Innovazione

🍝 Unilever Food Solutions launched Maizena Express, a gluten-free instant thickener for professional catering. The product thickens creams and sauces in one minute, retains original flavors due to its neutral taste, and is ready to use, optimizing kitchen time and resources. Available in 1 kg packages, sold in boxes of 6. The range includes various thickeners, such as Maizena Amido di Riso, Maizena Amido di Mais, Knorr Roux Bianco e Bruno, Maizena Snowflake, and a versatile hot and cold binder—all gluten-free and some lactose-free, with packaging from 600 g to 20 kg. Unilever Food Solutions operates in over 70 countries, supported by over 250 professional chefs, with products designed for professional kitchens.

🍷 Casa Vinicola Fazio from DOC Erice introduces the "Fabula Amoris" organic wine collection at Vinitaly 2025, Pavilion 2 Sicilia - Stand G71, designed by Alessandro Enriquez. The organic project began with the 2024 harvest, incorporating meticulous grape selection and manual production to preserve natural flavors. The collection includes Silvaris (Nero d’Avola), Greber (Zibibbo-dominated blend), and Fulgora (Grillo-based sparkling extra dry). The winery utilizes sustainable practices like manual harvesting and solar power. A related exhibit will be featured at Eataly Verona’s Winehouse.

🍷 Areni Global, a wine industry think tank, released a white paper titled "Rethinking Education: Shaping the Future of the Wine Trade," after an 18-month study focusing on the education sector excluding viticulture and wine production. The research, which included interviews with academics, MBA program heads, certification bodies, and recruiters, revealed challenges in finding professionals with the right skillset for the evolving wine industry. Despite a 15% global increase in candidates for the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma by September 2024, the industry faces a shortage of talent with broad business skills like financial literacy, project management, strategic decision-making, and communication. The study suggests educational programs should balance wine knowledge with cross-functional business skills to sustain the industry's profitability against turbulent economic and geopolitical backdrops.

🍻 Tassoni unveiled the "Collezione 2025" on March 31 at The Sanctuary Milan, featuring Cedrata Zero, a sugar-free, calorie-free luxury soft drink, and biologically-sourced Pompelmo Soda and Limonata. CEO Matteo Lunelli emphasized the mix of tradition and health-conscious innovation. The collection caters to changing luxury definitions and responsible consumption trends, with new mixology offerings and the first Italian Mocktail Competition spanning 8 cities and over 100 bartenders.

🔓 Domia Mini by AGB offers a reliable, flexible, and easy-to-install access management system with a modern design, ideal for retrofitting existing doors or new installations. It requires no wiring due to battery operation and installs with just two screws without replacing existing locks or cylinders, making it perfect for those wanting to update their access system without structural changes. Guests can access rooms with physical (cards, tags, bracelets) or digital (links or apps) credentials, managed locally or remotely. The system integrates with AGB components, such as locks and energy saver pockets, and uses cloud-based Accexi software for a secure, personalized access experience. Domia Mini comes in various finishes and handles, with the option of a mechanical emergency cylinder, ensuring access at all times while balancing security and convenience.

📈 L’Astrolabio, owned by the Aronson family, reported a 15% growth in 2024 over 2023 across its four agencies in Milan and Bergamo. Key to success: efficiency, service personalization, adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence, advanced CRM, and investments in digital communication. AI improved visibility, optimized advertising campaigns, and real-time market response, with optimism for future tech integration, flexible payments, and a focus on sustainable tourism.

🚀 Wizz Air announced its "Customer First" transformation plan, including a Customer First Compass, to place customers at the center of all operations, as stated by corporate and esg officer Yvonne Moynihan. The company will invest €14 billion over the next three years to enhance customer touchpoints, focusing on punctuality, affordability, innovation, and service. The plan comprises four pillars: product (modern, sustainable fleet), price, service (improved operational reliability), and communication, with strengthened customer support and the elimination of the call center's premium line. Additionally, this summer, Wizz Air will launch the MyJourney feature on its app for real-time travel updates.

🏖️ Thailand's Tourism Authority launched the "Thailand Digital Arrival Card" (Tdac) platform online set to fully operate from May 1, 2025, aiming to become a leading smart tourism destination. Tdac allows travelers to pre-register and submit personal data online, significantly reducing immigration wait times. It integrates with other government systems, including E-Visa and health screening processes. Travelers must complete Tdac within 72 hours before arrival, and the digital card is emailed to be printed or saved on a smartphone.

🌊 World Explorer launches a new portal, Maldive Explorer, for booking experiences, resorts, guest houses, and flights to the Maldives. The service offers an expert available 24/7. Options include "Volo+Resort," "Solo Resort," or "Island Hopping," with included transfers, often by seaplane. Guest houses offer authentic local experiences and savings. Packages may include an optional all-risk insurance policy covering medical, luggage, and cancellation, ensuring preparation security. The expert team provides 24/7 customer service in Italian.

🏖 BID Company and Mastercard have developed "Tourism Payment Insight," a novel solution for the tourism industry, financial institutions, and retail brands to interpret tourists' economic flows. This tool enables precise analysis of tourists' spending behaviors for strategic decision-making, offering insights on tourist origins, average transaction value, spending purposes, and territorial comparisons. Antonio Autorino, general manager of BID Company, highlights the strategic importance of understanding tourist spending. The platform is noted for its ease of use and immediate operability, allowing users to select regions and rapidly access spending insights.