Rouses Markets is partnering with the Italian Trade Agency to add Italian imports to Rouses stores throughout the Gulf Coast, including cheese, cured meats, preserves and wine.

“This partnership expands exponentially the Italian imports we have on our shelves for our customers,” said Donny Rouse, CEO of the Thibodaux, La.-based grocery chain. “We’ve made Italian products a priority because our customers demand it. The cultural heritage of Italy is prevalent in the Gulf South, with more than a quarter of the population tracing its lineage back to the old country. Even our own family traces its roots to Italy and the large Italian island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea.”