance are free. Some advanced B2B services, such as targeted searches, customized projects, or ongoing support, may incur a fee, which is communicated clearly and transparently before proceeding. No fee is applied without your consent.
Why is it useful for those seeking certified Italian products?
UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNERS selects companies with quality, traceability, and regulatory compliance requirements, reducing the risk of unreliable contacts. It helps you save time on your research, compare different solutions, and identify Italian partners that are suited to your market. This increases the likelihood of establishing solid, lasting collaborations.
How can I contact UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNERS?
You can contact us via the online form dedicated to meeting and product requests, providing your information and a brief description of your needs. Alternatively, you can write to us at the official email address info@universoitaliandpartners.com. For certain types of requests, it is also possible to schedule a telephone or videoconference appointment.
B2B and B2C meetings with Italian companies
What types of meetings does UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNERS organize?
UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNERS facilita l'incontro tra imprese italiane e interlocutori esteri, sia professionali (B2B) sia privati (B2C). Organizziamo appuntamenti mirati con aziende italiane selezionate in base ai tuoi interessi: fornitori, partner commerciali, produttori, ma anche brand e artigiani per chi desidera acquistare prodotti o servizi per uso personale . Gli incontri possono svolgersi online o in presenza, durante missioni, fiere, eventi o visite aziendali dedicate.
How can I request a B2B meeting with Italian companies?
To request a B2B meeting, fill out the request form on our website or contact us by email. We will ask you for a company presentation in PDF format, the sector of activity, the type of product or service you are seeking, and the target market. Based on this information, we select the most suitable Italian companies and propose a personalized meeting schedule, including dates, times, and methods (online or in person).
What information is required for a B2B request?
For a B2B request, we typically ask for: company name and website, contact person (name, role, email, phone number), industry, products or services sought, any required certifications (e.g., organic, quality, safety), preferences regarding Italian geographic area or supplier type. This information allows us to present you professionally to Italian companies and only propose genuinely interested contacts.
How do you select Italian companies for B2B meetings?
We select Italian companies based on criteria that match your profile: industry, production capacity, certifications, export experience, distribution channels, and interest in your market. We verify that the company can meet your needs (quantity, quality, price range, delivery times). Whenever possible, we share a summary of each proposed company in advance, so you can confirm or modify the list before scheduling appointments.
Are B2B meetings held online or in person?
You can choose between online and in-person meetings, or a combination of both. Online meetings are held via videoconferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Google Meet) with links and instructions sent in advance. In-person meetings can take place at trade shows, events, showrooms, or directly at the company. In all cases, we provide you with a detailed agenda with times, approximate duration of each meeting, and contact information for the Italian representatives.
How can I request a B2C meeting with Italian companies?
If you are a consumer, you can request a B2C meeting by filling out the online form or telling us what you're interested in: for example, local products, fashion, design, craftsmanship, experiential tourism. We'll ask you for your country, preferred language, approximate budget, and whether you'd like an informational meeting, personalized purchasing advice, or a visit (even virtual) to the company or showroom. Based on your preferences, we'll suggest the most suitable Italian companies.
Who is the B2C service for and what can I do during the meeting?
The B2C service is designed for end consumers, groups of enthusiasts or communities interested in Made in Italy. During the meeting you can learn more about the company, see the products, ask for advice on sizes, customizations, shipping and purchasing methods. In some cases it is possible to organize tastings, virtual tours or dedicated presentations. The goal is to offer you direct and authentic contact with the Italian manufacturer, even if you are abroad.
What is the difference between B2B and B2C meetings?
B2B meetings are designed for companies, distributors, importers, wholesalers, or professionals seeking structured business partnerships, ongoing supplies, or distribution agreements. B2C meetings, on the other hand, are aimed at Italian and foreign consumers who wish to purchase for personal use, in small quantities, or simply learn more about a brand or manufacturer. Therefore, the objectives, volumes, topics covered, and the level of technical or contractual detail vary.
How do you manage language and interpretation during meetings?
Before scheduling meetings, we verify the languages spoken by Italian companies and compare them with your preferences. When necessary, we can provide professional simultaneous or consecutive interpreting services, both for online and in-person meetings. Alternatively, for simple meetings, we can provide bilingual moderation. We always inform you in advance if an interpreter is required, any additional costs, and the languages actually available.
Can I change or cancel a scheduled meeting?
