Gelato everywhere, in the name of hybridisation

Gelato everywhere, in the name of hybridisation

In formats, fittings and equipment, there is a less clear distinction between gelato, pastry, coffee, bakery, foodservice and bars – all sectors featured at HostMilano

The distinction between gelato, pastry, bakery, coffee and foodservice is becoming more blurred, thanks to the appearance of hybrid formats.

Increasing numbers of professionals are ‘hopping’ between once rigidly-defined sectors, with exclusive, dedicated formats. Gelato makers experimenting with bread-making and other leavened items, star-rated chefs opening gelaterias and pastry shops, with good-quality coffee thrown in for good measure.

A trend made even more evident by the opening of new establishments that bring together under one roof foodservice, a pastry shop and a bar/café offering mixology (such as Paolo Griffa’s Caffè Nazionale in Aosta) and machines that change function and temperature to suit the season and production requirements, as they shift effortlessly from gelato to pastry. We have also seen (at ‘142 Restaurant’ in Milan) croissant and snack showcases that turn opaque after dinner and turn into furnishing elements.

Flexibility will become increasingly important if establishments are to adapt to thevarious occasions for consumption during the day and the different needs of customer segments: sustainability and snacks outside traditional mealtimes for GenZ-ers, certified and niche products for Millennials, offers of premium and traditional items for the over-55s.

These are all needs that new-millennium gelato can respond to. In various channels, including the very latest: food delivery, which has seen a constant growth in chilled desserts over the years, thanks among other things to the pandemic and climate change. In the last year alone it has risen by +41% (data: JustEta/BVA Doxa).

“For quite a few years now, when it starts to get colder (in October, and through to March) we have introduced chocolate and biscuits,” says Curzio Baraggi, owner of Gelateria Prossima Fermata in Milan, “but we have also noticed that even during the winter months people are now more likely to enjoy ice cream and popsicles in front of the TV.”

The hybrid approach is one that HostMilano, whose unique display concept brings together vertical specialisation with production line affinities in the macro areas of Professional Foodservice, Bakery-Pizza-Pasta; Coffee-Tea-Bars, Coffee Machines and Vending, Gelato-Pastry and furnishings, Technology and Tableware, has always embraced. “The strength of HostMilano,” says Baraggi, looking forward to the 2023 edition, which will be held at fieramilano Rho from 13 to 17 October, “is the way it brings together the different branches of foodservice, pastry and gelato and offers an opportunity to get to know new people, learn about new equipment and gain insights into the new gelato products we can then introduce the following year.”

Related Articles

Typical Sicilian pastry. Cassate, cassatine, cannoli.

Active in the market since 1997, “Mylae Dulcis” prides itself on the many years of experience of its owner, a connoisseur of the generous flavors of Sicily and its wonderful archipelagos, and its highly qualified staff.   With a keen eye for tradition and the artisanal care of Sicilian pastry, but never without a touch...

IEG is taking Made in Italy artisan gelato to China

With 100 flagship brands of Made in Italy production excellence, representing the elite of Italian dolce foodservice art and association stakeholders, and an expected 20,000 visitors, the first edition of SIGEP CHINA, held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre, starts tomorrow, 10th May 2023 (ongoing for three days). The opening ceremony will also...

"Everyone is looking forward to HostMilano, on a 2023 market full of excitement"

The event was in Dubai, for the week dedicated to Food&Beverage. Thus, the final rush towards HostMilano, the world’s leading platform for professional hospitality and out-of-home technologies, accessories and services that will take place at fieramilano from 13 to 17 October 2023 kicked off at the Emirates Tower in front of the press and the...