The event will be held at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, and the opening ceremony will feature Massimiliano Tremiterra, Trade Commissioner of the ICE Office in Canton, and Valerio de Parolis, Consul General of Italy in Guangzhou.
The Economic Powerhouse of IEG China
Organized by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) through IEG China, in a strategic partnership with Koelnmesse (Cologne Fair), SIGEP CHINA aims to introduce Made in Italy gelato to China. This initiative is focused on Shenzhen, the economic engine of the Greater Bay Area encompassing Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau, a leading market for southern China. Classified as a “first-class” city, on par with Beijing, Shanghai, and Canton, Shenzhen is home to 86 million people and boasts a GDP nearing $1.7 trillion. This vibrant, competitive business hub excels in finance, technology, and tourism, making it a prime location for the development of artisanal sweets, including Italian gelato.
Further enhancing its appeal, Greater Bay Area accounts for 46.1% of China’s ice cream consumers, with the eastern and southern regions of China being particularly attractive to Italian companies in the sector.
Exhibition and Events at SIGEP CHINA
The SIGEP CHINA exhibition will cover a wide range of categories within the artisanal food sector, including gelato, baking, pastry, chocolate, and coffee. The exhibition will present raw materials, ingredients, machinery, equipment, packaging, and services. A key part of the event will be a series of about 30 events, including conferences, business matchmaking, demonstrations, and competitions. The Gelato China Cup will be one of the main highlights, featuring a Chinese selection for the Gelato World Cup at SIGEP 2024 in Rimini. Additionally, there will be a focus on Italian pastry and baking and the coffee culture.
The Artisanal Confectionery Trend in China and Instagram
In China, a cultural gelato trend has emerged, attracting younger consumers with “Instagrammable” gelato creations. These gelatos often take the form of artworks or historical landmarks, capitalizing on the growing popularity of visual, shareable content. This marketing strategy has become widespread at tourist destinations across China, integrating the culture of gelato into the country’s rich heritage.
SIGEP CHINA 2024 and Co-location with ANUFOOD
SIGEP CHINA will take place alongside ANUFOOD China, the leading food trade show for southern China, organized by the renowned Anuga of Koelnmesse. The event will span 40,000 square meters and offer a significant opportunity for cross-industry engagement. Dates for SIGEP CHINA 2024 are already set for April 17-19, once again in Shenzhen.
SIGEP CHINA continues to build a bridge between Italy’s artisanal food expertise and the booming Chinese market, setting the stage for future growth and collaboration in the sector.