Rimini, 20 December 2023 – The 2024 edition of Sigep-The Dolce World Expo, the international trade fair for gelato, pastry, artisan bakery, and coffee organized by Italian Exhibition Group, will take place from 20 to 24 January at the Rimini exhibition center, confirming its strong international orientation. The number of foreign exhibitors will return to pre-pandemic levels, with over 1,200 brands, 18% of which are from 35 countries. The countries most represented, after Italy, include Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, and Turkey. Collectives from Ecuador, Brazil, and Ukraine will also showcase the comprehensive offering of Sigep, covering new products, technologies, raw materials, furnishings, and services.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS FROM 81 COUNTRIES
Sigep will attract over 500 top buyers from 81 countries, particularly from the United States, Spain, Canada, Turkey, Brazil, India, China, and the United Arab Emirates. This international incoming group, mainly consisting of importers, distributors, and restaurant chains, is made possible by the valuable collaboration with the ICE Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the support of IEG’s international regional advisor network in over 60 countries.
Thanks to the digital platform MyAgenda, exhibitors can view buyer profiles in advance and schedule business meetings at their stands before the fair opens.
VISION PLAZA AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
At the heart of the exhibition will be the Vision Plaza, the stage for both national and international trends in the out-of-home dessert sector, analyzed and discussed by leading industry professionals. It will focus heavily on data related to the 'out-of-home' consumption trends, with insights from CREST by Circana, a leader in consumer behavior analysis. In addition, the Vision Plaza, in collaboration with media partners and industry associations, will host key talks on four specific topics: trends and innovations, market focus on Sigep’s sectors (gelato, pastry, chocolate, coffee, and bakery), digital marketing, and sustainability.
Sigep's international character is further underscored by a rich program of competitions, including three international events featuring teams from 25 countries worldwide. The Gelato World Cup, the most prestigious international competition, will include tests in gelato, pastry, chocolate, restaurant services, and ice sculpture, with 11 teams from Argentina, Brazil, China, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hungary. A double jury will evaluate the aesthetic quality and taste: the team managers will judge aesthetics, while the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (which represents over 240 global culinary associations) will decide on taste. Notable additions include the two jury presidents: Kenny Kong (Singapore Chef’s Association) and Martino Piccolo, renowned Australian gelato expert.
In the Gelato Lab, the European Challenge will be held as part of the Gelato Festival World Masters 2025, involving a dozen gelato artisans from across Europe. Meanwhile, in the Pastry Arena, the Juniors Pastry World Cup will feature teams of young talents (under 23) competing on the theme 'Myths and Legends,' telling a myth or legend from their country through their creations. A total of 12 nations are participating: Australia, Chile, South Korea, Philippines, France, Hong Kong, India, Malta, Peru, the United States, Taiwan, and Uzbekistan. The international jury includes the team managers, with Maestro Iginio Massari as Honorary President and Maestro Eugenio Morrone as Jury President.
FOCUS ON ASIA
Sigep’s global expansion continues at a fast pace, especially in Asia. This was demonstrated by the first edition of Sigep China, held in 2023 in Shenzhen, the heart of the Greater Bay Area, one of the fastest-growing markets in China. The 2nd edition of Sigep China will take place from 24 to 26 April 2024 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian) in parallel with Anuga Select China, the leading food trade fair in southern China organized by Anuga/Koelnmesse. Thanks to Sigep China, IEG received the "Eccellenza Italiana" award at the 18th China Awards 2023, organized by the Italy China Council Foundation, which recognizes outstanding Italian and Chinese businesses in both markets.
In 2024, Sigep Asia will launch in Singapore from 26 to 28 June, co-located with Café Asia, International Coffee & Tea Asia, and Sweets & Bakes Asia. Sigep Asia will showcase the artisan gelato, pastry, bakery, coffee, and tea industries alongside Restaurant Asia, co-organized with the Restaurant Association of Singapore and in partnership with ASEAN restaurant associations.
FOCUS ON SIGEP 2024
Date: 20-24 January 2024
Organizer: Italian Exhibition Group SpA
Edition: 45th
Frequency: Annual
Qualification: International fair; trade professionals only
Info: www.sigep.it