(ANSA) - TRIESTE, DEC 22 - "There may be a small and short recession. That's why both the 2023 budgets of companies, and Polo del Gusto are very cautious." These are Riccardo Illy's economic forecasts, which he told ANSA on the the occasion of the agreement that the Polo del Gusto, a sub-holding of the Illy Group that brings together brands of excellence in Food&Beverage of which he is chairman, has signed with Simest for a 3-million euro contribution.

Interviewed on the sidelines, Riccardo Illy speaks of "prudent decisions, almost wise'" that the Italian government is making while considering the "expectations of Brussels and the markets." The problem, though, is "the war in Ukraine and the consequent risk of recession: we are at the point of maximum uncertainty because, in the coming weeks, peace could break out, but war could also get worse, as Ukrainians are bringing it into Russian territory," the entrepreneur pointed out. 'If the war does not end, the impact on energy and raw materials, given that we found out that Ukraine is a supplier of raw materials fundamental to the economy, will not stop, and the economy will slow down," he added. (ANSA).