Iniziativa eco-responsabile e CSR

🏠 Chef italiano Luca Massimo Iemolo, 48, among 218 victims in Santo Domingo's Jet Set disco collapse. Iemolo, a father of two, led Sarah Restaurante blending Italian and German cuisines, had recently moved to the Dominican Republic last year. His culinary career included various international kitchens before his new role where he embraced the opportunity stating "si inizia a volare". Despite past personal hardships, including legal issues in 2018 and a brief return to Italy, he was revered as a passionate chef, a reference in the kitchen, and remembered as a dedicated father and brother by social media tributes.

🍴 Chef Igles Corelli performed a Renaissance cooking show on April 12 at Palazzo Pendaglia, Ferrara, now home to the "Vergani-Navarra" Hotel Institute. The event, part of the "Festina Lente" project funded by the Ministry of Tourism, showcased dishes like "Sformato di zucca violina con vellutata di fagiano" and aimed to bridge culinary tradition and future gastronomy professionals. Corelli, born in 1957, demonstrated how simple ingredients can be turned into edible art, reflecting the history and identity of Ferrara.

📍 Maiora SpA SB, a leading company in the retail sector of Central and Southern Italy with over 520 Despar, Eurospar, and Interspar stores, plus 14 Altasfera Cash & Carries, has officially adhered to the Charter of Values of the Women's Retail Association, a non-profit organization focused on promoting a female perspective in retail. The adherence is a continuation of the company's efforts since 2021, highlighted by the 'Equal Pay' certification – the first in Southern Italy and in the retail sector, confirming no pay disparity between male and female employees of the same qualifications and roles. Maiora is committed to renewing this certification and continues to advocate for gender equality and inclusion through social media awareness, professional women's stories, inclusivity courses, and the dissemination of a decalogue for inclusion and an equal opportunities glossary.

📦 Carrefour Italia celebrated the National Day of Made in Italy for the second year at their Rome location, supporting 11,000+ local producers. In 2024, they confirmed €1.15 billion in exports of Italian products to group countries, with wine sales reaching €70 million, a 13% increase from 2023 and 128% from 2022. Private label exports were €234 million, up 45% from 2018. Italian fruit and vegetable exports doubled since 2018, hitting €20 million. Over 80% of Carrefour's own brand products come from Italian suppliers, with strategic partnerships promoting a traceable, ethical supply chain.

🏠 Tucked in the Pisan hills of Tuscany, near the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Etruscan Coast, lies Caiarossa, established by Eric Albada Jelgersma in 2004. The estate, spanning 40 hectares with 59 distinct parcels, cultivates 10 different grape varieties using biodynamic and organic agriculture, certified in 2003 (organic) and 2005 (biodynamic). Caiarossa IGT Toscana Rosso, aged for over 14 months in French oak, embodies the harmony of tradition and innovation. The winery, part of the Toscana Wine Architecture since 2016, offers personalized tours and tastings in an ecosystem where nature and architecture coalesce.

🌱 In Italy, 68% of consumers regard organic products in restaurants as fundamental, while 56% prefer eateries with sustainable practices. From April 1 to May 25, 2025, the Central Ortofrutticola di Tarquinia, supported by the EU, will promote certified European organic produce in Rome's dining scene over 106 days across three restaurants: Porchetta e Bollicine (Apr 1-May 13), IV Fuochi (Apr 2-May 11), SpaccioVino (Apr 9-May 25). These venues were chosen for their culinary excellence and commitment to sustainability.

🍅 Veneto leads Italy with 630 hectares of disease-resistant grapevines (PIWI), 94 producers, and 173 labels, comprising 38% of the national total. Research on 25 farms shows 96% of producers would grow PIWI again, with 76% planning to increase their crops. They require 4 annual treatments versus 15-20 for traditional varieties, but 48% face marketing challenges. Only 20% of consumers are aware of PIWI wines, despite environmental and economic benefits.

🌾 At Vinitaly, a successful conference on agrivoltaics in viticulture highlighted the potential of combining agriculture and photovoltaics. Moderated by Davide Gangi, the event featured experts including Donato Pentassuglia and Professor Maurizio Boselli, who pioneered agrivoltaic research since 2009 in Valpolicella. Boselli's work, internationally recognized, showed slower grape maturation and improved sugar-acid balance due to panel shading. Pasquale Venerito noted distinctive characteristics in agrivoltaically-grown grapes, such as lower pH and complex aromatics. Franco Dell’Acqua discussed agrivoltaics' benefits for Puglia's agriculture, including water savings. Nicola Mele, co-founder of Vigna Agrivoltaica di Comunità, aims to produce eco-friendly wine and energy. The 12-hectare project will produce 5,000-20,000 bottles by 2025, involving universities and research centers.

🏢 During the Milano Design Week 2025 (April 9-13), B&B HOTELS collaborated with IED Milano to host “EN PLAIN AIR – IED X B&B HOTELS” at B&B HOTEL Milano City Center Duomo. The exhibition showcased three creative visions from the Master in Interior Design students, focusing on reimagined outdoor hospitality embodying warmth, connection, and sustainability. The hotel terrace featured designs aiming to enhance guest experience and urban environment harmony. B&B HOTELS, with 850 properties globally and 79 in Italy, continues to innovate and support young talents. The event is free to visit until April 13 at Via San Tomaso 4, offering a glimpse into the future of creative and sustainable hospitality.

☕ Evoca Group's professional coffee machine, Wittenborg W100, has won the Red Dot Design Award in the Product category, marking its third consecutive design award following the European Product Design Award and the iF Design Award. The Red Dot Design Award, established in 1955, is an authoritative international design accolade. The W100 machine is recognized for sustainability, high-quality materials, advanced technology, and reducing downtime by up to 20%. It features cloud services integration, real-time maintenance monitoring, drink customization, an intuitive user interface, and energy efficiency with a class A++ rating.