2025 will see the out-of-home world balancing new lifestyles, optimization of consumption, and enhancement of technologies as a response to new consumption needs. This is what emerges from metasearch conducted by the HostMilano Observatory on the forecasts of leading Italian and international analysts.

For Italians in particular, 2025 will be all about “Zen consumption,” as the January update of the Coop Report points out. According to the study, the growing search for harmony (25 percent), fulfillment (16 percent) and freedom (15 percent) will be the leitmotif of this year. Above all, 25 percent would like to feel balanced, but this will not mean giving up experimenting: 16 percent want to try new typical or traditional restaurants and 15 percent would try new ethnic eateries, while 10 percent want to explore vegetarian and vegan restaurants. The Report also indicates that, for the first time in years, Italians who assume they will increase consumption in 2025 outnumber by 6 percent those who expect to decrease it.

As the relative stability of Italian out-of-home dining pushes many producers to seek growth margins abroad, the global Ho.Re.Ca. market is estimated by MMR at more than $3.7 billion, with a CAGR of about +5.2% through 2032. Nielsen IQ also estimates that in 2025 the average consumer will devote about 15.7 percent of their spending to food, 7.2 percent to eating out, and 6.5 percent to leisure activities.

However, what are the trends that will drive this consumption? Per the Mintel 2025 Report - Global Food and Drink Trends, consumers will prefer personalized and flexible approaches and will increasingly demand sustainability, inclusiveness, and transparency along the supply chain.

To meet these new needs, once again the trump card for operators will be technology. AI and Big Data will help personalization, also facilitated by digital menus and self-service kiosks, while augmented reality and IoT solutions will support greater transparency. Digitization will also optimize resources for sustainability, and increasing integration between delivery and premises will support inclusion.

To see firsthand how these and other trends translate into opportunities for supply and demand to meet, the place to be is HostMilano, at fieramilano – Rho from 17 to 21October 2025. And for a glimpse into the future, don’t miss the packed schedule of events.