Innovazione

📈 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.

🎓 Trinity ViaggiStudio enhances holiday study offers with college stays and specialized workshops in science, technology, global leadership, horse riding, tennis, and more. PSG Academy offers football training and business workshops in Reading, Berkshire, and Dorking, Surrey, with 30 hours of language lessons and 24 workshop hours. The University of London provides 15-hour courses plus 48-hour workshops including Global Leaders, Business Pioneers, and Digital Media Innovators programs. Tonbridge, Kent, offers 30 hours of lessons and 12-hour workshops focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics).

🚙 Gruppo Fs Italiane plans a high-speed rail service linking London and Paris by 2029, with a €1 billion investment part of the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Evolyn, aiming for a more integrated, competitive, and sustainable European rail network. Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO of Gruppo Fs, highlights the focus on expanding international passenger transport. Licenses and permits in France are in progress, and operational planning at St. Pancras is advanced, with funding sources being evaluated. The launch depends on infrastructure completion and technical authorizations.

🎥 Costa Crociere introduces 'Immersive Showcases' to redefine trade marketing, utilizing dynamic displays with immersive multimedia content, first implemented by Welcome Travel Group agencies. Luigi Stefanelli, VP of World Wide Sales, emphasizes the project's transformative potential for marketing. The digital content, managed remotely by Costa, includes 'Sea Destinations' with 3D videos and integrates with existing promotional campaigns. Massimo Sala, director, highlights the innovation path offering new experiences to guests and partners, with advanced communication tools like 360 video content.

📷 Starting April, all passengers on Delta Air Lines' transatlantic routes to Europe, Israel, and West Africa can enjoy fast and free Wi-Fi, Delta Sync, provided by T-Mobile. Delta Air Lines aims to extend Wi-Fi to South American routes by spring. Ranjan Goswami, SVP of customer experience design, highlights Delta's goal to offer fast, free Wi-Fi across its entire fleet, enhancing connectivity with dual-network solutions on 717s, A350-1000s, and upcoming A321neos.