Yes, it is possible to modify or cancel a meeting, but we ask that you notify us as soon as possible. Each meeting program has its own policy, which is outlined in the confirmation email you receive. Changes are generally free if requested a few days in advance, while late cancellations may not be refundable, especially if interpreters or physical spaces have already been booked. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, we always find an alternative solution.
How are my personal data and that of my company protected?
We process your data in compliance with data protection and privacy regulations (including the GDPR, where applicable). We use the information you provide only to organize meetings and connect you with selected Italian companies. We share only the strictly necessary data with companies (company profile, business contacts, commercial interests). We retain your data for the time necessary to manage the service, and you can request updates, limitations, or deletions at any time.
Is there a cost to request and participate in meetings?
Some meetings may be free, for example, if they are part of promotional programs or institutional events; Others require a participation fee, especially when they include additional services such as interpreting, a personalized agenda, trade fair accompaniment, or company visits. During the application process, we always clearly indicate whether the service is free or paid, what costs are involved, and what is included (number of meetings, duration, any additional services).
Certified Products
What do the DOP, IGP, and TSG certifications mean?
The DOP (Protected Designation of Origin), IGP (Protected Geographical Indication), and TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) certifications are European trademarks that protect the quality and origin of products. DOP indicates that all production phases take place in a specific geographical area. IGP requires that at least one phase takes place in that area. TSG protects a traditional recipe or method, regardless of the place of production. UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNERS selects only producers who strictly comply with these specifications.
What does the 100% Made in Italy designation mean?
The 100% Made in Italy designation indicates that the entire production cycle of the product—design, primary processing, and final inspections—is carried out in Italy, according to Italian quality and regulatory standards. This isn't simply a nod to Italian style, but rather a true traceability of the supply chain. Through UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNERS, you can request products th meet these requirements, with supporting documentation and verification to ensure authenticity and transparency.
Quali categorie di prodotti certificati posso richiedere tramite UNIVERSO ITALIA?
Puoi richiedere un’ampia gamma di prodotti italiani certificati. In ambito agroalimentare offriamo formaggi, salumi, oli, conserve, pasta, dolci e molte altre specialità D.O.P., I.G.P. e S.T.G. Per il vino selezioniamo etichette DOC, DOCG e IGT con forte legame territoriale. Nel settore artigianato e design proponiamo oggetti d’arredo, moda, accessori e prodotti di manifattura 100% Made in Italy. Su richiesta possiamo valutare ulteriori categorie, sempre nel rispetto delle certificazioni dichiarate.
How can I submit a request for certified products?
Per inviare una richiesta puoi compilare il modulo di contatto sul nostro sito, indicando le categorie di prodotti desiderate (D.O.P., I.G.P., S.T.G., 100% Made in Italy) e il Paese di destinazione. In alternativa puoi scriverci via e‑mail o, per richieste più complesse, fissare un appuntamento telefonico o in videoconferenza. Il nostro team analizzerà le tue esigenze e ti proporrà una selezione di prodotti e fornitori in linea con i requisiti indicati.
How is the authenticity of certifications verified?
UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNERS performs documentary checks and, when necessary, additional checks with producers. We request copies of official certifications issued by the competent bodies, check their correspondence with public registers (for example, the European databases of PDO and PGI products), and verify labels, trademarks, and traceability. For 100% Made in Italy products, we analyze the declared production chain and ensure compliance with applicable regulations, favoring partners with a consolidated history and periodic audits.
How long will it take to respond to my request?
After receiving your request, we will send you an initial feedback within 2–4 business days to confirm feasibility and clarify any details. A complete proposal of products, certifications, and pricing generally takes 3 to 7 business days, depending on the complexity and number of suppliers involved. All communications are transparent via email, with the option of telephone or video call updates for more complex projects.
Are there minimum order quantities for certified products?
Minimum order quantities depend on the product type, manufacturer, and destination. Some artisanal or designer items can also be requested in small batches, while minimums are often required for agri-food products and wine to optimize logistics and transportation costs.
What kind of support is provided after submitting your request?
Our support doesn't stop with a simple sales proposal. After submitting your request, we'll guide you through product selection, certification verification, and logistics. Once your order is confirmed, we monitor the shipping status and are available for any clarifications regarding documents, labels, or trademark usage. If you encounter any issues or need to reorder, our support team will assist you with quick and transparent solutions.
