Host and NAFEM Partner to Bring Host America to the United States

The world's leading hospitality trade show expands through a strategic partnership with The NAFEM Show

Milan, 27 July 2026 – HostMilano, the world's leading exhibition for hospitality, foodservice and food retail, continues to strengthen its international presence through strategic partnerships with leading industry organisations. Following the successful debut of Host Arabia in the Gulf region, Fiera Milano is now bringing the Host brand to North America through a partnership with NAFEM (North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers), one of the industry's most influential associations.

The collaboration gives rise to Host America, a new platform designed to connect international companies with the world's largest professional hospitality market. The event will take place in Orlando, Florida, from 11 to 13 February 2027 during The NAFEM Show, North America's premier exhibition for foodservice equipment. Combining the international strength of the Host brand with NAFEM's deep roots in the U.S. market will create new business opportunities and provide exhibitors with direct access to highly qualified buyers and industry professionals.

The United States: The World's Most Dynamic Market

According to exclusive ExportPlanning analyses conducted for the Host Milano Observatory, U.S. imports across Host's core sectors increased from €22.5 billion in 2019 to €24.8 billion in 2025 and are forecast to approach €27 billion by 2029. Growth is being driven primarily by demand for professional equipment for gelato, coffee and bakery applications.

Italy now ranks as the United States' seventh-largest global supplier and the largest supplier within the European Union. Italian exports to the U.S. increased from €395 million in 2019 to €689 million in 2025, representing a CAGR of 9.7%. Italy accounts for 28% of U.S. import demand in bakery and pastry equipment, while exports of gelato equipment and refrigeration technologies quadrupled from €71 million to €286 million during the same period.

Host America: Showcasing the Industries Driving Growth

Host America will spotlight the sectors where Made in Italy represents the highest standards of technological excellence and innovation:

• Coffee equipment and vending technologies
• Gelato equipment and refrigeration
• Furniture, tableware and hospitality design
• Bakery and pastry equipment

These four sectors represent key pillars of the professional hospitality industry and continue to benefit from sustained structural growth across the U.S. market.

With Host Arabia and Host America, Fiera Milano has launched a strategic international expansion of the Host brand into the world's highest-potential markets. Together, Milan, Riyadh and Orlando create a complementary international network that leverages opportunities in each regional market while further strengthening HostMilano's position as the world's leading trade show for professional hospitality, foodservice and food retail.

Host America will take place in Orlando, Florida, from 11 to 13 February 2027, while the 44th edition of HostMilano will be held at Fiera Milano from 22 to 26 October 2027.