07 Jan 2025 10:18 7 January 2025

Innovation and market trends: SIGEP Vision shapes the future of foodservice

 

Highly anticipated opening talk to explore global trends and the future of gelato and the foodservice industry. Focus also on the U.S. and European markets, thanks to strategic partnerships with Mintel and Circana.

Sustainability, the gelato of the future, and awards for the best innovations and startups will be at the heart of SIGEP's future-focused initiatives.

 

Rimini, January 2, 2025 – SIGEP Vision returns as the go-to platform for global foodservice market trends and forward-looking innovation. A highlight of the 46th edition of SIGEP World—organized by Italian Exhibition Group and taking place at the Rimini Expo Centre from January 18 to 22, 2025—SIGEP Vision is designed to connect insights and physical experiences. Through an engaging program of events and expert-led sessions, it offers a privileged look into the trends shaping the out-of-home sector.

Thanks to its collaboration with leading research institutions, SIGEP Vision serves as a global observatory, providing updated insights and data throughout the year. Once again, SIGEP World establishes itself as a key knowledge and innovation hub for the foodservice industry.

 

VISION PLAZA

Located in the South Hall, the Vision Plaza will be the beating heart of SIGEP Vision, offering a full schedule of panel discussions, talks, and educational sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders.

Three main focus areas:

  • Emerging market trends
  • Technological innovations—with a special spotlight on artificial intelligence
  • Sustainability, with attention to eco-materials, waste reduction, and ethical sourcing

Featured Talks:

  1. Global Trends and Future Scenarios of the Gelato and Foodservice Industry
    (Saturday, January 18 – 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, Cupola Cagnoni, South Hall)
    The opening talk of SIGEP World, moderated by Flavia Morelli (Group Exhibition Manager, Food & Beverage Division at IEG), will provide an in-depth look at global foodservice trends and what lies ahead for the gelato industry. Key speakers include:
    • Edurne Uranga, Vice President Foodservice Europe at Circana
    • Massimiliano Zucchi, CEO of “La Romana dal 1947” gelato chain
    • Shelley Hwang, founder of Pinkberry (260 stores in 20 countries)
    • Mohammad Alsuri, Director of Learning and Performance at Saudi-based quick service chain Tazaj (120+ locations)
  2. Foodservice Consumer and Market Trends – USA Focus by Mintel
    (Sunday, January 19 – 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM, Cupola Cagnoni, South Hall)
    Presented by Ophélie Buchet, Associate Director Food & Drink at Mintel, this session will explore evolving consumer habits and expectations in the U.S. foodservice sector, especially under inflationary pressure. Mintel highlights three improvement areas:
    • Boost perceived value of dishes with natural proteins and ingredients
    • Create loyalty/gamification programs
    • Balance classic experiences with rising demand for convenience and speed
  3. Outlook on the European Foodservice Industry – by Circana
    (Sunday, January 19 – 3:15 PM to 3:45 PM, Cupola Cagnoni, South Hall)
    Jochen Pinsker, Industry Advisor Foodservice Europe at Circana, will deliver an in-depth analysis of out-of-home consumption across major European markets, outlining trends, consumer behavior, and regional growth dynamics.

The full program is available at the official SIGEP World website.

 

ON-SITE PROJECTS

Beyond the main talks, SIGEP Vision will guide three immersive on-site experiences:
Taste of Tomorrow, Sustainability District, and the Innovation & Start-Up Award.

 

Taste of Tomorrow – Pavilion A5

Combining bio-architecture and the gelato of the future, this visionary installation—Glacial Drip—features 13 wooden bioreactors housing living materials like moss and microalgae. These elements serve a dual function:

  • Absorbing CO₂ equivalent to 10 mature trees
  • Producing high-protein plant-based powders used as ingredients for next-generation gelato flavors

 

Sustainability District – Pavilion B1

A space fully dedicated to sustainable supply chain practices in coffee and cocoa, featuring three themed areas:

  • Micro Roaster Village – showcasing unique blends and trends in sourcing, roasting, brewing, and tasting
  • Bean to Bar – interactive workshops on artisanal chocolate-making, from bean to finished bar
  • Fully Automatic Coffee Machinery – spotlighting next-gen sustainable, high-performance coffee equipment

 

Innovation & Start-Up Award – Cupola Cagnoni, South Hall

Back for its second edition, this prestigious award—organized in collaboration with ANGI (Italian National Association of Young Innovators) and ICE Agency—celebrates the most groundbreaking startups in the sector.

Seven award categories:

  • Digital Innovation & AI
  • Equipment, Technology & Kitchen Materials
  • Frozen & Ready-made Products
  • Ingredients & Semi-finished Goods
  • Organic/Free-from Products
  • Packaging Solutions & Machinery
  • Sustainability

An unmissable opportunity to recognize innovation that makes a difference—and to promote the startups shaping the future of the out-of-home industry.

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