Innovazione

🏂 Milan and Cortina will host the 2026 Winter Olympics from February 6-22. The 2025/2026 winter season in Italian mountains anticipates a +3.8% increase in overall presence, driven by an 8-8.8% rise in foreign visitors, despite a -3.9% drop in Italian attendees. Revenue is projected at €12.1 billion, up 3.6%. Costs for a winter stay will rise by 5.8%, with an adult's weekly expense at €1,545 and a family at €4,017. Hotel services will see a 6.3-9.7% price hike.

🌍 Alexander Creyf, operations director of Travel Experts, reflects on the company's first year in Italy. Travel Experts offers a business model that fosters collaboration among independent consultants, focusing on flexibility and advanced management tools. Consultants benefit from ongoing training, marketing support, and cutting-edge platforms, enhancing efficiency and earning potential. The partnership with Virtuoso provides access to exclusive offers and global industry insights, aiming to serve high-end clients by understanding and fulfilling luxury travel needs.

🍬 Halloween in Italy attracts around 11 million participants, with candy as the top treat (65%). October 2024 saw a 13% sales spike, totaling over €55 million. In 2024, the candy sector reached €586 million, with 56 million kg sold. Italians love citrus-flavored candies (44%). The sector launches 10-15 new candies annually, with development taking up to 2 years. 95% of Italians consume candy, especially in Sicily (37%), Lombardy (35%), Campania (33%), and Puglia (33%).

💻 OpenAI unveiled Atlas, an AI-powered browser integrating ChatGPT. This innovation aims to streamline user experiences, allowing seamless navigation without switching tabs. Atlas remembers past interactions for better suggestions, with a privacy-first approach enabling data control and incognito mode. The "agent mode" feature, currently in testing for Plus, Pro, and Business users, allows autonomous actions but with security checks. Available on macOS, Atlas will soon expand to Windows, iOS, and Android.

💻 Agriturismo RossoLampone, situated near Verbania and 1.5 km from Lake Maggiore in Piemonte, undertakes an energy optimization project using Aidoo devices by Airzone. The family-run establishment faced challenges in managing disparate HVAC systems across its buildings. Now, the Airzone Cloud app streamlines HVAC control remotely, unifying different brands into one platform. This technology has significantly reduced energy consumption without altering existing infrastructure, enhancing both hospitality offerings and energy efficiency.

🍴 Host 2025, Milan: Fabio Russo interviews Francesca Minutola, Marketing Manager at AB Mauri. AB Mauri employs 8,000 globally, with over 280 in Italy across three production sites. Pavia produces yeast, Franciacorta makes bakery ingredients, and Latina focuses on frozen bases. The company launches a gluten-free base for celiac customers and unveils a new communication strategy with a refreshed website and social media presence to enhance engagement with food service professionals.

🍺 Amaro Montenegro celebrates 140 years by uniting Luciano Spalletti and Francesco Totti in a new ad, showcasing their reconciliation after a decade. The ad is airing on TV, cinemas, and sports streaming platforms. The Bologna-based company is expanding with acquisitions like a gin, limoncello, and Venezuelan rum. Their strategy focuses on diversifying and targeting the super-premium segment despite a challenging market. Their approach includes innovation and low-alcohol options, leveraging Amaro Montenegro's 23% alcohol content.

✈ Davide Calicchia, market manager for Italy, highlights Tap's growing commitment in Italy. From January, ITA's entry into Star Alliance will enhance network integration, with Fiumicino as a strategic hub. Celebrating 45 years of Rome-Lisbon flights, Tap introduced an Airbus A321neoLR, capable of 7,400 km nonstop. Tap increases Rome to five daily flights, expanding connections to the Americas, Africa, and Brazil. The Portugal Stopover program offers up to 10-day stops in Lisbon or Porto with discounts.

📈 STM, based in Verona, Italy, boasts over 40 years of experience in electronic water management for the food and bakery industry. With operations in 70+ countries, STM's "Water for Bakery and Food" line features advanced chillers, dosers, and mixers. These solutions offer remote monitoring and energy efficiency, ensuring consistent quality and reduced waste. The innovative STM Control Technology integrates hardware and software, optimizing water temperature and quantity for stable production processes.

🍞 Fratelli Beretta and Biraghi, two historic Italian brands, launched a new snack: Salamini Classici + Biraghino Snack. Featuring Salamini Classici and 100% Italian milk cheese, it's gluten-free and high in protein. This convenient snack can be stored up to 22°C without refrigeration, catering to on-the-go consumers seeking quality and tradition. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation and Italian excellence.