Rimini, January 16, 2024 – The 45th edition of SIGEP – The Dolce World Expo, the International Exhibition for Gelato, Pastry, Bakery, and Coffee, will take place from January 20-24 at the Rimini exhibition center. SIGEP will kick off the countdown to the 12th edition of European Artisanal Gelato Day, celebrated across Europe and beyond on March 24th each year. Established by the European Parliament in 2012, Gelato Day is a significant event to honor and promote artisanal gelato, a globally loved product that also represents a key economic sector. The event proves that the love for artisanal gelato remains resilient and unaffected by crisis.
EUROPEAN MARKET OVERVIEW
Artisanal gelato is a popular product worldwide, with Europe leading the way in both the number of gelaterias and consumption. Europe is home to 65,000 gelaterias, employing around 300,000 workers. Leading countries include Italy with 39,000 points of sale (over 9,300 gelaterias, 12,000 pastry shops, and about 18,000 bars offering artisanal gelato), Germany (9,000 locations, with 3,300 dedicated gelaterias), Spain (2,200), Poland (2,000), Belgium (1,200), and other countries like the UK, Austria, Greece, and France. In 2023, the number of gelaterias and sales volumes showed a slight increase (+1% compared to 2022). However, 2023 will be remembered for the historic surge in revenue, which reached a record €10.9 billion, up 11% from €9.83 billion in 2022 and €8.7 billion in 2021. This revenue growth is primarily driven by price increases (+10% across Europe) due to rising costs of key agricultural ingredients such as milk, sugar, eggs, cocoa, and fruit. While the increase in gelaterias, tourist flows, and the longer season had a marginal impact, the revenue spike is significant.
ITALIAN MARKET PERFORMANCE
Italy follows the same positive trend. The 2023 revenue reached nearly €3 billion, an 11% increase, up from €2.7 billion in 2022, €2.3 billion in 2021, and €1.85 billion in 2020. Despite a decrease in purchasing power, per capita spending on artisanal gelato increased to around €43, with an additional €2.5 per person spent by international tourists (a 4% increase in summer and 13% overall). Volumes remained stable (+1% compared to 2022), showing resilience despite inflation and unfavorable weather conditions. The entire sector, including gelaterias, ingredients, machinery, equipment, and showcases, is worth over €4 billion and employs more than 100,000 people.
GELATO DAY AT SIGEP
To support and promote artisanal gelato and its vital supply chain, Gelato Day will be part of SIGEP, one of the most important industry gatherings. The event kicks off on Saturday, January 20th at 16:30 at the Gelato Lab (Hall A7) with the session “Gelato Day and Gelato in Spring 2024,” organized by Artglace and the Italian Gelato Association. Attendees will hear from key industry figures, including the Hon. Mirco Carloni, President of the Agriculture Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, and various gelato professionals. The focus of the event will be on the "Gaufre de Liège," the 2024 Flavor of the Year chosen by Belgium.
On Monday, January 22nd, from 10:00 to 14:00, artisanal gelato makers will compete in the "Gelato D'Autore" contest, where they will creatively interpret the official recipe of the 2024 Flavor of the Year. The competition takes place at the Artglace booth (n. 186, Hall A7). The winners will be announced on Tuesday, January 23rd at 14:00 at the Gelato Lab.
Gelato Day: A Major European Celebration
Gelato Day is the only day that the European Parliament has dedicated to a food product. Celebrated annually on March 24th in all European countries, Gelato Day features events, meetings, and initiatives to promote the culture of artisanal gelato. It is an opportunity to highlight the quality of artisanal gelato, celebrate traditional craftsmanship, and support the growth of the sector. Each year, a new "Flavor of the Year" is chosen by a participating country. For the 12th edition in 2024, the chosen flavor is "Gaufre de Liège," a gelato with a neutral base flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, swirled with salted butter and served with a waffle.
Partner Organizations for Gelato Day 2024
Alongside its founders, Longarone Fiere Dolomiti and Artglace, Gelato Day 2024 has many prestigious partners, including ACOMAG, Associazione Italiana Gelatieri, CNA, the Campania Gelato Makers Committee, Confartigianato, Conpait Gelato, the Italian Gelato Federation, G.A. - National Committee for the Defense and Promotion of Artisanal Gelato, GAT - Gelato Makers of the Triveneto, and more. For more information on Gelato Day, please visit the official website www.gelato-day.com.
Join Gelato Day 2024
All gelaterias in Italy and Europe are invited to participate in the 2024 Gelato Day by registering on www.gelato-day.com and sharing the initiatives planned for March 24, 2024.