A Masterclass on European Pork at Eataly Toronto – La Scuola
As part of the promotional programme “Eat & Think Pink Canada – Say yes to the Best, Eat European Pork!”, Eat & Think Pink Canada supported and promoted a high-level training course dedicated to European pork, organised and coordinated in Canada by App Arquela Inc.
The event took place on July 21, 2025, at La Scuola di Eataly Toronto, a reference venue for culinary education and professional training in the Canadian food scene.
Objectives of the Training Activity
The main objective of the training course was to enhance knowledge and perception of European pork—fresh, chilled, frozen and processed—among professionals and consumers, with a strong focus on:
- Traceability
- Food safety
- Sustainability
- European quality standards
Through education and hands-on experience, the initiative aimed to strengthen awareness of the European production model and its values.
The Masterclass Experience
The masterclass was led by Dario Tomaselli, who combined technical expertise with storytelling, guiding participants through both the European project presentation and the preparation of multiple recipes designed to highlight the versatility of European pork.
The event welcomed 24 participants, including:
- Chefs and young chefs
- Culinary students
- Food professionals and distributors
- Food media, bloggers and opinion leaders
- Quality-conscious consumers
Menu Highlights
Participants explored a rich menu showcasing different cuts and cooking techniques, including:
- Herb-roasted pork loin carpaccio
- Bacon-wrapped pork loin with seasonal accompaniments
- Pulled pork with risotto-style pasta
- Salt & pepper pork ribs
- Paprika and rosemary pork ribs
Wine pairings from Italy completed the tasting experience.
Engagement, Feedback and Business Opportunities
The masterclass generated strong engagement, both during the practical session and through the final questionnaires, which showed a high level of learning and interest.
Discussions focused on:
- Cooking techniques to enhance flavour
- Use of different pork cuts in professional kitchens
- Integration of European pork into contemporary menus while respecting Italian tradition
Several chefs expressed concrete interest in sourcing the product in Canada, and members of the trade requested immediate follow-up meetings to explore import and commercial opportunities, opening promising perspectives for market development.
Communication and Visibility
The presence of media representatives, food creators and opinion leaders significantly amplified the event’s communication impact.
Participants were encouraged to tag the official Instagram account @etpcanada.eu, strengthening the digital visibility of the Eat & Think Pink Canada project.
A Model to Replicate
The training course at Eataly Toronto proved to be a high-value initiative, successfully combining education, promotion and commercial development.
A winning format, designed to be replicated in other international markets.
