Smart interfaces based on AI and automation that even involves actual robots. Responsible and sustainable solutions, inspired by the circular economy. Diversified formats that respond to the consumer's need for meaningful experiences in line with their lifestyles.

Innovation in all its facets is back in the spotlight at fieramilano in Rho from 13 to 17 October with HostMilano, the world's leading event for professional hospitality, out-of-home eating, and retail: an increasingly international event, with ideas from over 1,800 exhibitors from 50 countries, including all the big names in their respective sectors. Among the most well represented countries (in progressive order) are Germany, Spain, France, the USA, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Greece, Portugal, and the UK, in addition to China and Türkiye.

Exhibitors who will meet hundreds of high-profile hosted buyers, for whom scouting is currently under way in 63 countries, also in collaboration with the ITA-ICE Agency, and tens of thousands of professional operators from all over the world. Among the main targets, distributors of equipment and ingredients for collective catering, restaurant chains, design and architecture studios, luxury hotels, chefs, and chains of pastry shops, ice cream parlours and cafés. A high turnout is expected from the USA, Canada and the Gulf States, as well as a strong presence also from Latin America and the return of Asian buyers.

Three macro-areas for many vertical sectors

The event's strengths include an exhibition concept that combines a complete overview of innovation in all professional hospitality fields, with in-depth analysis of individual sectors, thanks to a layout that spreads over the entire exhibition centre and is organised into three macro-areas that highlight supply chain affinities between specialist divisions: Professional Foodservice-Bakery, Pizza and Pasta; Coffee-Tea, Bar-Coffee Machines-Vending, Gelato-Pastry; Furnishings-Technology and Tableware.

The Professional Foodservice-Bakery, Pizza and Pasta macro-area with its technologies, solutions and semi-finished products confirms itself as the beating heart of HostMilano, representing more than half of all registered exhibitors. Among them, for example, ALI Group, Just Eat – for food delivery – Miele, Rational, The Middleby Group and Unox in Professional Foodservice, and AB Mauri, Imperia & Monferrina, Polin, Tagliavini and Waico in Bakery, Pizza and Pasta.

The sectors relating to the world of bars, tea and coffee together make up SIC, the well-established International Coffee Exhibition, which has always been an international reference point for the sector, and where all Italian and foreign protagonists of the food processing chain will be present, in synergy with Gelato-Pastry. To name just a few: Bianchi Vending, Cimbali, Gruppo Hoshizaki Brema, La Marzocco, Rhea Vendors and Seb Group (WMF Schaerer Curtis) at SIC, while tea and coffee is represented by Costa Coffee (Coca Cola Group), Colombia IMA, Julius Meinl, Kimbo and Caffè Vergnano. The Gelato-Pastry sector includes the likes of Babbi, Carpigiani, ISA, Milano Dispenser (Bras and Ugolini), Pregel and Unigrà – Master Martini.

In recent years, concepts for the hotel industry, retail and the out-of-home eating sector have increasingly combined technology with design and with formats that have been identified from studies into consumer habits. Such combinations will be seen in Host 2023's Furnishing-Technology and Tableware macro-area. Here, alongside the apps and solutions that mark the pace of the digital transition, 'hands-on' experiences will be offered, illustrating how technology, interiors, ergonomics and accessory design come together in contract (including 'turnkey') projects. In the company of great names such as Abert - Broggi 1818, Arcturus Group (Sambonet, Rosenthal, Paderno, Ercuis & Raynaud), Bormioli Luigi, Degrenne and Steelite in Tableware; Calligaris, Costa Group, Emu, La Bottega dell’Albergo, Pedrali and Tecnoarredamenti in Furnishings; as well as Deliverect and Ipratico for Technology.

The visitor experience is completed by a busy programme of events that includes the presentation of the Smart Label – Host Innovation Awards, the coveted seals of approval promoted by HostMilano and Fiera Milano in partnership with POLI.design and sponsored by ADI (the Association for Industrial Design).