At Elips Solutions, we believe that growth comes from curiosity and learning. Our vision is to empower the European retail industry with simple, sustainable, and smart solutions that enhance in-store experiences, engage shoppers, reduce waste, and drive long-term growth. This is why our recent visit to Rome and Milan was so important. By looking at other markets, we gain new perspectives that help us sharpen our solutions for retailers across Europe.

What makes Italian food retail different?

Food retail in Rome and Milan reflects Italy’s deep cultural connection with food. Unlike Dutch and German retailers, who tend to focus strongly on efficiency, price, and logistics—Italian supermarkets place extraordinary emphasis on freshness, presentation, and experience. Fresh counters dominate the shopping floor. Cheese, cured meats, bread, and produce are not just sold—they are celebrated, often with in-store preparation and tasting. Presentation is storytelling. Products are displayed with care, connecting customers emotionally to heritage, quality, and authenticity. Regional variation is strong. In Rome, traditional flavors and local products define the offering. Milan, by contrast, blends premium international brands with Italian classics, targeting a more urban, cosmopolitan audience.

The contrast with Northern Europe. German and Dutch retailers often prioritize efficiency, large assortments, and competitive pricing. Shelves are tightly managed, logistics are streamlined, and self-service is key. In Italy, the customer journey is slower and more immersive. The shopping trip is part of a lifestyle, not just a necessity.

Why it matters for Elips? Our mission is to collaborate closely with business partners, clients, and suppliers, combining Dutch forward thinking with Chinese expertise to provide practical consultancy, innovative solutions, and reliable sourcing. Learning from Rome and Milan reminds us that retail is not one-size-fits-all. Efficiency and cost savings are essential, but experience and emotional connection are equally powerful drivers of sales.

For Elips, this means developing solutions that are not only practical and sustainable but also enhance presentation and storytelling at the shelf. Whether it’s roller shelves ensuring constant visibility or fruit and vegetable inserts that reduce waste while keeping displays attractive, the goal is the same: combining efficiency with impact.

The lesson. From Rome and Milan we take this insight: successful retail is about balance. Northern Europe teaches us about efficiency; Italy shows us the power of passion and presentation. Together, they inspire smarter, more human-centered solutions for the future of European food retail.

5 Lessons from Italian Food Retail – Rome & Milan

• Freshness First. Counters for cheese, meats, and bread are central, celebrating food rather than just selling it.
• Storytelling through Presentation. Displays highlight heritage and authenticity, creating an emotional connection with shoppers.
• Regional Character. Rome emphasizes traditional flavors, while Milan blends premium local and international brands.
• Experience over Efficiency. Shopping is part of lifestyle—contrasting with the speed- and price-driven focus of Dutch & German retailers.
• Balancing Passion with Practicality. Italy shows the power of presentation; Northern Europe teaches efficiency. Together, they inspire smarter, people-focused solutions.

At Elips Solutions, we learn from every market to empower the European retail industry with simple, sustainable, and smart solutions. From Rome and Milan, the lesson is clear: passion and presentation matter as much as efficiency. 🔗 #ElipsSolutions #FreshThinking #RetailInnovation