Innovazione

🏨 Salento Airport is undergoing a significant expansion including a broader passenger terminal and new commercial spaces. Aeroporti di Puglia President, Antonio Maria Vasile, announced the development, emphasizing modernization and economic growth. The project also introduces an innovative baggage sorting system. Michele Emiliano, President of the Puglia Region, highlighted the airport's support for the development across Taranto, Lecce, Brindisi, and Bari provinces.

🌏 Maniva, an Italian mineral water company with facilities in Lombardy and Tuscany, has partnered with O-I Glass to introduce "Vintage Maniva," a new 1-liter glass bottle designed for the Horeca market. Available in natural, sparkling, and lightly sparkling variants, this innovation features a distinctive premium design reminiscent of late 20th-century Italian crystal packaging, with a conical shape, side ribs, and embossed "VINTAGE" lettering. The bottle is produced in Italy using renewable electric energy, highlighting Maniva's commitment to environmental sustainability. Vintage Maniva will gradually replace the current 1-liter glass bottles in Maniva's catalog, positioning the brand in the premium segment.

🧠 56% of Italian companies are still exploring AI integration, according to "AIMM: AI adoption in Italian companies." The study by NetConsulting cube, Engineering, Fastweb, ServiceNow, and TIM involved 82 large businesses, primarily in industrial (34%), Energy & Utilities (14%), and Telco & Media (10%). The "AI Maturity Model" benchmarks firms' AI adoption, assessing Strategy, Data Technologies, Use Cases, Skills, Compliance, and Governance. Sector analysis shows Energy & Utilities leading in generative AI use, while GDO & Retail and Industry lag behind. The "AI Maturity Index" ranks Banking highest (57.1/100), with GDO & Retail lowest (19.2/100). Only 25.8% have integrated AI strategy as a priority, with 49% defining a roadmap. Organizational models vary, with 49% having dedicated AI teams led by CIO/CTO, 24% using "Hub & Spoke," and 14% in functional anarchy.

🏖 Ibis research shows 31% of people want to travel more than in 2024, with 22% willing to spend more for memorable vacations. Experiential travel is rising, with 58% valuing experiences over material goods. The "Go Get It: How Gen Z/Y Will Travel in 2025" report, a collaboration between Ibis and Globetrotter, indicates that travelers increasingly choose destinations for specific events or emotions. Arival's survey of 800 U.S. travelers, part of a larger study on 2,400 travelers in Europe and the U.S., reveals that 65% consider experiences significant in choosing a destination. Younger travelers (18-54) prioritize available experiences, food, and activities, with a growing interest in culinary and local experiences, thematic tours, wellness, festivals, and sports events.

📖 The Italian restaurant sector saw a 1.6% real-term growth in 2024, despite a slowdown compared to the pandemic years. Fipe reported a 1.1% year-on-year revenue volume increase in December and a 0.7% overall annual growth. Challenges in 2024 included a 3.2% average price increase, high operational costs, and a drop in sector confidence to 77.6 points in Q4 from 114.1 in 2023. Chains grew to 11% market share with €10 billion turnover. The emergence of artificial intelligence in the industry is noted for its potential to optimize operations.

☕ Global cold brew coffee consumption is rising, with the market valued at $3.16 billion in 2024 and forecasted to grow from $3.87 billion in 2025 to $16.22 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 22.71%. North America leads with a 35.76% market share in 2024, with millennials' support and a shift from high-preservative soft drinks. Western European countries like Belgium, Italy, France, and the UK see cold brew coffee as a niche, yet Germany stands as the main market. Cold brew coffee, dating back to late 1600s Japan, is made by slowly dripping cold water over ground coffee beans, taking at least 8 hours for a smoother, sweeter beverage with higher caffeine concentration.

🛫 Ryanair's CEO, Michael O’Leary, expressed interest in purchasing Comac's C919 aircraft if priced 10-20% cheaper than Airbus models. He commented on the potential alternative to B737s and dismissed ordering from Airbus before 2030 due to high prices. O’Leary emphasized the importance of cost and is open to different manufacturers if the price is right.

🚚 UPS has opened a new sorting center at Leonardo da Vinci airport. Fiumicino Airport doubled its cargo volume over ten years and now accounts for 20% of Italy's cargo movement. Cargo growth supports the economic sustainability of long-haul flights, even off-season, making previously summer-only routes available year-round. ENAC invested €34 billion in the cargo city. Drone delivery is already a reality, indicating a rapid development in the freight sector.

🎢 Francesco Paradisi, Ncl's Italian commercial manager, reveals the company's strategy focused on collaboration with traditional travel agencies, networks, and specialized tour operators. Starting May, a rich schedule of ship visits, including Viva class like Viva Napoli, Epic, and recently renovated Breakaway with a new cinema, is planned. Norwegian Sky, operating from Punta Cana with Caribbean itineraries, will be presented at Civitavecchia. Ncl will participate in the TTG fair in Rimini within Visit USA to strengthen their American and Caribbean identity. They emphasize product value over discounts, offering 'Free at Sea' packages for an all-inclusive experience and tailored promotional activities through comarketing. Their booking platform allows agencies to create comprehensive packages, catering to complex itineraries.

☕ Rhea introduced two innovative vending solutions at Vendex Midlands, an essential event for the vending industry in the UK. The rhFS1 features leaf tea preparation with unique induction heating technology, ensuring optimal infusion temperature and energy efficiency. Additionally, the rhFS2.milk offers a variety of drinks using fresh milk or plant-based alternatives, employing Varitherm induction technology for superior cup quality and energy savings compared to traditional machines with boilers. Both machines cater to premium and sustainable consumer experiences, aligning with British consumers' expectations of high-quality beverage experiences. Rhea's CEO Andrea Pozzolini and Rheavendors UK's Managing Director Steve Rossington highlighted the commitment to combining tradition and technology to enhance break times.