The unmistakable, penetrating aroma of coffee has filled the halls of the macro area of HostMilano devoted to Bars and Coffee for forty years, thanks to SIC, the International Coffee Fair. Here, the focus is of course mainly on that symbol of the Italian Way of Living, espresso, its blends and the machinery used to make it, although for the last few years more and more space has been given over to single origin coffee and alternative extraction process from filters to Cold Brew, and to the launch of new trends, such as cappuccino printers.

At each edition, however, Host’s impact on the world of coffee is expressed also through the championships held there.

Hundreds of events are scheduled that offer a chance to find out about the latest trends and to meet the professionals who work in the sector.

Coffee, chocolate, cocoa, spices are brought together using traditional and modern techniques to create new formulations, devised by Aicaf, for customers looking for new ideas. This year sees the return of Coffee Addition – The Itinerary Event and Coffee Tasting Corner, which will be featured at various points around the event. All thanks to the presence of expert Gianni Cocco and his guests.

Another event that will demonstrate the ways in which Italian coffee making has become more professional and creative in recent years, through innovation and experimentation with new recipes, including ideas that borrow from other areas of Italian food and drink, is the Gran Prix of Italian Coffee Making, run by Aicaf, the Italian Academy of Coffee Masters and ALTOGA, Italy’s National Association of Coffee Roasters, Importers and Food Wholesalers, now in its seventh edition. On 22 and 23 October, 15 semi-finalists will compete for one of seven places in the finals, where the Italian Coffee Master 2021 will be crowned.

And finally, the inseparable connection between coffee and milk, the latest on techniques, decorations and the expertise of the best baristas will be the subject, on 24 October, of the national WLAGS BATTLE, run by Latte Art Grading System and ALTOGA. The following day it will be the turn of the second edition of the World Latte Art Grading Championship, at which 30 countries will battle it out on the HostMilano stage.

All the very latest developments in the world of coffee, then, are to be found at Fiera Milano Rho, from 22 to 26 October 2021.