Product news, of course, but especially this year HostMilano will mean sharing ideas for a world like that of coffee in constant evolution. This is the feeling of the companies that have enthusiastically confirmed their presence.

“In recent months we have used technology to define a new scenario where we can still be protagonists - explains Jacopo Pataccini, Communication & Content Specialist of Rancilio Group - Despite the post-pandemic economic crisis, the group's willingness to continue investing to speed up the processes of innovation, digitalization and energy transition has favored the birth of a new way of working and doing business and new ways of interacting with customers, partners and distributors. We have launched new projects such as the Digital Training Center, which offers online training courses for specialized technicians, and the new telemetry system. We also use technology to develop reliable, durable, almost completely recyclable, low energy consumption products made with innovative materials from the point of view of environmental impact".

HostMilano will be an opportunity to find out in which direction the companies in the sector have decided to move to react to the new scenario. “Consumer habits are no longer the same as they were two years ago and the needs and priorities of customers have also changed. It will be a great preview of our future, with the hope that it can set the beginning of our new normal".

Many innovations, including an automatic milk frother that connects directly to the steam boiler of the coffee machines, will welcome visitors to the La Mazocco stand. "In a world that is changing habits and routines more and more quickly - explains Marketing Manager Tommaso Natale - the company has thought about rushing to the rescue of all those bartenders who are now grappling with the most varied requests both by type of drink (macchiato, cappuccino, flat white) and by type of milk (vegetable or animal)".

As for the custom and customized machines of the OFB - Officine Fratelli Bambi brand, at HostMilano one of the first models produced entirely by hand will be unveiled in the former headquarters of the company, now used as a museum and training center, which also houses a greenhouse of plants of coffee, workshops for roasting and cupping and a restaurant. Among the novelties there is also a limited edition model with exclusive custom parts in walnut wood and brass logos.

Technological innovation is the focal point: from the projects on the connectivity of the machine to the internet to improve the user experience of the barista, to the numerous innovations in the grinding field.

Marco Beverage Systems will bring to HostMilano the range of "energy efficient, elegant and innovative" water and coffee solutions, the hot, chilled and sparkling water dispensers from a single tap and the cold coffee solution to the plug. But also a completely new product: a dispenser that delivers a coffee concentrate in a quick and convenient way.

“We expect to see an increase in innovation in iced coffee - says marketing manager Gemma Kiernan - a trend that does not seem to be abating. In addition, HoReCa suffers from a shortage of manpower, so we anticipate an increase in compact, simple and efficient systems that can improve speed or service or improve efficiency. Finally, hygiene will be a factor to consider”.

This year HostMilano "is the most important exhibition for us because it gives us the opportunity to reconnect with our sector after such a long wait”.

Rhea Vendors Group will be present with a new technological and communication scenario that leverages automation and aims at a cultural change in the sector. "If innovation, we think of IoT, AI, machine learning, 5G, is an important ally to simplify and make human activities more efficient, sustainability is the crucial objective of all companies - says Marketing Specialist Martina Servello - Rhea on the occasion of its 60th anniversary launched the RheaThinkTogether initiative precisely to encourage full collaboration between the business and cultural world on these issues as well”.

Physical events such as HostMilano represent "the starting point for new ideas, favored by sharing, comparison and awareness between operators in the sector and all its stakeholders".