Italy’s artisanal gelato industry has consolidated its leadership across Europe, posting 3% year-on-year growth over the summer of 2025, reaffirming its position as the continent’s largest market for the iconic Italian frozen dessert.
Together with France and Spain, Italy accounts for 68% of gelato portions sold across Europe’s top five markets. The sector generates an estimated EUR3bn annually, with nearly 70% of that value concentrated in the summer months.
These strong results set the stage for SIGEP World 2026 – The World Expo for Foodservice Excellence, organized by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), which will take place from January 16–20, 2026, at Rimini Expo Centre. Now in its 47th edition, the event remains the leading global platform for the artisanal food industry, covering gelato, pastry, chocolate, coffee, bread, and pizza. The upcoming edition is forecast to break records, featuring 1,300 exhibiting brands from over 30 countries, across 30 exhibition halls, and attracting professional visitors from more than 150 nations.
A Global Showcase for Artisanal Gelato Excellence
SIGEP World 2026 will present the most comprehensive international offering for the artisanal gelato supply chain — encompassing the entire value ecosystem: machinery and technology, refrigeration equipment, ingredients, raw materials, design and furnishings, and digital innovation for every business model, from independent gelato parlours to quick-service restaurants and luxury hospitality.
The upcoming edition also underscores gelato’s international expansion. Germany, the world’s second-largest market for gelato parlours, will take center stage with the “Sigepland” project, designed to attract thousands of German professionals through dedicated guided tours and direct Munich–Rimini flights during the event. Meanwhile, India will be honored as the Guest Country of SIGEP World 2026, highlighting the rapid growth and potential of the Asian market for Italian gelato and hospitality brands.
Indian delegates will explore opportunities to introduce authentic Italian artisanal gelato to new audiences. Complementing these initiatives, the digital campaign “What is Gelato?”—developed in partnership with ACOMAG (the National Association of Gelato Machinery, Furnishing and Equipment Manufacturers) and Unione Italiana Food—aims to educate global investors and operators about the culture, quality, and innovation of Italian gelato.
The Gelato World Cup Returns
A major highlight of SIGEP World 2026 will be the Gelato World Cup, the prestigious biennial competition where teams of top gelato artisans compete in eight technical and creative challenges. Italy, defending its 2024 championship title, will face off against 11 nations including France, Belgium, Japan, Singapore, China, and Argentina.
According to Circana’s CREST data, Italy continues to drive EU gelato consumption despite weather-related fluctuations. “Summer remains the key driver of gelato consumption in Italy, France, and Spain, which together represent 68% of servings in the top five European countries,” said Matteo Figura, Executive Director of Foodservice Italia at Circana. “Gelato continues to be a small, accessible luxury that consumers are unwilling to give up.”
The Italian Gelato Makers’ Association (AIG) also reported strong regional trends: Central Italy led growth (+5%), driven by tourism in historic cities, followed by Southern Italy (+4%), while the North experienced slower expansion due to unseasonal weather.
As the industry prepares for SIGEP World 2026, Italian artisanal gelato continues to serve as a symbol of craftsmanship, creativity, and global appeal — a tradition that blends innovation with cultural heritage, now expanding its reach from Europe to emerging markets worldwide.
Find out more at: https://www.sigep.it/en