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JUN. JUL 2018 II mean that they have less chance of highlighting their talent. This is also the case in the catering sector. ‘It’s not a kitchen for women’, the article on page 17 suggests.... But something is changing in the kitchen: just think that today 4% of the ‘Star-rated’ restaurants are run by women with the Italian record of 45 out of 343. And if the sector is seen as feminine, what are the working and welfare conditions for the fairer sex in the light of the latest contractual innovations? (article on page 22). Something is certainly moving, but we are still far from the finish line. It is no coincidence that the ‘brain drain’ among the youngest is still ongoing, even in our sector: with the help of less red-tape to open premises abroad and a greater overall liveliness of the eating out sector. One of our customers, Ilario Rigolin, testifies to this and has found his fortune in Spain (article on page 28). And remaining on the foreign theme, even on the subject of payments to suppliers, beyond the border it seems that things are easier to manage. However, “belonging to a group like CIC makes the difference,” says Maurizio Di Benigno, President of International Gourmet Foods, in the article on page 36. This makes us realise that we are moving in the right direction! Enjoy your read By Lorenzo Morelli AT PAGE 12 Qi Partners Tailor-made solutions for Ho.Re.Ca. operators Tailor-made service, value for money, team professionalism and product variety. These are the strong points that have made Hielo a benchmark for food service in Salento. By Chiara Bandini The story began about thirty years ago, when a company named Eurogel, belonging to the Gatto family and operating in the food service sector, was founded in Taviano, Salento. Then, in 2007, an important turning point: the new generation represented by the brothers Francesco and Silvio created Hielo, which acquired the previous business, becoming a cash & carry distributor of both food and non-food products for the catering sector. The company soon confirmed its position as an excellent partner for companies operating in the Ho.Re. Ca. sector. But not only that. “Our goal has always been to cover all food service sectors. In recent years, however, we have gone further, broadening our range to include pure catering”, explains Francesco Gatto, managing director of the company together with his brother Silvio, who tells us the guidelines in which direction the company moves, and will continue to do so. What are the strings on Hielo’s bow? Mainly the service, fast and exactly tailored to the customer’s needs; then the quality/price ratio: in fact, for some years now, we have enabled direct imports that allow us to be more competitive on the market and to offer a greater assortment; finally, the professionalism of our team and the variety of the products. How is the range divided? The range of products is complete, from A to Z, from breakfast to dessert, including fish, vegetables, dry (including pasta, flour, rice, peeled, tuna), then fresh, frozen and preserves. In short, everything you need for the catering sector, including hygiene and cleaning products. We also pay particular attention to local Mediterranean products, in order to ensure an integrated supply with the territory of origin. It is not by chance that one of our claims is “360° catering”. In addition, the customer is always supported by one of our 12 agents, who is responsible for analysing their needs and problems, studying the point of sale or the catering, the seating and all other essential features of its business. In this way, the range is tailored to the needs of those who turn to us. That, in this way, is becoming increasingly loyal. Who are the main customers? They are represented by companies operating in the Ho.Re.Ca. sector, namely restaurants, reception rooms, bars, pizzerias, pastry shops, delicatessens, catering, canteens, hotels, b&bs and nursing homes. In short, we try to be present in any place where there is food. To date, we serve in a thorough and punctual manner all the municipalities of the province of Lecce, up to touching the province of Brindisi. How is the sales and delivery service organised? In our warehouse you can buy through the cash & carry formula; alternatively, we operate through a sales service based on the network of our agents, who collect orders automatically, using tablets and management systems. Delivery is made within 24 hours (A for B, or rather today for tomorrow), often even on the same day (A for A, today for today). Not being tied to distribution platforms and having 10 insulated vehicles equipped for the specific transport of food, and a team of 10 own drivers, we are in fact able to be quicker in deliveries. How is Hielo organised? Company structure, warehouse and headquarters, the personnel. My brother Silvio devotes himself in particular to directing the purchasing force, while I take care of the administration. The latter is also supported by external consultants in tax and business strategy, with the aim of well-judged investments, limiting errors and taking full advantage of all market opportunities. The same goes for the marketing office, where an external consultant works, who is supporting us in restyling MAGAZINE