Organized as part of Project No. 16/2022 within the Promotional Program of the Veneto Region, the event was coordinated by Venicepromex in collaboration with the Chambers of Commerce of Treviso-Belluno|Dolomiti, Venice-Rovigo, Padua, and Longarone Fiere Dolomiti.
The ceremony highlighted 35 outstanding artisan gelato producers in the Veneto region, recognizing their contribution to preserving and innovating Italy’s rich gelato-making heritage.
A Celebration of Tradition, Innovation, and the Future of Artisan Gelato
The event was more than a celebration—it was a forum for discussing the future of gelato, including topics such as:
- Nutraceutical gelato (health-boosting ingredients)
- Gelato and Alzheimer’s research
- Waste reduction and ingredient reuse
- Plant-based and vegan gelato trends
- New technologies and sustainability in gelato production
Guests had the chance to taste the “Gelato Flavor of the Year 2023” – Apfelstrudel, inspired by Austrian tradition, and other cutting-edge creations that blend health, flavor, and innovation.
Key Industry Insights and Recognitions
Among the 35 awardees:
- 20 gelaterias received honorary titles as “Ambassadors of Artisan Gelato Tradition” in Veneto.
- 15 gelato makers were honored for the excellence and innovation of their products.
A lineup of high-profile speakers contributed to the discussion on the “Gelato of the Future”, including:
- Stefano Polato, astronaut chef and Health Chef Scientific Committee member
- Maurizio Valguarnera, vegan ice-chef and R&D collaborator with the University of Palermo
- Alessandro Piccinini, director of MIG (International Gelato Exhibition)
- Monica Morao, dietitian and member of the Health Chef Scientific Committee
- Moderated by journalist Gaia Padovan
The Only EU Food Day: Why Artisan Gelato Matters
The European Artisan Gelato Day is the only official food-related day recognized by the European Parliament, established in 2012 upon a proposal by Longarone Fiere Dolomiti during the 49th edition of MIG - Mostra Internazionale del Gelato.
The celebration reflects the impressive growth of the artisan gelato industry:
- €10 billion turnover in Europe in 2022 (+13%)
- €2.7 billion market in Italy alone (+16% YoY)
- 39,000 gelato shops across Italy employing 77,000 people
- Veneto ranks 5th in Italy with 1,305 artisan gelato laboratories
Strategic Vision and Institutional Support
Mario Pozza, President of Venicepromex, emphasized the importance of teamwork among industry professionals and institutional actors:
“Today’s event follows our successful presence at the 62nd MIG in Longarone, where we hosted 60 international buyers and journalists. Italy confirms its global leadership in artisan gelato ingredients (65 companies with a turnover of €1.8 billion) and equipment (machines, showcases, etc.) with exports accounting for 70% of the €700 million business.”
Michele Dal Farra, President of Longarone Fiere, added:
“We’re proud to have created and institutionalized European Artisan Gelato Day. The path now leads to a renewed, internationally focused MIG in Longarone, dedicated exclusively to the future of gelato.”
Event Background
The 10th European Artisan Gelato Day was part of the 2022 Regional Projects of the Veneto Region, designed to:
- Support high-quality traditional artisan gelato
- Promote the product’s health and environmental value
- Enhance local supply chains and community-based traditions