Upcoming Trade Shows in Italy for Restaurants

The restaurant industry in Italy makes bold moves to address challenges pertaining to food supply and sustainability. The Circle, a pioneering aquaponic agricultural company in Europe, has secured a significant funding boost of €2.1 million from Opes Italia and Sparviero Holding, which opens a whole new chapter for Italy's restaurant industry. This funding injection follows a previous financing round of €1.5 million from Invitalia. The capital infusion will fuel the construction of two state-of-the-art aquaponic salad and herb production facilities, strategically located in Rome and Milan. These cutting-edge facilities are poised to meet the growing demand for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, funding will support the expansion of production capabilities dedicated to processed products, which cater to the diverse needs of Italy's discerning restaurateurs. A groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by The Circle is the establishment of Italy’s first biomimetic transformation implant, slated for the production of aquaponic-origin pesto, oils, and flavored salts. Located in Abruzzo, this innovative facility represents a paradigm shift in food production by harnessing biomimicry principles to minimize environmental impact while maximizing resource efficiency. Elena Casolari, Partner and CEO of Opes Italia, expressed confidence in The Circle’s bold vision. “We are proud to contribute to The Circle's mission of bringing sustainable food to Italian tables and, soon, to European ones,” remarked Casolari. Founded in 2017 by a team of entrepreneurs, including biotechnologists Valerio Ciotola, Simone Cofini, Lorenzo Garreffa, and marketer Thomas Marino, The Circle has rapidly emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable agriculture. With a focus on reducing water and soil waste through soilless cultivation and fish farming, The Circle has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to food production. The company’s journey has garnered support from over 200 restaurants across Italy, including establishments such as Il Pagliaccio, Acquolina, Bulgari, and Roscioli.