Milan gets set to host world business

Milan is set to host an international coffee community mixing business and culture when Host 2013 takes place from 18 – 22 October in Italy. Host 2013 will run specifically designed events to entertain more than 1600 exhibitors from 50 countries over the five-day international exhibition of the hospitality industry at Fiera Milano, Rho. Host 2013 will be looking to impress after Host 2011 achieved the world record of espressos served in one hour – 623 cups complete with saucer and teaspoon, certified by the standards of the Guinness Book of Records. Figures from the the Italian Federation of Public Establishments highlight why Milan is the perfect place to host this leading trade fair for Ho.Re.Ca and Retail world: Italians drink as many as 7 billion cups of coffee a year in coffee bars, which on average adds up to 171 cups a day for every bar in Italy, according to November 2011 figures. Host 2013 will also operate a busy schedule of training and information opportunities on coffee research, quality control and professional training. Host 2013 has received more than 250 new entries to date and 1500 registered buyers from markets including the Middle East, North and South America, Russia, Asia and Europe, making Host 2013 a not-to-be-missed global business platform. The event will attract key players operating in the green bean and sustainable sector, production process, machinery and fridge products. These select groups will have the opportunity to meet coffee roasters, blenders, tasters producers, importers, grinder manufacturers and many more. According to MarkUp figures, approximately 266,000 tonnes of coffee are consumed in Italy each year. Approximately half of which is consumed away from home, 38 per cent through the Ho.Re.Ca channel and 10 per cent through vending. The single-dose sector (pods and capsules) currently accounts for only 6 per cent, but is experiencing double-digit growth rates, up by as much as 65 per cent. For more information visit www.host.fieramilano.it