Italy and North America are united by bonds of friendship, thanks in part to the large immigrant communities that have brought with them the Italian out-of-home culture: the result is a constant and relevant commercial interchange in the product categories represented at HostMilano.

According to estimates by ExportPlanning, the interchange between Italy and the U.S. of the product categories featured at the exhibition is close to 800 million euros and is expected to exceed 830 million euros in 2026.  Added to this is the interchange with Canada, currently nearly 141 million euros, which will grow to over 174 million euros. In total, more than 1 billion euros.

Hence the historic presence at HostMilano of buyers from the U.S. and Canada, one of HostMilano’s focus regions, who find at the fair a taste of what’s coming not only from Italy, but from all over the world, including North American companies that choose to preview their innovations here.

An interesting facet is that they represent not only ‘classic’ Ho.Re.Ca., but also ever-growing niches. “We are in sports entertainment, and the food service part is accounts for about $50 million in our business,” said Dan Morrow, Senior Vice President, Food & Beverage at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (Canada). “In 2023 I visited for the third time, and the strength is internationality, which is very important for us, because in addition to Canada we operate in several markets, including the U.S., Italy, and the UK.”

“In addition to catering, I am in charge of cabin supplies,” explained Latonya Saunders, Technical Category Manager USA at Royal Caribbean Cruises (USA). “In 2023 I visited HostMilano for the first time and I thought it was outstanding. I find all the aspects I deal with in one event, – from forks to linens to amenities – and this sets it apart from other trade shows. I was also very impressed with the see-through coffee machines, in which you can see the preparation process from the inside.”

These are just a few examples of how innovation presented at HostMilano not only meets the needs of operators, but often anticipates them, even going so far as to amaze them. if you don’t want to miss any of the innovations previewed, the appointment is at Host 2025, at fieramilano in Milan-Rho from 17 to 21 October next year.