It has always been the reference event for previewing innovative and sustainable products and projects, as well as for bringing together supply and demand in the professional hospitality supply chains. And in its most recent editions – the 43rd will be held at fieramilano in Rho from 13 to 17 October – HostMilano has also increasingly become a knowledge hub that anticipates trends, presents data, and involves visitors in exciting challenges and championships through a programme of over 800 events.

One of the main events is the ceremony for the Smart Label – Host Innovation Awards, the distinction promoted by HostMilano and Fiera Milano in partnership with POLI.design and sponsored by ADI (the Industrial Design Association) which, in just six editions, has become a global reference point for innovations that signal a real change in the sector. The ideas will also be displayed in the dedicated SMART Products area and included in a special publication: the Smart Label Index. Other attractions for design professionals include the Design Talks, seminars that range in scope from wellness to technology and even sensoriality, under the scientific direction of Professor Francesco Scullica and with coordination by architects Gianpietro Sacchi and Alberto Zanetta.

One notable feature returning to this edition will be Luxury Pastry in the World by Iginio Massari, a hub devoted to the most creative and innovative pastry creations that will involve playing demonstrations, tastings and talks by over 20 leading international pastry chefs.

The master chefs will also be at work – and in full view – at show-cooking sessions, tastings, and professional catering demonstrations and on the courses organised by the partner associations APCI (the Professional Association of Italian Chefs), A.P.Pa.Fre. (the Association of Fresh Pasta Producer SMEs) and FIC (the Italian Chefs Federation). And then there are then not-to-be-missed refresher events with FIPE, FCSI as well as the Food-Technology Lounge presented by ANIMA Confindustria Meccanica Varia with its associations, and EFCEM Italia.

Host 2023 will also once again be the stage for major competitions and championships in the Bakery and Gelato-Pastry sectors, from panettone, gelato, cake design and coffee tiramisu in its many variations, to latte art, appearing in an "almost roadshow" format among the Coffee Addition stands. In these competitions too, the partner associations play a leading role, from the Academy of Masters of Mother Yeast and Italian Panettone and FIPGC (the International Federation of Pastry, Ice Cream and Chocolate) to AICAF (the Italian Academy of Coffee Masters), ALTOGA (the National Association of Coffee Roasters and Food Importers and Wholesalers) and the Latte Art Grading System, as well as the magazine Pizza e Pasta Italiana.

To find out more, don't miss any of the in-depth analyses in this issue of the newsletter and visit the events page of the HostMilano website.