The world of hospitality is rapidly evolving, with emerging technologies and changing consumer behaviors shaping the industry. Milan will serve as the global meeting point for these innovations at Host 2025, the leading trade show for hospitality professionals, foodservice experts, and food retail innovators. The event will be held at Fiera Milano, featuring 1,700 exhibitors from 54 countries, offering a comprehensive view of the latest industry trends.
Emerging hospitality trends
As hospitality experiences continue to evolve, smart automation, AI-driven menus, and a growing focus on sustainability are reshaping expectations. Consumers today demand immersive, multisensory experiences, and businesses are leveraging advanced technologies alongside functional design to meet this demand. These innovations are, in turn, driving substantial market growth across the sector. According to ExportPlanning data, global production in 2024 will reach €189.9 billion, with professional foodservice equipment posting a 8.6 percent year-on-year increase.
Within this expanding market, Italy continues to play a dominant role in global exports. The country holds a 29.8 percent share in coffee and vending machines. Additionally, Italy ranks as co-leader in bakery and pastry machines with a 28.8 percent share. This strong export performance further underscores Italy’s global influence in the hospitality sector.
A global hub for hospitality innovation
Host 2025 will take place from 17-21 October 2025 at Fiera Milano, serving as the epicenter of hospitality innovation. The event will feature over 1,700 exhibitors, including top global brands and promising SMEs, providing a unique platform for professionals. These exhibitors will represent 54 countries, with significant participation from Germany, Spain, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, exhibitors from South America and Southeast Asia will join, reflecting the event’s growing international appeal.
Furthermore, Host 2025 will connect exhibitors with over 700 hosted buyers from approximately 75 countries. This creates significant networking opportunities, particularly for distributors, restaurant owners, and hospitality consultants. This strong international presence highlights the event’s global importance and commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration within the hospitality industry.
Spotlight on artisan baking
A key focus at Host 2025 will be artisan baking, with the MIPPP (Milano Bakery Pizza Pasta) zone taking center stage. As consumers seek health-conscious, handcrafted baked goods, the market is seeing increased demand for innovative solutions in the baking sector. Technology providers are responding with energy-efficient, digitally advanced, and quality-controlled equipment to meet these growing needs. According to a Grand View Research report, the global bakery equipment market is valued at approximately USD 14 billion, with an expected 6.7 percent annual growth rate through 2030.
In particular, the demand for equipment related to pizza base production is rising, driven by consumers’ preference for gourmet pizzas. These include a growing interest in organic and gluten-free varieties, which has prompted increased innovation in production processes. At Host 2025, the MIPPP zone will be expanded in collaboration with the SIPAN Consortium, showcasing Italy’s top bakery equipment manufacturers. The event will also feature Bakery Square, a dedicated space for workshops, training, and competitions.
The coffee and bar experience
The coffee and bar industries are experiencing significant changes, as consumers increasingly demand personalized, specialty drinks in settings that provide a multisensory experience. This trend reflects broader changes in the out-of-home consumption sector, with coffee shops seeking new ways to attract discerning customers. Innovations like nitro coffee and unique iced coffee recipes are becoming mainstream, reflecting the industry’s shift towards novelty and personalization.
Combining at-home and out-of-home consumption, the global coffee market was valued at USD 461.30 billion in 2024, and this figure is expected to exceed USD 500 billion by 2028. As the demand for premium coffee continues to rise, Host 2025 will feature the SIC (International Coffee Exhibition), which brings together the entire coffee supply chain. Notably, the event will host the prestigious World Barista Championship, where top baristas will compete on a global stage.
Innovation across all hospitality sectors
In keeping with Host Milano’s reputation for showcasing industry-leading innovations, Host 2025 will cover every sector of the hospitality industry. From gelato to pastry, the event will spotlight the latest developments in machinery, ingredients, and accessories. Additionally, the Furnishings-Technology and Tableware zones will emphasize the growing importance of design in hospitality, attracting executives from contract design, food retail, and hospitality sectors. This focus on design highlights the evolving role of aesthetics in the customer experience.
The Smart Label – Host Innovation Award will also be a key highlight, recognizing outstanding innovations across the hospitality sector. In partnership with POLI.design and ADI (the Association for Industrial Design), this award has become a sought-after accolade. Now in its seventh edition, the award has attracted over 950 applications, underscoring the event’s role as a leader in identifying emerging trends.
Show-cooking, competitions, and more
The visitor experience at Host 2025 will be further enriched by an exciting lineup of show-cooking sessions. Both Michelin-starred chefs and emerging culinary talents will demonstrate their skills, offering valuable insights to attendees. Additionally, pizza-making workshops with master chefs will provide engaging, hands-on experiences for visitors. Industry experts will also participate in discussions, offering in-depth knowledge on the latest trends shaping the sector.
Host Arabia: Expanding global reach
In addition to the flagship event in Milan, Host Milano is expanding its international reach with Host Arabia. The event will take place from 15-17 December 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Positioned as a strategic hub for hospitality professionals, Host Arabia will provide networking and innovation opportunities, reinforcing Host Milano’s global presence. This new initiative highlights the growing importance of the Middle East as a key market for hospitality innovation.
The global hospitality community will come together from 17-21 October 2025 at Fiera Milano, Rho district for Host 2025.
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About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
