There has never been a more important time for manufacturers to network to encourage the coming together of supply and demand, especially from an international point of view. HostMilano 2023 – a fieramilano Rho from 13 to 17 October – sets out to do just that: combining an exhibition sequence devoted to innovation and many supporting events, with the presence of important hosted buyer representations. They come from markets with more growth potential, alongside thousands of professional operators from all over the world.

Emerging among the main markets offering the greatest growth possibility this year are the USA and the Middle East, especially the United Arab Emirates. And confirming its role as one of the most prominent sectors in the Ho.Re.Ca segment is Gelato-Pastry.

As it focuses on constantly promoting contacts with the protagonists of the chain, HostMilano has identified a number of trends, at a geographical and sector level. Of particular interest is the adoption of new technologies in the Gulf States, as explained by Fadi Hijazi, general manager of Sparrow International, one of the leading importers and distributors of Ho.Re.Ca. supplies in the Emirates: “We have seen a larger trend for automation and the adoption of new technologies in the market. The UAE and GCC market trends are very ephemeral, and consumers are always looking for something new and exciting. There has also been a shift towards healthier lifestyle products and more emphasis on sports and physical education, all pushed forward by the governments. This has changed the landscape of the Food & Beverage sector to adapt to consumer needs.” Another trend is the arrival of dark kitchens, like those now well established in Europe and North America in particular.

In the USA, the delivery concept shows no sign of slowing down, as witnessed by the partner and founder of gelato technology specialists Modalita, Gianluca Rivizzigno: “Here in New York many workers have abandoned low-skilled production sectors in foodservice. They have gone independent, and started working for companies providing home delivery services. As a result, many establishments have set up special pick-up counters, which are busiest at lunchtime.”

But while responsibility and sustainability have become indispensible in Europe, these issues are less keenly felt in the United Arab Emirates and the United States, although there does seem to be a growing awareness of their importance. As Hijazi says: “Sustainability and responsibility are costly concepts that are mostly overlooked here,” while Rivizzigno adds: “American consumers are not so sensitive to sustainability, in either packaging or food, which is ordered in large quantities and often thrown away.” However both are confident that raising awareness of the need for sustainability could become a growth factor for the market.

And while the greatest demand among international buyers in Gelato-Pastry is for Italian suppliers, they are also happy to consider other food-producing countries. HostMilano will be the best opportunity to facilitate and encourage meetings of this kind, at fieramilano Rho from 13 to 17 October.