Mixology comes in various forms, not least because consumers have become more differentiated and – thanks to the new need to ‘go green’ – have their own ideas about a whole range of spirits ranging from mocktails to creams. This sector will once again be out in force at HostMilano, from 13 to 17 October. With all the innovations that will help tackle future challenges.

“Research and development have always been the pillars of our company, as we strive to keep improving all the time, also in terms of technology and processes,” say Federica Brambilla, marketing manager, and Giacomo Barucco, APAC sales manager at Orsadrinks. “To be fully in control of the production chain, in 2020 the company decided to internalise production. A choice that involved huge investments in order to obtain advanced process technologies, which translated into fully-automated, state-of-the-art production plants: from the water demineralisation system to the packaging unit. We are constantly committed to ensuring that the designs, processes and methods we use also involve the very best approach as far as environmental protection is concerned. For example we have opted for renewable energy production by installing a photovoltaic system for our production site in Marene, and more than 95% of the waste we generate is retrieved.”

As for trends in drinks, “thanks to our distribution network in over 50 countries it is often our own partners who suggest new uses for our products, which lend themselves very well to different fields like mixology, coffee and pastries. Fruit pulp is used to flavour granitas in Japan or as fillings in pastries and creams and they are also used in mixology in Sweden. In addition, with low-alcohol drinks catching on more and more, we have a head start because all our products are alcohol free.”

At HostMilano, Orsadrinks will officially present some new product lines. “It will, as always, be an important chance to interact with our clients and with the international professionals attending the event. And it will also be the ideal opportunity to pick up on the trends that are likely to emerge in 2024.”

“For us, innovation means looking very much to the future while keeping our sights clearly on our roots in the past and on Italy’s artistic and cultural traditions, which are absolutely a shared value,” says Dario Roselli, general manager of J. Rose Gin. An example of this is the decorative label and textured fresco-like effect used for the gin packaging, produced by master craft workers who use natural elements like Carrara marble, chalk and Roman travertine. “It’s a natural, eco-friendly label, whose auteur illustrations, created by Milo Manara, are reproduced using an exclusive digital printing technique onto plaster, featuring UV technology and certified colours. The gin itself is made using nine refined botanical species, most notably bergamot, with refreshing notes that give it a soft, silky balance.”

Consumers are better informed and more demanding, they are mindful and sensitive to particular themes, so it is inevitable that their requirements have changed. An example of this is a greater sensitivity to sustainability: “our product is designed to be part of a sustainable production cycle that cares about the future. The unique nature of the bottle encourages circularity and re-use, and each article can not only be kept as a decorative collector’s item, but can also take on a new life as a fragrance diffuser, a lamp, a candle holder and many other things besides.”

At Host2023 “we will present the special qualities of our product from a multi-sensorial perspective: the flavour of the gin along with the visual beauty and pleasant feel of the exclusive labels.”