A vibrant community gathers in Turin to honour the past and shape the future of Food & Beverage
Students, alumni, faculty and industry leaders came together for a milestone event that combined reflection, forward-thinking dialogue and genuine moments of connection.
On 9 May 2026, ESCP Business School Turin celebrated the 10th anniversary of its MSc in International Food & Beverage Management (IFBM). Rooted in innovation and community, the celebration highlighted the programme’s impact over the past decade and its ambitions for the future.
From the very beginning of the day, a strong sense of belonging defined the atmosphere. Francesco Venuti and Regina Brix, Academic Directors of the programme, guided the event and opened the celebration by expressing their joy at seeing the IFBM community reunited in Turin.
They emphasised that beyond academic achievements, the programme’s true strength lies in the people who have shaped it over the years.
Opening perspectives: celebrating and looking forward
The day, moderated by Francesco Venuti and Regina Brix, opened with institutional addresses by Alberta Di Giuli, Francesco Rattalino, and Michela Favaro, alongside a video message from Philippe Zarlowski. These contributions set the tone for a celebration that was equally focused on reflecting on past achievements and anticipating future challenges.
As Dean of ESCP Business School Turin, Alberta Di Giuli highlighted the human dimension at the heart of the programme and its community: “This anniversary is first and foremost a moment of gratitude towards the people who made it possible: students, alumni, faculty and partners. Over the years, we have shown that diversity — of nationalities, experiences and perspectives — is not just a value, but the very core of an education that prepares future leaders.”
Her remarks underscored a central idea that resonated throughout the day: the IFBM is not simply a programme, but a living and evolving community.
Building on this perspective, Francesco Rattalino reflected on how this collective dimension has driven the programme’s development over time: “The MSc in International Food & Beverage Management was created with the ambition of anticipating the needs of a transforming sector, and over the past ten years, it has fulfilled that promise. Building a strong community — of students, alumni and companies — has been the true driving force behind this journey, turning education into a source of collective impact on the sector."
“Food & Beverage in 2036”: a sector in transformation
The core of the celebration was the roundtable “Food & Beverage in 2036: Shaping the Next 10 Years of Taste”, which brought together leading figures from across the industry.
The roundtable brought together distinguished speakers — Alessandra Bianco (Lavazza Group), Carlo Alberto Danna (Morsy), Simona Fiorentini (Fiorentini), Antonio Patella (Private Chef) and Massimo Pozzetti (Pastiglie Leone) — whose diverse perspectives and expertise shaped a rich, forward-looking discussion on the future of the sector.
The conversation explored how evolving consumer behaviours, from increasingly flexible eating habits to the growing importance of experiential dining, are reshaping the sector. At the same time, technology, sustainability and innovation are playing an increasingly central role in responding to more conscious and demanding consumers.
In this context, Regina Brix highlighted the broader implications for education: “Forming professionals in Food & Beverage means preparing them for a sector that never stops surprising — from the evolution of consumption habits to new technologies, from sustainability challenges to the renewed experiential value of food. Over the past ten years, we have learned that the most meaningful education is one that places students at the centre of these transformations, equipping them to actively shape the future of the industry.”
A programme that evolves with its industry
Since its launch in 2016–2017, the IFBM has grown into a globally recognised programme, welcoming more than 410 students from 46 nationalities. This diversity is reflected not only in the classroom but also in the wide range of careers pursued by its graduates across the Food & Beverage ecosystem.
The programme’s strength lies in its ability to combine academic excellence with practical experience, ensuring that students engage directly with the realities of the sector through projects, company interactions and internships.
As Francesco Venuti explained: “Ten years represent an important milestone, but above all an opportunity to reflect on a journey built together with students, alumni and partners. The Food & Beverage world is complex and fascinating, and accompanying our students towards key roles in this transforming sector remains our guiding mission.”
Beyond the conference: strengthening a global network
While the roundtable offered a moment of intellectual exchange, the celebration unfolded just as meaningfully through informal and shared experiences.
The networking lunch created a natural space for conversations between alumni, students and partners, allowing ideas and memories to intersect. This was followed by a dedicated team-building workshop for alumni, designed to reinforce the bonds that have developed over the years within this international community.
The day concluded with a gala dinner at Esperia, where the formal programme gave way to a more convivial atmosphere. It was a fitting end to a celebration that was as much about relationships as it was about achievements.
The anniversary also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the individuals who have played a key role in the programme’s success. Alongside the academic leadership of Francesco Venuti and Regina Brix, special recognition was given to Gloria Bernardi in Turin and Gwendoline Yano in Paris, whose dedication ensures the programme’s continued excellence.
The 10th anniversary of the IFBM Master was a celebration of a programme that has grown through people, ideas and shared experiences. As ESCP looks ahead, this strong and engaged community will remain its greatest asset in shaping the future of Food & Beverage.
