Tony Loeb

🥃 Baijiu, a legendary Chinese distilled spirit, has a history over 5,000 years, dating back to the Xia dynasty (2070-1600 BC). Fermentation of sorghum and other grains marked the beginning of alcoholic drink production in China. During the subsequent Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BC), fermentation became established, with bronze tools aiding in preparation and storage. The Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) saw sophisticated distillation techniques due to cultural and trade exchanges with Persia and India, leading to the creation of purer and stronger spirits. Baijiu gained popularity and its production turned into a meticulous art during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties. Key baijiu varieties include Jiangxiang from Sichuan, Qingxiang from Shanxi, Nongxiang from Anhui and Hunan, and Laobaigan from Hebei. Baijiu represents conviviality and community in Chinese culture and has recently caught the attention of Western mixologists for its versatility in cocktails. Francesca Gentile, owner of Funi 1898 in Montecatini, Italy, is among the first to incorporate baijiu into cocktails in Italy. Baijiu is expected to gain further prominence in mixology with a dedicated category at the WCC2024.

🎃 Match Tonic Water, an Italian brand distributed by Compagnia dei Caraibi, celebrates Halloween with two iconic drinks: Spade and Spicy Paloma. The featured beverage, Match Spicy Tonic Water, offers a 'never ordinary' taste with chili, pepper, turmeric, ginger, and smoked cherry wood notes. Spicy Paloma is made with 35 ml Yuu Baal Joven, 15 ml lime juice, 15 ml agave syrup, topped with Match Spicy Tonic Water in a Highball glass. Spade combines 25 ml cranberry juice, 15 ml grapefruit juice, 10 ml agave syrup, topped with Match Spicy Tonic Water in a tumbler. Compagnia dei Caraibi, founded in 2008 in Vidracco (TO), imports and exclusively distributes Match Tonic Water in Italy.

📍 ITA Airways will participate again this year at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, showcasing at the ENIT's exhibition space within the Europe pavilion. At the event, Chief Commercial Officer and CEO of Volare, Emiliana Limosani, along with international and local sales teams, will welcome trade representatives. ITA Airways currently offers 43 weekly frequencies in its winter schedule between London and its two hubs in Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate, focusing on London City Airport, a key business traffic segment.

🏕 Msc Cruises to debut in Alaska in 2026 with the Msc Poesia offering seven-night voyages from Seattle starting May 11, 2026. The ship will transition to Miami for the winter after the summer season. Itineraries include stops at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau, and Victoria with excursions and land activities. CEO Gianni Onorato highlights the expansion of Msc's global offerings.