Rimini, January 17, 2023 – The countdown to the 11th edition of the European Artisan Gelato Day will kick off at the 44th SIGEP-The Dolce World Expo, the International Exhibition for Gelato, Pastry, Artisan Bakery, and Coffee, hosted by Italian Exhibition Group from January 21 to 25 at the Rimini Fairgrounds. Held annually on March 24, this unique day, the only one ever dedicated to a food product by the European Parliament, is celebrated with events, meetings, and initiatives across Europe and beyond. It promotes the global appreciation of artisan gelato and its vital supply chain.
EUROPEAN MARKET NUMBERS. After the pandemic's impact, 2022 saw record sales of artisan gelato in Europe, approaching €10 billion in revenue, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year (€9.83 billion in 2022 compared to €8.7 billion in 2021). This growth, partially driven by inflationary dynamics, was primarily fueled by favorable weather conditions and the recovery of tourism, which led to sales surges of more than +20% in certain regions.
Despite the ongoing pressure on profitability from rising energy and raw material costs, the number of gelaterias across Europe remains stable. Europe continues to lead globally in artisan gelato production, with over 65,000 establishments and 300,000 workers. Leading countries include Germany (9,000 gelaterias), Spain (2,200), Poland (2,000), the UK (1,100), and Austria (900), followed by Greece (680) and France (450). Italy, Germany, Spain, and Poland lead the consumption of artisan gelato, with Austria, featured in the 2023 Gelato Day as the "Taste of the Year" (Apfelstrudel), also playing a significant role, as well as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
ITALIAN MARKET NUMBERS. In Italy, the artisan gelato industry generates a €3.8 billion turnover and employs over 100,000 people. In 2022, sales of artisan gelato reached €2.7 billion from gelaterias, pastry shops, and bars, representing a 16% increase from 2021 (€2.3 billion in 2021 and €1.85 billion in 2020). The number of gelaterias has also increased, with 139 new locations, particularly in Lombardy, Sicily, and Campania. The sector's purchase of agro-food products such as milk (230,000 tons), sugar, fresh and dried fruits (e.g., pistachios from Bronte and hazelnuts from Piedmont) has grown by 5% annually. Italy remains the global leader in gelato ingredients and semi-finished products, with 65 companies generating €1 billion in revenue. Additionally, the machinery, display cases, and equipment sector is valued at around €700 million, with 70% of production exported.
GELATO DAY 2023 AT SIGEP. To further promote and celebrate artisan gelato and its supply chain, Gelato Day will be featured at SIGEP, one of the major industry events. The event will highlight the 2023 "Taste of the Year," Apfelstrudel, selected by Austria, and the winners of the second edition of the video contest showcasing European gelato masters working with the 2022 "Taste of the Year," Dolce Sinfonia. The winners, announced during the MIG – International Gelato Exhibition in Longarone last November, will be honored at SIGEP: Silvia Chirico of Tenuta Chirico (Ascea, Salerno), Kairet Denis of Place Docteur Jacques Anthee (Onhaye, Belgium), and Maria Chiara Sanna of L’arte del gelato (Anzio, Rome).
In addition, SIGEP will announce two new collaborations for the 11th edition of the European Artisan Gelato Day: one with Gambero Rosso, involving Italy’s top gelaterias, and another with "Gelato a Primavera," the historic event organized by the Italian Gelato Association.
For all updates on the 11th edition of Gelato Day, visit www.gelato-day.com and follow Gelato Day on Facebook (@24MarzoEuropeanGelatoDay), Instagram (@Gelato_Day), and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/GelatoDay).
All gelaterias in Italy and Europe are invited to participate in Gelato Day 2023 by registering on www.gelato-day.com and sharing their planned events for March 24, 2023.
European Artisan Gelato Day is the only day dedicated to food by the European Parliament. Celebrated annually on March 24 across all European countries, with events, meetings, and initiatives designed to spread the culture of artisan gelato, Gelato Day is a unique opportunity to support the promotion of this product, artisan knowledge, and the gastronomic tradition of the sector. The "Taste of the Year," selected annually by participating countries, will be "Apfelstrudel" for the 2023 edition, chosen by Austria. This gelato flavor features a white base with apple pulp, flavored with rum and lemon oil.
In addition to its founders, Longarone Fiere and Artglace, Gelato Day 2023 is supported by the following partners: ACOMAG - National Association of Manufacturers of Gelato Machinery, Equipment, and Furniture, Italian Gelato Association, CNA, Gelato Makers of Campania, Confartigianato, Conpait Gelato – Confederation of Italian Pastry Chefs, Italian Gelato Federation, G.A. – National Committee for the Defense and Promotion of Artisan Gelato, G.A.T. – Artisan Gelato Makers of Triveneto, Ilgelatoartigianale.info, Masters of Italian Gelato, SIGEP - International Exhibition of Gelato, Pastry, Artisan Bakery, and Coffee by Italian Exhibition Group.
www.gelato-day.com
UFFICIO STAMPA GELATO DAY
Emanuela Capitanio . Cell. 347 4319334
Alessandra Perrucchini . Cell. 340 4212323
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