FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
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 companies with selected Made in Italy companies. We facilitate meeting requests, product information, and customized solutions, for both professionals and consumers interested in Italian quality.
Who is the service intended for?
The 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 points of sale. 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 product?
Companies, professionals, organizations, associations, and end consumers, both in Italy and abroad, can apply. Simply describe the type of Italian product or 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 when. Our team analyzes the information, identifies the most suitable Italian companies and offers you one or more qualified contacts. If necessary, we organize an online meeting or put you directly in touch with the selected companies.
What are the response times?
For standard requests, we typically respond within 2–3 business days with an initial response. For more complex searches or very specific sectors, the response time may extend to 7–10 business days. In any case, we will inform you via 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 the initial informational orientation are free. Some advanced B2B services, such as targeted searches, customized projects, or ongoing support, may incur a fee, which will be communicated clearly and transparently before proceeding. No fees are 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 facilitates meetings between Italian companies and foreign stakeholders, both professional (B2B) and private (B2C). We organize targeted meetings with Italian companies selected based on your interests: suppliers, business partners, manufacturers, as well as brands and artisans for those wishing to purchase products or services for personal use. Meetings can take place online or in person, during missions, trade shows, events, or dedicated company visits.
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 normally ask: company name and company website, contact person (name, role, email, telephone), sector of activity, products or services sought, any certifications requested (e.g. organic, quality, safety), preferences on the Italian geographical area or type of supplier. This data allows us to present you in a professional manner to Italian companies and to propose only truly 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, or experiential tourism. We'll ask you your country, preferred language, approximate budget, and whether you'd like an informational meeting, personalized purchasing advice, or a visit (even a virtual one) 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 products. During the meeting, you can learn more about the company, view the products, and ask for advice on sizes, customizations, shipping, and purchasing options. In some cases, tastings, virtual tours, or dedicated presentations can be arranged. The goal is to offer you direct and authentic contact with the Italian producer, even if you're abroad.
What's 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 appointments, we verify the languages spoken by Italian companies and compare them with your preferences. When necessary, we can provide professional simultaneous or consecutive interpretation services, both for online and in-person meetings. Alternatively, for simple meetings, we can provide bilingual moderation. We will 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, you can change or cancel a meeting, but please notify us as soon as possible. Each meeting schedule 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 and my company's personal data 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 data strictly necessary with the companies (company profile, business contacts, commercial interests). We retain the data for the time necessary to manage the service, and you can request updates, limitations, or deletions at any time.
Are there any costs for requesting and participating?
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 interpretation, a personalized agenda, trade show escorts, or company visits. During the request 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 D.O.P., I.G.P., and T.S.G. certifications mean?
The D.O.P. (Protected Designation of Origin), I.G.P. (Protected Geographical Indication), and T.S.G. (Traditional Specialty Guaranteed) certifications are European trademarks that protect the quality and origin of products. D.O.P. indicates that all production phases take place in a specific geographical area. I.G.P. requires that at least one phase takes place in that area. T.S.G. 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 term 100% Made in Italy mean?
La dicitura 100% Made in Italy indica che l’intero ciclo produttivo del bene – progettazione, lavorazione principale e controlli finali – avviene in Italia, secondo gli standard qualitativi e normativi italiani. Non si tratta di un semplice richiamo allo stile italiano, ma di una reale tracciabilità della filiera. Tramite UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNERS puoi richiedere prodotti che rispettano questi requisiti, con documentazione e verifiche a supporto per garantire autenticità e trasparenza.
The term 100% Made in Italy indicates that the entire production cycle of the product—design, primary processing, and final inspections—takes place in Italy, according to Italian quality and regulatory standards. This isn't simply a reference to Italian style, but rather a true traceability of the supply chain. Through UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNERS, you can request products that meet these requirements, with supporting documentation and verification to ensure authenticity and transparency.
What categories of certified products can I request through UNIVERSO ITALIA?
You can request a wide range of certified Italian products. In the agri-food sector, we offer cheeses, cured meats, oils, preserves, pasta, desserts, and many other D.O.P., I.G.P., and S.T.G. specialties. For wine, we select DOC, DOCG, and IGT labels with strong territorial ties. In the artisanal and design sector, we offer furnishings, fashion, accessories, and products that are 100% Made in Italy. Upon request, we can consider additional categories, always in compliance with the declared certifications.
How can I submit a request for certified products?
To submit a request, you can fill out the contact form on our website, indicating the desired product categories (D.O.P., I.G.P., T.S.G., 100% Made in Italy) and the country of destination. Alternatively, you can write to us via email or, for more complex requests, schedule a phone or email appointment.In a video conference. Our team will analyze your needs and propose a selection of products and suppliers that meet your requirements.
How is the authenticity of the certifications verified?
UNIVERSO ITALIA & PARTNERS performs documentary checks and, when necessary, additional checks at the producers' premises. 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.
