Distribuzione e Revenue

💳 Nielsen's research for American Express surveyed 750+ Italians, finding a 90% increase in digital payment use over cash in the last year. Cashless benefits like credit cards are favored by younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z. Discounts and additional benefits are key for 86% of consumers, rising to 95% among Millennials. Digital payments are preferred for their convenience (57%) and speed (46%). Online card use grew by 34% and in-store by 31%. Gen Z leads this trend, with 56% using cards more frequently online and 38% in-store. Tracking expenses (52%) and making faster payments (51%) are top reasons for choosing cards. For Italian consumers, travel is a priority, with 66% seeking loyalty program benefits. Most prefer digital payments both abroad (52%) and domestically (57%), influencing travel location choices for 71%, especially among Millennials (81%). Exclusive experiences and discounts are valued by 91% of consumers, with 83% enrolled or planning to enroll in related loyalty programs. Price (64%) and discounts (59%) are key factors in retail choice, influencing loyalty for 60% of consumers.

✈ In 2024, global passengers reached 9.5 billion, with 4.1 billion from international flights and 5.4 billion from domestic. Projections for 2042 estimate 18.5 billion passengers, doubling 2019's numbers, and by 2052, 23.2 billion are expected, more than 2.5 times pre-COVID levels. In 2023, airport charges increased by 30% and taxes by 15.5% compared to 2019, signaling a call for airport investments to face future challenges.

✈ In Europe, low-cost airlines dominate the skies with over 60% market share in 2024. Ryanair leads with 31%, followed by easyJet (15%), Wizz Air (8%), and Vueling (6%). Traditional carriers like Lufthansa (4.8%), British Airways (3.9%), Air France-KLM (below 2.5%), and Ita Airways (2%) trail behind. The European market is expected to grow, with increasing seat offerings and new routes from emerging countries. Spain to sell 800,000 seats, Italy and the UK about 300,000 each for Christmas holidays. After a 6% drop in fares, the average ticket price reached €97, down from €101 last year. Ancillary revenues now account for 45% of airlines' total income.

🗺️ More than half of Italians feel that tourism overcrowding negatively affects livability. Within five years, Italians will prioritize accommodation quality (66%) and food (61%). In 2023, of Italy's 447 million total tourist presences, 22% (98 million) were in 5,500+ small towns. 9% (41 million) visited 'Bandiera arancione' towns, and 17% (75 million) explored the top 5 art cities: Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence, and Naples. Nearly a third of respondents from 22 countries would choose Italy as a travel prize, with Rome (68%) and Venice (53%) being top picks, though concerns about cost and safety were noted. (For more information: https://www.ipsos.com/it-it; https://www.touringclub.it/)

☕ US Department of Agriculture revised Brazil's coffee production for 2024/25 downwards by 6% for arabica (from 48.2 to 45.5 million bags) and 3% for robusta (from 21.7 to 21 million bags), and Indonesia's robusta by 8% (from 9.5 to 8.6 million bags), adjusting the production increase from +40% to +36%. Colombian production increased from 12.4 to 12.9 million bags, Indian from 6 to 6.2 million bags. Financial coffee prices rose sharply since November; arabica by 28% and robusta by 21%, with year-to-date increases of 64% and 72%, respectively. TTF gas prices grew by 20% since early November, surpassing 45 €/MWh, a year-to-date increase of 69%, while Italy's electricity pricing index (PUN) rose by 40%. EU gas demand in October reached 244,827 GWh, a 30% increase from September and 7% from October 2023.

🍖 On November 20, 2024, an initiative showcased results of a project promoting the Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle breed, known for high-quality meat and sustainable farming, which started in 2020. Popular in Italy since the 1960s, particularly in Piedmont, this breed is appreciated for its tender meat and strict farming standards, certified by SQZN and guaranteed by the Italian Sigillo Consortium. The event included a visit to Società Agricola Villosio di Cardè and a gourmet lunch at Centro Congressi Monastero della Stella, featuring four dishes. This initiative is part of the "Blonde d'Aquitaine: European Beef Excellence" project (April 2023 - March 2026), co-funded by the EU. Asprocarne Piemonte, established in 1985, with about 400 members managing over 130,000 cattle, represents 25% of Piedmont's beef production and promotes Blonde d'Aquitaine in Italy.

🍕 Sassari is the Italian city where eating a pizza costs the most on average, at €14.11. Cities like Bolzano (€13.90), Milan (€13.50), and Venice (€13.47) are above the €13 average. Costs vary widely, with a meal ranging from €8 to €24 in Milan and €10.50 to €24 in Venice. Livorno is the cheapest city, averaging €8.67. Since September 2023, there's been a 4% increase in pizza meal costs, a 9% rise since September 2022, and a 16% escalation from September 2021. Notably, Naples saw a 32% increase in costs compared to three years ago.

🍻 U.S. RTD (Ready-to-Drink) spirits-based market has seen significant growth since 2019, with a 15%+ volume increase in states like Wyoming, Colorado, Virginia, Tennessee, New York, Florida, Arizona, Indiana, New Jersey, and Wisconsin from January to August 2024 compared to the previous year. The segment is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6% from 2023 to 2028, overtaking hard seltzers. Vodka has been the top ingredient over tequila since three years ago. 355 ml cans have surged from 7% to 69% market share in five years. Legislative changes in states like North Carolina and Pennsylvania have lowered RTD taxes and allowed sales in beer and wine outlets. Despite slower innovation, cocktails/long drinks lead new product introductions, with brands focusing on key products to reduce consumer confusion. The RTD market is diversifying, with a younger, predominantly male demographic driving demand.

📌 Hotel "No shows," where guests fail to arrive or cancel bookings, lead to immediate revenue loss from unoccupied rooms, resource misallocation, and potential reputation damage, particularly during high demand periods. Transparent cancellation policies with penalties and deposits encourage guests to follow through or cancel in advance. Integration of modern property management systems, automated communications, and data analysis for booking trends can optimize overbooking policies and forecasting accuracy. Implementing comprehensive pricing strategies with non-refundable discounted rates and dynamic pricing based on no-show patterns, coupled with modern payment systems that handle cancellations and cash flow management, are essential. Maintaining professional relationships through follow-up communications and rebooking opportunities are key to managing no-shows and safeguarding hotel reputation.

🍰 Christmas 2024 sees a rise in sales of traditional panettoni by 4% and filled ones by 2%. Panettone production in 2023 was 37,647 tons, a 3.5% increase from 2022, valued at €237.9M (+6.5%). Pandoro reached 32,073 tons (+4.1%), valued at €165.2M (+5.9%). Ingredients like butter reached over €11/kg due to inflation. Maina Panettoni’s orders are at 60% by end of November, signaling nearly 95M sweets nationally post-December 8. Exports of panettone in 2023 accounted for 19% of production, worth €112M.