WASHINGTON –  USA The Mediterranean Diet Roundtable™ held their annual Ambassadors’ Breakfast in Washington D.C. to continue its work in raising awareness on the importance of the Mediterranean Diet. The breakfast was hosted by her Excellency, The Ambassador of Greece to the United States, Alexandra Papadopoulou, at the Ambassador’s residence in Washington D.C. The breakfast was attended by representatives of many Embassies and the European Union, food service directors of colleges and hospitals, policymakers, importers, manufacturers, and scholars, mirroring the holistic approach distinctive of all MDR events. Also in attendance was Mr. Konstantinos Tsiaras, the Minister of Justice of Greece. Following a Mediterranean immersive breakfast, sponsored by Loumidis Foods and featuring the imported authentic products from Greece from producers such as Olympus Dairy, Paliria, Papadopoulou, Ioniki Sfoliata and others and prepared by the CAVA food group.

The morning’s program, following introductory remarks by Ambassador Papadopoulou, featured Mr. Rafi Taherian, Associate Vice President of Yale Hospitality and renowned physician and Harvard professor Dr. Stefanos N. Kales. Mr. Taherian spoke about his group’s use of the rich plant-focused Mediterranean Diet in Yale University’s strive to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030). Dr. Stefanos Kales shared his work in establishing the Hellenic Center for Excellence in Health & Wellness on the island of Crete, designed to offer an experiential travel focused on the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet in practical terms.

About the MDR
The MDR is playing a key role in repositioning the Mediterranean Diet as a competitive driving force to shape the current offering in high volume commercial and non-commercial food services, as well as retailers and restaurants. Our influential programs celebrate the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and lifestyle, translating them into commercial opportunities. In addition to the conferences and other exclusive gatherings (such as the Ambassadors’ Breakfast in Washington, DC), the MDR offers counseling in creating culinary experiences, cultural programs, and e-commerce. Recognized by UNESCO (2010) as a Global Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Mediterranean Diet is valued internationally for its unique synergy of nature, culture, and health. The MDR is the only event of its kind and is a signature of Accent PR. Additional information can be found at mdrproject.com.

About Rafi Taherian
As the Associate Vice President of Yale Hospitality (YH), Rafi Taherian leads with a strong belief and commitment to leverage YH’s operations in creating opportunities for engaged
learning, innovation, and sustainable practices. Yale’s mission of research, teaching, preservation, and practice of knowledge is translated into the language of food and its supporting systems by all divisions of the YH organization. Rafi’s ongoing engagement with food industry professionals and thought leaders results in many initiatives at the local, regional, national, and international levels that support a plant-centric approach. The team creates craveable menus that are not only better for the people and better for the planet but are also developed using ethical and humane practices at every stage of the food system. YH is a robust organization that serves more than 15,000 meals per day with a team of over 850 and comprised of three operational divisions, which continually deliver best-in-class hospitality practices. With over 35 years of industry experience, Rafi is invited to present at national and international conferences and is a recipient of numerous industry awards and recognitions including the Silver and Gold Plate Awards by the International Food Manufacturer Association.

About Dr. Stefanos N. Kales
Dr. Stefanos N. Kales is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Professor & Director of the Occupational Medicine Residency at the Harvard School of Public Health. He is also Chief of Occupational Medicine/Medical Director for Employee Health at the Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard affiliated hospital system. Dr. Kales has participated in a wide range of medical/public health research, advisory and teaching activities on five continents resulting in over 200 publications and wide recognition nationally and internationally, serving on the editorial boards of several biomedical journals and is a faculty member in Harvard’s Cardiovascular Epidemiology Program, a multidisciplinary heart disease prevention collaboration, and Harvard Medical School’s Division of Sleep Medicine. Stefanos Kales, Dr. Kales has received top academic prizes in the field of occupational medicine, including the 2013 Kehoe Award for Excellence in Education and Research and 2014 Harriet Hardy Award for outstanding scientific contributions to the field. Dr. Kales’ ultimate goal is to use innovative approaches to disseminate healthy Medite1Tanean eating in schools, workplaces and hospitals. Dr. Kales recently co-authored the “Textbook of Lifestyle Medicine” (Wiley & Sons publishers).

About Loumidis Foods
Loumidis Foods aims to redefine the concept of ‘premium products’ with innovative ideas that preserve the traditional preparations of our foods—but with modern sustainability for today’s US marketplace. This best-in-class organization, now in its 30th year of operation, offers superb service to their customers, expertise in supply chain management, and our vast experience in importing and distribution making product placement within food service, collegiate dining, and US Retail a reality. The family’s history of an honest work ethic are the core values as they provide responsible representation to the many brands of their portfolio.

A carefully curated range of products proudly presents Greece’s most trusted and iconic brands with their fine Mediterranean products steeped in quality, tradition, and authenticity. Their brand partners are not unlike their own company, with legacies just as old since the family’s introduction of Loumidis Papagalos Greek Coffee, over a century ago. Let the traditions of their trusted brand partners be the finest products in your kitchen. Additional information can be found at loumidisfoods.com.