A letter from Host Milano 2019

November 19, 2019David Scott


A letter from Host Milano 2019

Letter from Milano.

An infographic showing some statistics at Host 2019

Grant and I are just back from HOST Milano 2019, the largest international expo for the professional hospitality industry. HOST showcases the latest equipment, trends and innovations in three macro areas: Bakery, Pizza and Pasta, Gelato and Pastry and, importantly for BrewHub, Coffee and Tea.

The impact of HOST upon the coffee consumption market is immense with exhibitors presenting sophisticated, high production value displays – at an unprecedented level and cost.

It was a complete sensory overload! It took us a few days – with the help of some excellent maps – to master the huge scale and layout of the event.

Three trends stood out at HOST this year:
  • Cold Brew’ really is the fastest growing beverage trend!
  • The Internet of Things (‘IoT’) is clearly on the minds of all the manufacturers and reflected in their investment! Not sure where this trend will take us but it’s going to be very interesting.
  • The environment and consequently recycling and energy efficiency continue to dominate.

There were some great machines from the world’s leading manufacturers including some impressive smaller models. It’s good to see so much new competition in the market – because it will only drive innovation further.

One end of the Scanomat stand at Host 2019 featuring TopWater

Our coffee superstar friends Scanomat delivered a beautiful Nordic themed display. I’m not biased (!) but it was hands down the most impressive coffee exhibit, showcasing not only TopBrewer but also TopWater and TopJuicer. In a rapidly developing market, the TopBrewer remains the most revolutionary coffee machine available, both in performance and design. The beautiful swan neck stretches way ahead of the competition. The Scanomat team remain focused on delivering a barista quality experience – the ‘tap’ performance has been tweaked – with the upgrades producing a superior creamier, smoother foam that spirals!

A top view of Scanomat's stand at Host 2019 with people talking around TopBrewers

Many of the coffee machine manufacturers are playing catch up in their efforts to respond to the incredible growth in global demand for Cold Brew. What this tells us is that customers largely prefer a smoother, less acidic coffee taste but as more and more operators offer a cold brew, consumers expectations will only be raised.

Scanomat is leading the response, with great tasting nitro and cold brew, including cold latte, with just water and pressure. Their cold brew is made from freshly grounded coffee, in the form of an espresso which is then put through a cooling cycle before being delivered at the temperature of 1 degree Celsius. By contrast most other manufacturers are producing ambient coffee and simply adding cold milk and ice to it.

A TopBrewer making a Nitro Coffee at the Scanomat stand Host 2019

What is really exciting about Scanomat’s Cold Brew is that it is coming out of the TopBrewer tap already cold. No other company has delivered this coffee experience – my vanilla cold latte was delicious!

I left HOST Milano 2019 energised by the current climate of coffee delivery and the significant commitment to development and innovation. Smart technology solutions are responding, appropriately, to our customers’ business needs and enhancing workplace experiences – with the TopBrewer innovations standing out in a very dynamic industry.

Ciao, David.


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