November 9, 2022 – The eleventh edition of European Artisanal Gelato Day is officially underway. Celebrated every year on March 24, this unique event promotes the craftsmanship, quality, and cultural richness of traditional gelato across Europe. For 2023, Austria has selected the "Flavor of the Year": Apfelstrudel.
Longarone, Italy – At the 62nd MIG – the International Exhibition of Artisan Gelato – the winners of the 2022 Artglace video contest were also announced, highlighting the creativity and talent of Europe’s finest gelato artisans.
Since 2012, European Artisanal Gelato Day – known as Gelato Day – has been the only food-related celebration recognized by the European Parliament. Held each year on March 24, it has become a highly anticipated occasion for both gelato professionals and consumers across the continent. Through tastings, events, and creative showcases in gelaterias throughout Europe, Gelato Day celebrates artisan gelato as a symbol of quality, authenticity, and local tradition.
2023 Flavor of the Year: Apfelstrudel
A hallmark of each Gelato Day is the selection of a Flavor of the Year, chosen by a different participating country. After Spain's “Mantecado” in 2021 and the pan-European “Dolce Sinfonia” for the 2022 anniversary edition, Austria has chosen “Apfelstrudel” as the 2023 flavor. Inspired by the beloved Austrian dessert, this gelato features a creamy white base with apple pulp flavored with rum and lemon oil, enhanced by cinnamon, dark raisins, and breadcrumbs.
All participating gelaterias across Europe are invited to offer the official recipe or interpret it with their own local twist, using regional ingredients and personal creativity.
Gelato Day Launches at MIG in Longarone
The first event of Gelato Day 2023 took place at Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, the new official headquarters of Artglace (previously in Paris), during the 62nd MIG – the world’s longest-running trade fair dedicated to artisan gelato. Attendees had the opportunity to sample the new Apfelstrudel gelato and enjoy the first-ever “Challenge of Nations”, organized by Artglace to showcase the unique gelato styles of each participating country. In this edition, Austria competed against Germany, celebrating quality, creativity, and tradition.
2022 Video Contest Winners
During the event, Artglace also announced the winners of the second edition of its European video contest, where gelato artisans showcased the preparation of “Dolce Sinfonia” – the 2022 Flavor of the Year – in short creative videos. Among the many entries from Europe (and beyond), the top three winners were:
- Silvia Chirico, Tenuta Chirico (Ascea, Salerno, Italy)
- Kairet Denis, Place Docteur Jacques Anthee (Onhaye, Belgium)
- Maria Chiara Sanna, L’arte del Gelato (Anzio, Rome, Italy)
The videos were evaluated by a technical jury of five industry professionals based on four criteria: originality, video quality, presentation of the “Dolce Sinfonia” production process, and aesthetics of the final gelato display.
The winners will be officially awarded at SIGEP – The Dolce World Expo, scheduled for January 21–25, 2023, at Rimini Expo Centre.
“After two years of restrictions, 2022 marked an important recovery for the artisan gelato sector, thanks also to the mild temperatures lasting into autumn. However, challenges such as the war in Ukraine and rising costs of energy and raw materials still weigh heavily on the industry. Despite this, our gelato artisans continue to show exceptional resilience and a passion for their craft,” said Domenico Belmonte, President of Artglace. “We look ahead to 2023 with optimism, and we invite all European gelato makers to join us in celebrating and promoting the excellence of artisanal gelato.”
Stay Updated and Participate
For the latest news on the 11th edition of European Gelato Day, visit the official website www.gelato-day.com or follow Gelato Day on:
All gelaterias across Italy and Europe are invited to participate in Gelato Day 2023 by registering on www.gelato-day.com and sharing details of their March 24th initiatives.