Rome – In a vibrant celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day and Maarka-e-Haq, the Embassy of Pakistan in Rome, in collaboration with the city’s highest-rated gelateria, Frigidarium, hosted a unique public diplomacy event that delighted locals, tourists, and dignitaries alike: the debut of Chaunsa Mango Gelato.
Held in the iconic Piazza Navona, the event blended culinary innovation with cultural diplomacy, presenting Italy’s renowned artisanal gelato tradition infused with the flavor and fragrance of Pakistan’s world-famous Chaunsa mango. The event was met with enthusiastic acclaim, with Romans and holidaymakers praising the gelato’s rich taste and aromatic authenticity.
In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Frigidarium’s owner and Gelato Maestro, Mr. Fabrizio, lauded the quality of Pakistani mangoes. “The Chaunsa mango is outstanding in sweetness, texture, and natural sugar content. Pakistani mango is excellent—absolutely excellent—for making world-class gelato,” he declared.
Ambassador Ali Javed expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration, noting that the success of the Chaunsa gelato demonstrated the immense potential of Pakistan’s premium agricultural products in international gourmet markets. Building on this momentum, he proposed future collaborations involving Pakistan’s thin-shelled almonds, freshly harvested walnuts, apricot seeds, and saffron from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with long-grain pine nuts, widely considered among the most exquisite dry fruits in the world.
Looking ahead, the Ambassador announced plans to introduce ‘Kinnow Gelato’ during Pakistan’s National Day celebrations in March 2026, which coincides with the peak season of Pakistan’s unique citrus variety. “We are committed to showcasing the best of Pakistan’s agricultural richness through creative platforms such as this,” he said.
The Chaunsa Gelato Festival, set to continue over the weekend, drew a diverse crowd—ranging from members of the general public to diplomats, business leaders, and government officials. Attendees were warmly welcomed by representatives of the Pakistani community and ethnic media, reinforcing the embassy’s efforts to build bridges with Italian civil society through meaningful and memorable cultural exchanges.
The event stands as a shining example of how food diplomacy can effectively spotlight Pakistan’s soft power, premium produce, and rich cultural identity on the global stage.
BY: Embassy of Pakistan, Rome
