Innovazione

✈ Air New Zealand, serving long-haul travelers from North America and Europe, developed the Skynests project with bunk beds for economy class on B 787s. Originally set to be operational, the bunk service has been delayed but is expected on the New York-Auckland route by year-end. CEO Greg Foran aims to enhance the flight experience, and the company created cabins with six bunk beds, available for four hours per passenger at a cost of 400 to 600 euros.

🌊 Windstar Cruises' flagship vessel, the Wind Surf, with a capacity of 342 passengers, has completed the first phase of its renovation, which included the refurbishment of public spaces, restaurants, and suites. Currently sailing in the Caribbean, the makeover involved the main hall, reception, Yacht Club Café, Compass Rose Bar and Lounge, Amphora Restaurant and Wine Room, the pool bar, deck, the owner's suite, Star Boutique, and public restrooms, with all cabins now featuring brand-new TVs. Wind Surf now also offers Broadmoor and Sea Island Suites, luxury accommodations inspired by Windstar's twin resorts. A further renovation phase is scheduled for completion by December 2026, which will add new furnishings, goods, and decorations to the ship's cabins and will see the refurbishment of the Stella Bistro, Veranda, and gym.

💋 Mikado, part of Mondelēz International, launched an exclusive Valentine's Day Limited Edition and the Mikado Kiss Cam at the Frecciarossa Final Eight 2025 in Torino's Inalpi Arena until February 16. Illustrator ilbaffogram designed the new packaging and related communications. The campaign involves on-field activations, influencer partnerships, a digital campaign with three animated stories, and a dedicated TV spot. The Mikado Kiss Edition bipack offers three design variants and includes two 75g Mikado Milk packs and a special photo frame gift. ZooCom Next Gen managed the project.

🍸 The Grand Margarita, also known as Cadillac Margarita, originated in the '80s and has been included in the International Bartenders Association's list from 2024. A symbol of Mexican culture, it's made with tequila, lime, and orange liqueur. Larry J. Cano, the founder of El Torito restaurants, is credited with the drink's creation in 1983 by substituting triple sec with Grand Marnier, serving over 7 million glasses in 1984. Officially recognized in 1987 by the Montreal Gazette, the cocktail features 45 ml of reposado tequila, 30 ml of Grand Marnier, and 15 ml of fresh lime juice, shaken and strained into a tumbler or coupe with a lime slice garnish.

🏨 Google has introduced new layouts for hotel search results to improve user experience, focusing on intuitive discovery and selection of accommodations. Tests in Italy show a shift from list views to dynamic columns and rows, aiming to provide immediate visual information and interactive content. The changes may respond to the Digital Marketing Act's (DMA) suboptimal performance. Innovations include metasearch ads at the top of search pages, up to ten images per hotel, detailed review sections, and enlarged map previews. Callouts have been removed for a cleaner presentation. High visual quality and positive reviews from hoteliers can leverage these changes for increased engagement and conversions.

🍻 Naty's unveiled a new range of premium mixers at Beer&Food Attraction 2025 in Rimini, from February 16-18, and will also present at Levante Prof in Bari, March 9-12. The line includes Indian Tonic Water, Mediterranean Tonic, Ginger Beer, and Pink Grapefruit Soda, all in 200 ml glass bottles, packed in cartons of 24. Charles Flamminio will showcase the mixers with special offers and Signature Cocktail tastings at Naty's booth.

🌿 Amadori, an Italian company, enhanced its “Veggy” product line with 100% Italian legume proteins, excluding added soy, and featuring four products: “Le Birbe Veggy,” “Cotolette Veggy,” “Veggy Burger,” and “Polpettine Veggy.” The “Veggy” range, awarded “Product of the Year” 2024 for "Vegetable Meat," now focuses on sustainability with packaging in 90-100% recycled plastic, aiming to shift to full R-PET. Matteo Conti, Director of Strategic Marketing, emphasizes the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation while responding to consumer demands for quality, safety, and Italian origin.

🥘 GrosMarket, part of the Gruppo Sogegross, renews its main sponsorship with IFSE – Italian Food Style Education, a prestigious international culinary academy, reinforcing its commitment as a strategic advisor and provider of high-quality products and services for the Horeca sector. IFSE, known for combining Italian culinary tradition with innovation, offers students access to exceptional ingredients, masterclasses, and show cooking sessions at GrosMarket's Rivoli location. This partnership, continuing into 2025, is a step towards supporting culinary professionals, with training facilitated by the GrosMarket LiveLab program, both in-store and online.

🍺 Acqua Minerale San Benedetto, beverage market leader, confirms its role in the Horeca channel by attending Beer&Food Attraction 2025 at pavilion C3 (Stand 160). In the past 15 years, San Benedetto evolved its portfolio to include premium, modern, and functional beverage lines like San Benedetto Millennium Water and BAR Specialist, aligning with consumption trends and Horeca demands. The brand showcases innovations such as San Benedetto Succoso Zero and Thè San Benedetto, plus Mito Collection and Extra Sparkling in new packaging formats, catering to a market with a 21.3% share. Schweppes enhances Mixology Circus on February 17 with Yuri Gelmini, featuring Schweppes Selection and a new Tonic Basil & Sicilian Lemon flavor.

🍕 During SIGEP 2025, Michelin-starred chef Gennaro Esposito of "La Torre del Saracino" in Vico Equense (NA) was interviewed by Fabio Russo. Highlighting the importance of evolving pizza without losing its authenticity, Esposito emphasized technology's role in enhancing gastronomic quality. He advocated for communicating the value of ingredients and cooking technology to customers, reinforcing Italian culinary excellence globally.