The fresh flavours of a classic capricciosa, an espresso’s unmistakable rich roast – traditional Italian tastes and smells inspire our senses almost daily across the Territory.

Your favourite pizza shop or cafe seems the logical – and for many, preferred – starting point when considering Italy’s place in the national capital. But the country known as lo Stivale (the Boot) kicks far more goals than just exquisite cuisine.

Economically, Italy matters. Exports to Australia rose to US$6.08 billion in 2025, according to the United Nations Comtrade database on international trade.

Machinery, nuclear reactors (don’t be alarmed – it’s a broad category!) and boilers (US$1.43 billion), and pharmaceutical products (US$819.72 million) led the way. Sixth through to eighth on the list (vegetables, fruit and nut food preparations; cereal, flour, starch, milk preparations and products; beverages, spirits and vinegar) stood up for our stomachs, each topping US$150 million.

Perfumes, furniture, plastics and precious stones also appear in the magical US$100 million-plus category.

The expertise across modern technology and traditional methods is there. It’s also here.

The Italian business community in the ACT represents substantial economic power. This fiscal flex has, in part, led to the Italian Business Register.

Its launch on Monday, 22 June, represents more than a community gathering, according to Register president Joseph Pelle, chairman John-Paul Romano and chief executive officer Giulia Jones.

“It’s an opportunity to engage directly with one of Canberra’s significant multicultural business communities, a network of employers, investors, operators and family enterprises that have helped shape the economic and social fabric of the ACT for generations,” the team explains.

“We conservatively estimate [the Italian community] includes more than 300 businesses, ranging from micro and family-owned enterprises through to larger businesses with annual revenues exceeding $150 million.

“Collectively, this business community is estimated to employ more than 3000 people and contribute over $900 million per year in net economic benefit to the ACT regional economy.”

The Italian Business Register has been established to give this community a stronger collective voice and benefit the greater district.

The register’s goals are to:

• encourage greater collaboration between business and government
• create a practical forum through which local business leaders can connect and share ideas
• support the continued growth of Canberra’s economy.

The launch evening will bring together Italian business owners and senior managers from a broad range of industries, Members of Parliament, community leaders, and invited guests from business and public life.

It will also provide guests with an opportunity to meet directly with local employers and business leaders, hear about the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, and acknowledge the Italian business community’s continued contribution to Canberra.

“We believe this will be an important occasion for the ACT business community and a valuable opportunity to recognise the role Italian-Australian enterprise continues to play in employment, investment and economic confidence across the Territory,” organisers say.

More than 15,000 residents in the ACT claim Italian ancestry, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This makes it the Territory’s seventh-most-reported ethnic background, accounting for up to 3.5 per cent of the population. About 1900 ACT residents were born in Italy.

The Italian Business Register launch starts at 6 pm on Monday, 22 June, at Villaggio Sant’ Antonio, 35 Burkitt St, Page. It’s open to Italian business owners, senior managers, Members of Parliament, community leaders and invited guests.

Follow the Italian Business Register on Instagram.