ITALY 6th April 2011

SCAE members have been exclusively invited to visit two of the top coffee equipment manufacturers in Italy, Buhler-Petroncini and La Spaziale, at their factories in the Bologna area in October, tour organiser Colin Smith reports.

The trip, which is to run October 17 - 21, includes visits to the production plants of  roasting machine manufacturer Buhler-Petroncini and espresso machine maker La Spaziale, also includes a workshop session that will highlight the technology behind the functioning of modern roasting and espresso machines.

The tour concludes with a visit to the Host show in Milan, which includes the bi-annual SIC coffee exhibition.

The programme for the tour is as follows:

• Monday October 17 - Arrive in Bologna, meet at hotel (to be arranged)
  
• Tuesday October 18 - Collected by La Spaziale for a day at the factory, including lunch provided by La Spaziale
  - Evening meal at hotel, sponsored by Buhler-Petroncini
  
• Wednesday October 19 - Collected by Buhler- Petroncini for a day at the factory. Meals provided by Buhler- Petroncini
  
• Thursday October 20 - Morning - free time to visit Bologna
   - Afternoon - bus transfer to Milan sponsored by Buhler-Petroncini. Hotel in Milan (to be arranged)
  
• Friday October 21 - bus transfer to Host/SIC exhibition and entry to the exhibition, organised by Buhler-Petroncini
  Depart Milan at your leisure

The regular trip concludes in Milan on Friday, but should you wish to leave from Bologna (and not go to Milan), please indicate that when you book the trip.

Participants will pay their own fare to Bologna and return from Milan. La Spaziale will arrange transfers from Bologna airport to the hotel at a specific time (depending on arrival times).

The cost of the trip will be €500, to cover hotel costs, and this amount is payable in advance to the SCAE. Those on the trip will also need to pay for two meals during the four days, and any extra charges in addition to the room costs at the hotels.

If you are interested in the tour, sponsored by La Spaziale and Buhler-Petroncini, please contact the SCAE Secretariat at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (or +44 (0) 12454 26060) and leave your name, telephone number and email address. We will ask for a deposit when we have a viable number of interested applicants.

The tour will be limited to 20 participants, so it will be operated on a ‘first come first served’ basis. That means that if you are interested in this unique opportunity for an inside look at two of the most important companies in the sector, make sure to contact the Secretariat as soon as possible.