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MILAN – Host2025, organised by Fiera Milano, was presented yesterday (Tuesday 17 June) at the Milan Triennial, with an event showcasing the key themes and strategic partnerships that will characterise one of the most eagerly awaited events in the HORECA sector, taking place from 17 to 21 October at Rho Fiera. From intelligent automation to AI-guided menus, and with sustainability influencing choices and consumption, the hospitality and away-from-home sectors are undergoing an unprecedented evolution.
To provide customers with increasingly multi-sensory and immersive experiences, cutting-edge technologies are merging with design and functionality to create high-tech yet welcoming solutions.
Participating in the presentation were Maurizio Forte, central director for the export sector at Ice Agency; Roberto Foresti, deputy general manager of Fiera Milano; Alessandro Fontana, director of the Confindustria Studies Centre; Francesca Cavallo, head of hospitality exhibitions at Fiera Milano; and Monica Fabris, scientific director of CSA Research.
During the presentation, Roberto Foresti stated: “This is a turning point. HostMilano confirms itself as a real platform filled with content that explores trends and changes in the hospitality industry.
What sets the event apart on a global level is the production of contents guided by the common theme of sustainability. We welcome companies that are spearheading the green revolution. In October, we will be hosting more than 2,000 manufacturers, 40% of whom are from abroad, and they will find various development opportunities at the event. We want this platform to represent the Italian hospitality sector in all its aspects.”
Francesca Cavallo said: “Our aim is to be a platform for networking opportunities and market trends. We are alongside companies from 54 countries and the percentage of nationalities is over 40%. We will make the most of our logistical setup by trying to create synergy between all the macro-areas. There will be talk areas, championships, and the Smart Label Innovation Award. ‘Connection’ and ‘experience’ will be the keywords at Host. Furthermore, we mustn’t forget this year’s real novelty: the HostArabia project, which was created with the aim of promoting the hospitality sector overseas. The main objective is to predict and anticipate trends in the sector.
Five months before the ribbon-cutting ceremony on 17 October, more than 1,700 exhibitors had already registered, ranging from major companies to SMEs of excellence. The most active countries include Italy, Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, the United States and the United Kingdom, among others. There are also many new entries from South America and South-East Asia.
The main target sectors include: distributors, retailers, exporters/importers; catering, food service and out-of-home; retail and large-scale retail trade; hospitality activities; shopping centres and locations; chefs, professionals and consultants coming from the Americas (35%), Middle East and Africa (28%), Asia and Oceania (14%), as well as Europe and CIS countries (24%).
Coffee takes centre stage at Host2025 with SIC, the International Coffee Exhibition, which brings together the Bar–Coffee Machines–Vending and Coffee–Tea sectors
This year, connections between sectors will be enhanced by a more fluid exhibition layout that makes it easier to explore the entire supply chain. SIC will be housed in Pavilions 8–12 and 16–20, strategically located in the heart of the exhibition centre. These double-level pavilions offer shorter, more intuitive visitor routes, while the skybridge linking Pavilions 12 and 16 on the upper floor ensures continuous foot traffic throughout the entire space.
An additional area in Pavilion 18 (opposite Pavilion 20) will encourage crossover with the Gelato and Pastry sectors — another key highlight of this edition. At Host 2025, the world of gelato and pastry will be on full display with a complete range of machinery, equipment, ingredients, and solutions for industry professionals. From artisanal production technologies to cutting-edge service concepts, this macro-area is the go-to place to discover everything needed to grow your business.
The prestigious World Barista Championship returns to Milan
For both industry professionals and coffee lovers alike, another big reason to attend Host2025 and SIC is the highly anticipated return of the World Barista Championship — the most prestigious coffee competition in the world.
Focusing on promoting excellence in coffee and professional growth among baristas, the WBC gives coffee professionals a stage to showcase their skills in preparing espresso-based drinks, milk creations, and original signature beverages. This is a highly competitive event that brings together top baristas from over 50 national delegations, competing with passion, skill, and artistry for the coveted title. The Host 2025 edition marks the grand finale of a year-long journey that spans many of the world’s coffee capitals.
Talks Beyond the Cup
Among the new events taking place this year at Host2025 is ‘Host Talks – Beyond the Cup’, organised in collaboration with M25 Consulting. This event is an exploratory journey into the future of espresso, approaching it not just as a commodity or a drink, but also as a cultural and innovative phenomenon.
