These four countries will represent Europe on the global stage, joining Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, who qualified at the Gelato Asia Cup, and five other teams to be selected from China and the Americas later this year.
A Showcase of Artistry and Technical Skill
Each team created six artistic and technical gelato creations centered around a unique theme:
- Germany: Amazonia
- France: Haute Couture
- Italy: Luna Park
- Belgium: The Moon
The competition was organized by Sigep World and Gelato e Cultura, in collaboration with IEG – Italian Exhibition Group, as part of the selection process for the Gelato World Cup, the world’s most prestigious gelato team competition.
The Road to Rimini 2026
The Gelato Europe Cup featured eight teams from across Europe, each made up of top gelato makers and pastry chefs, supported by a team manager. The competition included six challenging tests:
- “Recycled Gelato” tub presentation
- Artisan Gelato Cake
- Mini glass-cup dessert
- Cream Mystery Box
- Fruit Mystery Box
- Gelato on a Stick
Judging was divided into two expert panels:
- An Artistic Jury, formed by all team managers, evaluated aesthetics and design.
- A Technical Jury, composed of WORLDCHEFS international judges Carlo Sauber, Sebastian Petterson, and Ljubika Komlenic, scored flavors and technical execution.
An additional Press Jury evaluated the “Recycled Gelato” creations — a new category emphasizing sustainability by transforming food scraps into gourmet gelato. Journalists from PuntoIT, La Toque Magazine, TF1, Kabel Eins, Pasticceria Internazionale, Forbes, RAI, and others, led by Il Gusto’s director Eleonora Cozzella, awarded Italy, France, and Belgium for their outstanding concepts and flavors.
The Teams and Talent Behind the Win
Each team represented a country’s best artisans:
- Italy: Alessandro Racca, Gabriele Fiumara, Angelo Cardella
- Germany: Stefano Lucchini, Federico Sacchet, Tiziano Santin
- France: Hervé Dartois, Allan Cartignies, Enzo Babtista
- Belgium: Fabio Marasti, Maryne Poppe, Jose Romero
- Other participants included teams from UK, Poland, Romania, and Albania.
Oversight and Integrity
The event was overseen by the Control Committee and the Supervisory Committee, responsible for competition fairness and team coordination. Members included:
- Marco Venturino, Cinzia Otri, Antonio Morgese (Italy)
- Marco Miquel Sirvent (Spain), Emmanuel Ryon (France)
- Led by Sergio Dondoli, official commissioner and ambassador of the Gelato World Cup.
Next Stop: The Global Final
With four European teams now confirmed, the journey to Sigep World 2026 continues. The remaining five finalist teams will be selected at:
- Sigep China Cup – April 24–26, 2025
- Gelato America Cup (FITHEP Buenos Aires) – June 9–12, 2025
In total, 12 national teams will compete in Rimini to win the world title — a biennial celebration of artisanal gelato excellence, creativity, and innovation.
Partners & Sponsors
The Gelato Europe Cup 2025 was made possible thanks to the support of:
- Platinum Sponsors: Anselmi, Babbi, Electrolux, Valrhona
- Golden Sponsors: Adamance, Carpigiani
- Silver Sponsors: Frascheri, Medac, Team System
- Technical Sponsors: Ico Cialde, IFI, Karel, Paperlynen, Reire, Sara Creazioni, Selmi, Sosa, Caffè Toraldo, Aia, Lauretana, Naonix
- Mystery Box Sponsors: Anselmi, Frascheri, Babbi, Norohy
Media Partners: PuntoIT by Editrade, Pasticceria Internazionale