MIA 2006 - The Food Service Sector in Italy is Growing

The fair “Mia” took place for the 36th time from Feb. 05 to Feb 08 in Rimini/Italy.

80,239 visitors were counted, which means an increase of 1.6 % compared with 2005. 2,725 visitors came from foreign countries. On 34,000 square metres, 800 companies were present in the following categories: Sandwiches and Snacks, Frozen Food, Bio-Catering, Specialities from the Regions and Catering. Among other things, a competition for making an “Organic Five Star Pizza” took place, which was won by a competitor from Florence. In keeping with tradition, a special place was given to products and companies which operate in the organic market.

One reason for this is the growing number of organic cafeterias in schools. In 2005, there were 647 cafeterias with organic products, an increase of 7 % compared with 2004 - ten years ago, there were only 70. In Italy about one million meals with organic ingredients are served each day. Most cafeterias with organic products can be found in the Region Emilia Romagna (133), followed by the Region Lombardia (105), Tuscany (99), Veneto (71) and Friuli Venezia Giulia (67). 70 % of the cafeterias are located in these five regions. These numbers show the spread of organics in the Italian food service sector. A course was held at the fair: “Bio catering between certainty and contradictions: opportunities and problems for the operators”. The event was organized in cooperation with CCPB (Syndicate for Control of Organic Products).

The next “Mia” will take place from Feb. 10 to Feb 13, 2007.

http://www.miafiera.it