Innovazione

☕ - "Report" aired on Rai 3 on Dec 15, 2024, spotlighted Passalacqua, a Neapolitan roasting tradition innovator since the 1950s. Passalacqua recently received the "Torrefazione Tradizione" Award from the Guide of Italian Coffees and Roasteries, acknowledging their innovation while respecting tradition. The company's CFO, Francesco Lo Vasto, explained that dark roasting, which can reduce coffee weight by 20% compared to 15-16% for light roasting, is preferred for espresso in Italy, where 99% of coffee extraction is done by this method. Passalacqua serves bars like Ciro a Mergellina and Bar Mexico, with daily sales reaching up to 20 kg, equivalent to 2000-2800 cups, particularly during peak morning and post-lunch hours.

🍼 Since December 13, Alpro has launched the Blue Villain Alproccino, a plant-based beverage available in over 50 top Italian bars through the Alpro Top Bar program. This limited edition drink features a blue color from natural spirulina, with a 100% growth in the out-of-home channel, tapping into the trend where 1 in 2 Italians consume plant-based alternatives. The beverage is part of a vision to offer plant-based options in every bar, with the campaign ending on February 28.

🏖️ The Marriott Bonvoy study "Ticket to Travel 2025" surveyed 21,374 adults across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and over 2,000 travelers in Italy. By 2025, 38% of Italian vacationers plan to take more trips than in 2024, 47% will maintain the same travel frequency, and 65% prefer Europe as their destination, with Italy topping the list at 33%. Key priorities include quality time with family and friends (44%), indulgence (43%), and cultural exploration (39%). Young travelers, especially Gen Z, show a high interest in heritage holidays (33%) and bravecations (59%). Italians book their vacations on average 3.5 months in advance, with 39% within two months of departure. Sustainability concerns are rising, with 75% mindful of their holidays' environmental impact, and 57% likely to forgo flying for environmental reasons. Luxury travelers prefer 5-star hotels, personalized service, and sustainability, with 82% valuing it in high-end accommodation. The study also highlights the trend of traveling to emerging destinations with luxury brands, as 70% would be more likely to visit if a luxury brand is present.

📅 Over 260 agencies engaged in six events, Allianz Partners successfully concludes the #SalesRoadshow2024 ‘Get Ready For The...Experience!’ focusing on the company's innovations and the expanded Globy range with 12 products. Massimiliano Sibilio, Chief Commercial Officer at Allianz Partners Italy, highlights the event's success and the positive feedback from partners, emphasizing their indispensable role and commitment to providing cutting-edge products and professional support.

📦 AgrofoodBIC S.r.l., since January 2019, partners with global FoodTech accelerator Eatable Adventures to support startups in Italy's agri-food sector. The collaboration aims to promote innovation and new business opportunities, with backing from industry leaders like Granarolo, Camst, Conserve Italia, IMA, and Eurovo. Eatable Adventures will manage deal flow, identifying around 30 promising startups in six areas including sustainable packaging, smart agriculture, new foods and beverages, animal welfare, improved nutrition, and circular economy. Riccardo Sebastiano Piaggi, President of AgrofoodBIC, emphasizes the shared commitment to scaling startups, while José Luis Cabañero, Founder and CEO of Eatable Adventures, highlights the dynamic ecosystem this partnership aims to create.

🍰 World Champion gelatiere Eugenio Morrone, recognized with Maestro Apei title in 2022 and inducted into Gelato Festival World Ranking Hall of Fame, crafts a unique panettone in three variants for Christmas. In 2024, he wins title again and earns Tre Coni from Gambero Rosso. Variants include traditional with raisins, citrus, and Tahitian vanilla, intense chocolate from Madagascar, Venezuela, Ecuador, and pistachio with cremino. Artisan panettone features 48-hour fermentation, available at Fiordiluna and Il Cannolo Siciliano in Rome.

🍰 High-end patisserie is redefining accessibility, reaching supermarkets, shopping centers, airports, and train stations. Prominent pastry chefs like Iginio Massari, the Cerea brothers, and Sal De Riso have partnered with large retailers to expand their audience. Iginio Massari's BuoniMaestri project with Iper La grande i resulted in a €20 million turnover with double-digit annual growth. Elisenda, by the Cerea family and Esselunga, is present in 172 stores and has increased sales significantly, producing about 50 recipes daily with 145 staff at Pioltello. In Italy, luxury pastry accounts for 40% of out-of-home consumption in the main European markets, worth €11.4 billion.

☕ Conti Valerio Srl launched the "Mignon Factory" in Sesto Fiorentino, near Florence, aiming to double the historic production site and create a "Tuscan grinder valley." The new facility is solely for producing state-of-the-art coffee grinders designed for the prosumer market. Showroom opened in June gathers professionals and coffee enthusiasts internationally. Maurizio Fiorani, managing director, targets markets in Germany, North America, UK, and the Middle East. The Mignon line, popular on e-commerce platforms, especially post-Covid, includes over 20 variants. Three new models were added: Libra 65 All Purpose, Zero 65 All Purpose, and Single Dose Pro. In 2023, Conti Valerio reported €56.5 million turnover, 98% from exports with over 200,000 grinders produced. Eureka brand invests 5% of annual turnover in R&D and filed 8 new patents from 2018 to 2024. The company has over 100 employees with an average age of 35.

🛠 Epta, in partnership with ITS Salesiani di Sesto San Giovanni and other sector players, is investing in the training project Frigoria to aid new generations in the complex and evolving field of refrigeration. Epta's support includes the donation of CO2 transcritical refrigeration systems, GranVista Next Open and GranBering, for the institute's lab, to prepare future refrigeration technicians with cutting-edge solutions. An exclusive inauguration ceremony was held to thank contributors and discuss the course's delivery and study plan.

🏖️ "Ticket to Travel 2025" survey by Marriott Bonvoy on 21,374 adults across Europe, Africa, Middle East, and over 2,000 Italian travelers, reveals 85% of Italian travelers plan as many or more holidays in 2025 compared to 2024. Europe is the top destination for Italians in 2025 at 65%, with Italy (33%), Spain (29%), France (14%), Greece (12%), Portugal (9%), and the Americas (8%). Cleanliness (96%), location (91%), and price (94%) are key accommodation preferences. Heritage Holidays and Bravecations are emerging trends, with 33% of Italians exploring family history and 59% seeking adventurous vacations. Among affluent travelers, 70% stay in 5-star hotels, with personalization (47%) and wellness offerings (49%) highly valued.