After attending my third Host Milan show, as both an exhibitor and a visitor, I found myself asking “What do I know about this fantastic show?” … So, this is what I found out… If you’re interested…
For more than half a century, Host Milano has stood at the forefront of the global hospitality and food-service industry, a celebration of innovation, craftsmanship and design excellence that defines the way the world eats, drinks and entertains. As a company dedicated to creating outstanding hospitality environments, Grey Simmonds Ltd is proud to recognise the enduring legacy of this landmark exhibition and its profound influence on our industry.
Origins: The Birth of a Global Platform
The story of Host Milano began in 1960, when Fiera Milano launched a specialised trade fair dedicated to the emerging professional catering and hospitality market. At the time, Italy was experiencing an economic boom, and the show was conceived to showcase the country’s growing expertise in kitchen technology, coffee equipment and tableware design.
From those early days, the exhibition quickly became a vital meeting place for restaurateurs, hotel operators, designers, and manufacturers, a hub where innovation met tradition and where the Italian flair for hospitality found an international audience.
Growth and Evolution
Over the decades, Host Milano has evolved from a national fair into the world’s leading hospitality and Ho.Re.Ca. exhibition, held every two years at the state-of-the-art Fiera Milano exhibition centre in Rho.
Today, the event attracts over 200,000 professional visitors and more than 2,000 exhibitors from around the globe, representing sectors as diverse as professional catering, bakery, pizza, coffee, gelato, furnishings, and contract design.
As the hospitality landscape has transformed, so too has Host Milano. It has become not only a showcase for equipment and products, but a platform for ideas, research, and cultural exchange; exploring trends such as sustainability, digitalisation, and experience-driven design. The introduction of the Smart Label; Host Innovation Award further reinforces its role as a global incubator of creativity and technological advancement.
A Celebration of Italian Heritage
At its heart, Host Milano remains deeply connected to Italy’s unique cultural and design heritage. The exhibition embodies the values that have long defined Italian hospitality; craftsmanship, quality, and passion. From the artistry of handmade coffee machines to the timeless elegance of Italian tableware and furniture, the event serves as a living showcase of “Made in Italy” excellence.
This spirit of innovation balanced with tradition has inspired countless professionals and brands worldwide, shaping global hospitality standards while maintaining a distinctive Italian identity.
A Source of Inspiration for the Global Hospitality Community
For companies like Grey Simmonds Ltd, Host Milano offers more than just an exhibition, it’s an invaluable source of inspiration and connection. Each edition reveals the latest advances in kitchen design, energy efficiency, materials, and technology, all of which inform our own work in creating bespoke interiors for bars, restaurants and hotels across the UK.
The show’s ability to unite every facet of the industry from equipment manufacturers to interior designers and food artisans mirrors our own approach to integrated hospitality solutions. It’s a place where creativity, functionality, and customer experience come together in perfect balance.
Looking to the Future
With a legacy spanning over 60 years, Host Milano remains more than an event, it’s a place to meet peers and understand the latest innovations. At Grey Simmonds Ltd, we celebrate its history, share in its values, and look forward to continuing to draw inspiration from this iconic exhibition as we help shape the next generation of hospitality spaces.