MILAN – Six halls connected by two plazas with huge mirrored ceilings that reflected the enchanting representations of the two worlds, without which the world would be a poorer, sadder place: at Host 2017 confectionery, ice cream and coffee took pride of place, with leading brands and small innovative manufacturers presenting their products. HostMilano is indeed their natural home.
Confirmation of this came from some of the firms taking part, such as Lavazza. “Out-of-home consumption is an increasingly strategic channel for us,” says Michele Cannone, head of food service marketing for the firm, “and Host is the ideal place to present to buyers from all over the world our wide range of innovative and premium ideas.
This year, the fair once again proved itself to be a major international reference point with initiatives, high-quality exhibitors and a great audience.”
Everyone involved in coffee – from blends to beverage-making machinery were at SIC, the International Coffee Fair.
“Host is the key event for us and our chance to meet clients from all over the world and show them our latest brand ideas and share thoughts on trends and market performance,” says Simona Colombo, head of marketing and communication for Gruppo Cimbali: “it is every two years at Host that we launch our big international projects, which are of great strategic importance.”
Hybridisation, nutritional requirements, vegan and vegetarian diets, food design, superfoods and the rediscovery of ancient flavours: the world of ice cream and pastries is undergoing significant change, and the innovative scope of developments came across clearly at HostMilano.
“Ice cream can now be found just about anywhere thanks to the very latest new technologies,” says Andrea Cocchi, CEO of Carpigiani Group. At Host 2017 we presented an automatic machine that uses a kind of capsule technology devised for convenience stores, hotels and tourist resorts. With this, customers can choose capsules with their favourite flavour and in 90 seconds they have a tub of gelato ready to enjoy.”
Prominence was also given to the ingredients and high-quality, semi-finished products that are taking internationally popular Italian gelato to a whole new level.
Gian Maria Emendatori, general manager for the Middle East, Far East and Americas with MEC3, expressed his satisfaction: “We are delighted that we came to Host. Our stand attracted large numbers of visitors and we noticed great interest particularly among foreign buyers. The aim here is not so much to seal deals as to take full advantage of the occasion to establish contacts and get ourselves known on markets we have perhaps not really penetrated yet.”
