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May 18, 2020
BVLGARI Japan Supports Healthcare Workers Battling Day and Night at Tokyo's Designated Infectious Disease Hospitals with Bento Boxes
BVLGARI | Bulgari
Launch of "Bulgari Bento Project" Offering Meals Mindful of Nutrition and Hygiene
As part of its corporate activities, Bulgari Japan has decided to produce and deliver bento boxes, prepared with consideration for nutrition and hygiene by Luca Fantin, Executive Chef of the Michelin-starred restaurant "Il Ristorante Luca Fantin" belonging to its Hotels & Resorts division. These bento boxes, featuring Italian cuisine, began to be offered free of charge from Wednesday, April 22, 2020, to healthcare professionals fighting day and night at infectious disease designated medical institutions in Tokyo.
Text by OZAKI Sayaka | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
Bulgari Japan Launches Support for Healthcare Workers Battling Coronavirus in Tokyo
Bulgari, the renowned high jeweler from Rome, Italy, has continued its support for the scientific and medical communities in the fight against coronavirus. The company has actively engaged in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives, notably contributing over 90 million US dollars (approximately 9.7 billion yen* as of April 20, 2020, at an exchange rate of 107 yen to the dollar) over more than a decade of partnership with the international NGO Save the Children, demonstrating a proactive commitment to charitable endeavors.
In its efforts to combat the coronavirus, Bulgari provided support by supplying a state-of-the-art 3D microscope to the Del Vecchio Pavilion of the National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Italy. Furthermore, leveraging its expertise in fragrance manufacturing, Bulgari, in collaboration with ICR (Industrie Cosmetiche Riunite S.p.A), produced hundreds of thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer gel, which were distributed to medical facilities across Italy. Subsequently, distribution was extended to medical facilities in Switzerland, where the infection had spread severely.
Additionally, Bulgari announced the donation of 1,200 blankets and over 5,000 self-care products to hospitals and healthcare workers in Italy. In coordination with the Civil Protection Department, these supplies were distributed to hospitals in Crema, a city in the heavily affected Lombardy region, and to long-term care facilities. Thousands of self-care products were also delivered in tribute to the Cuban medical delegation invited to Italy to protect lives on the front lines.
Additionally, Bulgari announced the donation of 1,200 blankets and over 5,000 self-care products to hospitals and healthcare workers in Italy. In coordination with the Civil Protection Department, these supplies were distributed to hospitals in Crema, a city in the heavily affected Lombardy region, and to long-term care facilities. Thousands of self-care products were also delivered in tribute to the Cuban medical delegation invited to Italy to protect lives on the front lines.
As part of its corporate activities, Bulgari Japan has decided to produce and deliver bento boxes, prepared with consideration for nutrition and hygiene by Luca Fantin, Executive Chef of the Michelin-starred restaurant "Il Ristorante Luca Fantin" belonging to its Hotels & Resorts division. These bento boxes, featuring Italian cuisine, began to be offered free of charge from Wednesday, April 22, 2020, to healthcare professionals fighting day and night at infectious disease designated medical institutions in Tokyo.
Scenes from April 23rd. From left: Luca Fantin, Executive Chef at Bulgari's Il Ristorante Luca Fantin; Walter Borinono, President of Bulgari Japan; and Atsuhito Sugiyama, Director of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital.
The first delivery of the "Bulgari Bento Project" was to healthcare workers at the Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, where 180 bento boxes were provided. On Thursday, April 23rd, free provision was also made to the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital. This initiative is scheduled to continue until the end of May, with approximately 1,300 meals planned for distribution.
Luca Fantin, Executive Chef at "Il Ristorante Luca Fantin"
Luca Fantin, Executive Chef at "Il Ristorante Luca Fantin," who was responsible for the menu composition and actual preparation for this initiative, commented: "I pay my deepest respects to the immense efforts of everyone on the front lines of healthcare, who are fighting to protect lives beyond the scope of their work. This 'Bulgari Bento Project' features a simple Italian menu, but we have focused on seasonal ingredients that are rich in nutrients, reflecting our constant commitment to 'seasonality.' We hope to bring a moment of comfort to the busy individuals working in healthcare settings, allowing them to feel the essence of spring through both the appearance and taste of the meal."
Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of the Bulgari Group, stated: "As responsible citizens of this world, we believe it is our duty to contribute to the communities that have benefited us for decades. Bulgari's status as a global luxury icon is undeniably built upon the trust that people in these communities have placed in the brand. Japan, being the first subsidiary established after Europe, is one of the countries where Bulgari is most cherished. We hope this initiative will be of some assistance to the Japanese healthcare professionals who are persevering under immense pressure."
In response to this support, Terumi Kanazawa, Director of Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, commented: "We are facing an unpredictable situation in our response to the coronavirus, and our medical staff are diligently working each day. In such times, the provision of these bento boxes serves as a great encouragement to our staff, and we are all deeply grateful. We are truly thankful for the warm support we are receiving and will continue to strive to meet the expectations of many as a designated infectious disease medical institution, in order to save precious lives. Thank you very much for this occasion. Let us continue to fight the coronavirus together."
Walter Borinono, President of Bulgari Japan, stated: "We are facing this together, believing in the eventual end of this pandemic. This support is a sincere expression of our respect for the doctors, nurses, and researchers who dedicate themselves daily for our society. Bulgari Japan's support is a natural act of gratitude towards the healthcare professionals who are striving to provide us with a foundation of hope. We hope that by not losing hope, we can overcome this period and emerge as a stronger society. We wish for a future where people around the world help each other more. We sincerely hope that the current situation will not be an obstacle to the future, but rather a phase leading to a brighter future."
Contact Information
Bulgari Il Ristorante Luca Fantin
Tel. 03-6362-0555
https://www.bulgarihotels.com/ja_JP/tokyo-osaka-restaurants/whats-on