Palermo, Sicily, is gearing up to host the 17th edition of the Sherbeth Festival, the definitive international event for high-quality artisan gelato. From November 7 to 10, 2025, the Sicilian capital won't just be a showcase of taste but a true open-air laboratory for master gelatieri, researchers, and enthusiasts from across the globe.
With its new tagline, “Innovation is a Tradition”, the 2025 Sherbeth Festival underscores its core identity: honoring the history and artisanal culture of gelato while simultaneously propelling the sector toward the new frontiers of taste, innovative techniques, and sustainability.
A Bridge Between Palermo, Paris, and the Global Gastronomy Scene
Palermo's historic influence on the world of gelato is a central theme of the festival. The official presentation of Sherbeth 2025 took place on October 7 at the Italian Cultural Institute in Paris.
This location is a deliberate tribute to Francesco Procopio Cutò, the Palermo native who, in 1686, brought the Sicilian art of gelato-making to Paris, opening the famous Café Le Procope. Procopio earned a "royal patent" from King Louis XIV, cementing Paris as the European cradle of a tradition born in Sicily. On October 8, the festival was also presented in Rome at the Foreign Press Association, strengthening its ties with the international gastronomic community.
«Every edition of Sherbeth is an adventure that grows with us – stated organizer Davide Alamia. This year, we want to reaffirm that innovation is not just a goal, but the very heart of our artisanal tradition. Sherbeth annually celebrates the richness of quality raw materials and the handcrafted processes passed down by master gelatieri, transforming Palermo into a vast open-air laboratory aimed at promoting the culture of authentic artisan gelato.»
Four Days of Taste, Culture, and Sustainability in Piazza Verdi
The vibrant heart of the Sherbeth Festival will be Piazza Verdi, framed by the majestic Teatro Massimo. The program promises to be rich and multidisciplinary, extending beyond simple tasting.
For the first time, the event will include thematic talks focused on the culture of gelato and environmental sustainability, in addition to:
- Exclusive tastings of new and unique flavors.
- Masterclasses and showcooking with top master gelatieri.
- Educational workshops for adults and children.
Over 50 master gelatieri, both Italian and international, will share their creations, offering the public a unique experience that blends art, culture, and sensory research.
Focus on Research and Responsibility
Sponsored by the City of Palermo and the Sicilian Region, the festival doesn't just celebrate the product; it tackles critical issues for the sector's future:
- Innovation and Tradition: The evolution of techniques and ingredients, built upon historical roots.
- Territory and Identity: Highlighting local biodiversity and Sicilian raw materials (zero-kilometer sourcing).
- Responsibility and Sustainability: Promoting conscious packaging, waste reduction, and respect for the environment.
- Inclusion and Participation: Ensuring accessible spaces and options for various dietary needs (e.g., vegan, lactose-free, intolerance-friendly proposals).
The Prestigious "Francesco Procopio Cutò" International Competition
The international competition named after Francesco Procopio Cutò, the master who shaped the history of European gelato, returns as a centerpiece of the event.
Following the victory of China's Bang Gai in 2024, the 2025 edition will feature a more nuanced evaluation, entrusted to two different juries: a technical jury and a critic's jury. This choice aims to value both artisanal excellence and originality of flavor and vision.
The Steering Committee will ensure the festival remains an exclusive celebration of authentic artisan gelato.