Host 2023, at fieramilano in Rho from 13 to 17 October, will see the return of coffee-themed events run by AICAF (the Italian Academy of Coffee Masters) and ALTOGA (the National Association of Coffee Roasters and Food Importers and Wholesalers).

After the great success of 2021, the 'travelling-show' format returns to the Coffee Addition stands with Gianni Cocco, the coffee expert who has two Guinness world records under his belt. As well as being the first 'travelling show' of its kind, the format presents a series of experts on the various participating stands, with a live approach that promises to make the 'seminar' formula an exciting and engaging professional development experience.

The barista challenges will also feature prominently: in the Grand Prix of the Italian Caffetteria, baristas, bartenders and café staff not only from Italy, but also from AICAF-associated countries Croatia, Morocco and Mexico will battle it out with each other. In a race lasting just 13 minutes, the competitors will be required to prepare two cappuccinos, two espresso coffees and two cold coffee-based drinks that contain an Italian food and wine product. Following several selections carried out around Italy, 15 baristas will compete in the semi-finals at Host 2023 on 13 October and a shortlist of just eight candidates will go through to the final the following day, where the Italian Café Champion 2023 will be declared.

The Moka Challenge, on the other hand, is a competition open to everyone, based on a countdown of just ten minutes. During this time, the drink must be served in the special moka cup with three doses (three cups) provided by the organization and must measure exactly 5 cl in volume per dose, with no additional ingredients allowed. Just ten minutes will be available to prepare and extract the beverage.

For the Lags Battle Italy/World Lags Battle ALTOGA will work together with the Latte Art Grading System for the Italian national semi-final and then the world finals of an event involving 50 countries. LAGS (Latte Art Grading System) is one of the world's most important circuits in the sector of latte art competitions, attracting thousands of certified baristas from Central America to Asia. Last year the world championship was held in Dubai, while this year Host 2023 will host the prestigious finals, in addition to the Italian championship.