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OCT. NOV. 2020 III August further boosted the catering industry, increasing the number of bookings. As in Italy, bookings have also seen a drop in other European countries as they approach the autumn period and in particular the second weekend in October. Looking at non-European countries, on the other hand, Australia, after an initial moment of growth, recorded negative signs due to the restrictions imposed in some regions, while bookings have been increasing from week to week since mid-August and throughout the month of September. Against the trend is Singapore, which has recorded ever-positive numbers throughout the post-reopening period. Also, on 10 October it was +20% compared to 2019 with a loss of 24% on the previous week. AT PAGE 8 IQ MEMBERS Tuscany With 22,538 businesses, equal to 6.7% of the national total (Fipe data, 2019), it is the fifth region by number of companies involved in catering in Italy. A position that well demonstrates how the area represents a very lively catchment area full of opportunities for CIC members who operate there. And in these pages they tell us how they are gearing up to meet the needs of operators in view of the expected restart in the coming months. by Manuela Falchero Elba Drinks Range The core business of the activity is represented by the beverage which counts on a vast assortment of mineral waters (including the famous Fonte Napoleone dell’Elba), wines, beers, soft drinks, juices, aperitifs, spirits. These products are complemented by a wide selection aimed at the catering industry. The choice ranges from international ranges and typical local proposals, passing through exclusive products of the Island and EB brand, in addition to the CIC range. Strong points Among the strings in the bow of the company, there is the delivery throughout the island of Elba. Even in high season, the same-day service is guaranteed thanks to a vast fleet of vehicles that allows to supply not only commercial activities and private residences, but also yachts anchored in all the ports of the island. It is also worth mentioning the expertise acquired in the installation and maintenance of draught beer delivery systems. Strategies and innovations for the recovery A significant expansion of the range is expected, which will lead to an increase in the number of products in the portfolio. In this process, particular attention will be paid to the wine department, which will be enriched with labels and varieties able to wink at high-end catering. Finally, one of the projects in the drawer is the creation of a tasting room, destined to host tasting sessions of the products offered and training courses. GF1 Range In the 2,000 square metres of cash & carry in Avenza - Carrara (MS) and in the 1,000 square metres of Levanto (SP), GF1 offers a wide range of food and non-food products. In particular, the food sector ranges from pasta to canned goods, from flours to delicatessen, from dairy products to fresh and frozen products, as well as beverages, where a vast assortment of liqueurs, wines and soft drinks is available. As far as fresh fish is concerned, the fish department offers high quality fish caught or reared every day, while the meat department offers cuts from Tuscany (Chianina and Maremma breeds), Italian (such as the Piedmontese breed) and European (in particular, from France, Poland and Ireland). A lot of attention is also paid to local artisan products from farms on the Apuo-Versilian coast. Strong points GF1 by brothers Silvestro and Stefano Panconi, born in 1991 first with the Cash 1 warehouse in Avenza (initially located in Marina di Carrara) and then enlarged in 1996 with the Cash 2 warehouse in Levanto, has guaranteed for almost 30 years a complete and targeted assistance service thanks to a team of collaborators and local agents operating in a geographical area between Tuscany and Liguria: Cash 1 deals with the areas of Massa Carrara, Lucca and Versilia, while Cash 2 deals with the Levante Ligure and the renowned Cinque Terre, where electric vehicles are also used to reach the numerous restricted traffic areas. Strategies and innovations for the recovery Faced with the health emergency, the owners have decided to make their experience available to families and individuals with a retail and home service that can be activated from the online shop, created and developed specifically. A reaction to the blockade of the Ho .re.ca sector that has made GF1 an important point of reference for citizens by providing them with the basic necessities indispensable in every home. With the reopening of commercial activities, the projects that had been postponed due to the pandemic have started up again: in fact, the company is already preparing, for next spring, for “Porte Aperte 2021”, a specialised trade fair event, hosted in the Avenza warehouse and dedicated every year to professionals in the sector. An event in which the most important brands participate, presenting products and novelties to the public. Markal Range The supply, characterized by a high degree of flexibility, is made up of a wide selection of traditional Tuscan products - but not only - which includes fresh and mature cheeses, milk and derivatives, cold cuts and