Innovazione

📈 At Sigep 2025, Fabio Russo interviewed Angelo Napoli, CEO and Founder of Ing. Napoli & C., established in 2002. The company innovated with Tostabar, Italy's first coffee roaster for bars, and introduced Don Fernandos for unique coffee trading and Regina, a lever machine brand. Napoli discussed the invention of microrostery in Italy and the training provided for clients to produce their own branded coffee. A significant innovation presented was Regina LS, the first semi-automatic lever machine, enhancing productivity by eliminating wait times between extractions.

📈 Inalpi, a dairy company from Piedmont, Italy, reported a 2024 turnover of over €303 million, up from €122 million in 2014, with a €29 million increase from 2023. EBITDA reached €24.2 million (8% of turnover) and EBIT was €11.2 million (3.7% of turnover). Despite a slight domestic market contraction, exports grew by 16%, equivalent to over €32 million. In 2024, the company filed three patents and provided 5,665 hours of training to employees. Forecasts for 2025 include revenues over €320 million and investments of over €20 million.

🍷 The new geoviticultural map of Montalcino presented at Vinitaly is a collaboration between the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, Copernico (high tech farming), and Master of Wines Gabriele Gorelli and Andrea Lonardi. It's a technical and scientific project aimed at clearly describing Montalcino's unique characteristics. The map is considered a comprehensive sensory analysis model in the wine scene, set to establish an international benchmark. Following the presentation, a tasting of six Brunello di Montalcino 2020 labels was held, evaluated according to the new "Brunello Forma" method introduced in November.

🍻 At Beer&Food Attraction, Fabio Russo interviewed Diageo's Commercial Director Roberta Fontana, focusing on new products related to mixology and beer. Diageo launched Venturo Aperitivo Mediterraneo in May 2024 with Sicilian lemons, Trapani salt, blue chamomile, and rosemary, suitable for a broad audience due to its moderate alcohol content. Guinness brand ambassador Ivan Marsili presented the MicroDraught technology for serving Guinness on tap using specially designed cans, ideal for any venue and minimizing the need for full kegs.

☕ Coffee Expert Francesco Costanzo explored Seoul's unique coffee culture during the Leva Contest. Over 20 coffee specialties were sampled, and various roasteries visited. Baristas in Seoul are dedicated to their craft, often attending courses to improve their skills. Roughly 40% of Koreans prefer medium-dark roasted coffee with chocolate, vanilla, and hazelnut notes. Advanced technology like electronic cold drip is used alongside traditional machines like La San Marco. Specialty coffee prices in South Korea range from 4 to 6 euros per cup, with barista salaries between 1,700 and 1,800 euros per month. The experience in Seoul offers a journey through taste, tradition, and innovation.

🍕 Pastificio 28 Pastai, renowned for its blockchain-traced, pesticide and glyphosate-free pasta, hosts an event on April 10 at Eggs Milano, featuring a unique menu by Chef Barbara Agosti focused on eggs. The dinner coincides with Salone del Mobile 2025 and highlights food design in high cuisine. Guests will enjoy dishes led by Paolo Barichella and Elena Elefante, celebrating the versatility of Gragnano IGP pasta.

🌼 Washington State University researchers Michelle Moyer and Alexa McDaniel, from 2020 to 2022, studied the use of UV-C light as a non-chemical alternative to control downy mildew ("oidio") in vineyards, particularly in Chardonnay grapes. The nighttime applications exploited the pathogen's weakness in DNA repair during the night, proving effective, especially early in the vegetative season. The method could reduce fungicide use, chemical residues, biodiversity impact, and complement integrated pest management (IPM) techniques without compromising grape quality, advancing towards eco-friendlier viticulture.

🚀 Qatar Airways will begin upgrading its entire A350 fleet with Starlink connectivity this month, after nearly completing the service integration on all B777 aircraft. CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer states they are close to finishing the Boeing 777 fleet upgrade, a first for a widebody fleet of this size. In April, they will be the first airline to equip Airbus A350s with Starlink, enhancing onboard Wi-Fi experience.

💰 eDreams Odigeo's subscription travel platform Prime quadrupled its subscriber base to 7.25 million by March, up from 1.9 million in November 2021, despite significant market uncertainty. Prime has become one of the fastest-growing subscription services in Europe, ranking seventh in subscriber base size. CEO Dana Dunne highlighted the achievement as evidence of the company's long-term vision and promise fulfillment, crediting technology and AI capabilities. Prime has expanded its benefits to include a range of travel services, with plans to add another million subscribers by March 2026.

🏖 Gianpaolo Romano and Cartorange, operating since 1998, expect a turnover of €45 million by August 31, 1995, up from €40 million in 2024. Based in Milan and Florence without physical stores, they employ 400 travel consultants and receive up to 4,000 resumes yearly. The company, which has a majority family-owned stock package, withstood COVID-19 by providing €1 million in provisional advances to consultants. Their own tour operator contributes 25% to the business, targeting the high-end market amid rising airline ticket prices, some up by 30%.