The success of the return to in-person TUTTOFOOD 2021 is also due to a schedule of events where, among others, Retail Plaza stood out. A unique format, created by Business International, brought to the fore the lively voices of the sector's protagonists through contributions, talk shows and presentations of success stories. These identified trends and offered practical solutions to help companies respond proactively to consumer and market developments. A further added value also for exhibitors, thanks to the numerous and qualified presence of buyers at the event, who made themselves available at Retail Plaza to discuss issues rarely addressed in other venues.

This year Retail Plaza benefited from the collaboration of Retail Institute Italy, the sector’s association in Italy, as well as partnerships with the academic world - such as the IULM and LIUC Castellanza universities - and with leading specialist research institutes such as IRI and NielsenIQ, and the consultancy firms PwC and Eumetra. Media partnerships with the leading sector publications such as Largo Consumo, MarkUP, Gdoweek and Distribuzione Moderna are also meaningful.

The most topical issues of the moment were explored and debated at the highest levels thanks to the participation of the top executives of leading large-scale retail and delivery brands: Basko-Gruppo Sogegross, Bennet, Conad, COOP Italia, Coralis, CRAI Secom, Decò Italia, Deliveroo Italy, Gruppo Végé, Glovo Italia, LIDL Italia MD, Pam Panorama, Penny Market Italia, Selex Gruppo Commerciale. Some of the most innovative start-ups and companies were also involved, such as Acquainbrick, Appetite for Disruption, Macha Poke House, Qualitando and Quomi.

Many hot topics were discussed. For example, we talked about how the sector will evolve in light of new social and demographic balances, greater flexibility in the working world, and the consequences of the pandemic, the prospects for the development of discount stores in Italy and how these formats will adapt to the economic situation, or what the future holds for home food delivery services now that new habits are being established, exploring what end customers expect from delivery platforms and what impact the so-called quick commerce will have on the sector.

The new priorities of consumers are shifting from health to the need to put “health” in the trolley. Wellness is no longer enough; the objective is lifestyle. This was discussed by an all-female panel, with a focus on inclusion, while sustainability was confirmed as a transversal theme that ran throughout the debate.

Further details on the topics covered and the speakers are available on the TUTTOFOOD website at https://www.tuttofood.it/en/eventi/eventi/retail-plaza0.html.