The Gelato America Cup 2025, held from June 9 to 12 in Córdoba, Argentina, during the FITHEP Centro Expoalimentaria fair, has officially selected the top four teams from the Americas that will compete in the prestigious Gelato World Cup 2026, taking place in Rimini, Italy, from January 16 to 20, during SIGEP – Italian Exhibition Group.
The Winning Teams
After several days of intense competition showcasing the artistry of gelato-making, Argentina took home first place, followed by:
· 2nd place: Mexico
· 3rd place: Peru
· 4th place: Ecuador
These four nations have secured direct qualification for the 2026 World Final of the Gelato World Cup, now in its 11th edition, where they will join top teams from Europe and Asia selected through other international events.
Special Mentions and Individual Awards
Several special prizes were awarded to teams that stood out in key areas:
· Innovation & Creativity: Venezuela
· Cleanliness & Hygiene: United States
· Teamwork: Argentina
· Best Gelato – Sergio Dondoli Award: Ecuador
In addition, the Press Award for Best Gelato went to:
· 1st place: Argentina
· 2nd place: Venezuela
The 12 Finalist Nations for the Gelato World Cup 2026
With the conclusion of the Gelato America Cup, the list of 12 finalist nations competing in Rimini is now complete:
1. Italy
2. France
3. Germany
4. Belgium
5. Japan
6. Singapore
7. South Korea
8. China
9. Argentina
10. Mexico
11. Peru
12. Ecuador
A Global Event to Celebrate Artisanal Gelato
The Gelato World Cup, organized by Gelato e Cultura in collaboration with SIGEP – Italian Exhibition Group, is recognized as the world’s premier competition dedicated to artisanal gelato. Master gelato makers, pastry chefs, and ice sculptors from around the globe compete in challenges that test their technical skills, creativity, innovation, and teamwork.
The 2026 edition is set to be one of the most exciting yet, featuring a stellar international lineup and a strong focus on ingredient quality, sustainability, and emerging industry trends.
Why Follow the Gelato World Cup
Attending or following the Gelato World Cup is a unique opportunity to:
· Discover the latest innovations in artisanal gelato
· Meet the top talents in the industry
· Learn about trends that will shape the global market
· Celebrate gelato as a gastronomic and cultural treasure
With Rimini ready to welcome the global gelato community, the countdown to SIGEP 2026 has officially begun!