A New International Boost and a Buyer-Oriented Strategy
After welcoming over 1,300 exhibitors from 33 countries and professionals from 160 nations in 2025, SIGEP World 2026 raises the bar with a strategy designed to attract top international buyers and major global foodservice chains. The expo, now held from Friday to Tuesday, is supported by a global promotional campaign, including a roadshow in Madrid on November 6 at the Italian Embassy, and new direct flights to Rimini from key hubs such as Munich and Spain.
One of the key highlights is the designation of India as Guest Country 2026, bringing a qualified delegation of buyers, media, and institutional representatives to strengthen the relationship between the Indian subcontinent and Italy’s artisan foodservice excellence.
Gelato Meets Chains: Bringing Artisan Gelato to Global Menus
One of the flagship projects of the 2026 edition is Gelato Meets Chains, an initiative aimed at integrating artisan gelato into the menus of international restaurants and hotels. Leading up to the event, selected buyers will take part in webinars and digital meetings exploring the operational, economic, and branding potential of gelato, supported by a strategic guide developed by UIF and ACOMAG.
During the expo, the spotlight will be on business matchmaking, featuring B2B meetings and speed dates, all reinforced by the international campaign "What is Gelato?", designed to connect Italian gelato makers with global restaurant, hospitality, and retail chains.
Pizza (R)evolution: A Core Sector of the Expo
Following its successful debut in 2025, the pizza sector returns in full force with Pizza (R)evolution—an enhanced format showcasing ingredients, technologies, and emerging consumption models. The project aims to explore the latest trends and foster networking between producers, pizza professionals, and investors in the global pizza market.
Luxury Hospitality and the Future of the Bar Take Center Stage
SIGEP World 2026 turns the spotlight on the future of high-end hospitality with two brand-new concepts:
- Luxury Hotel Food Experience: an exclusive format designed to engage top buyers from luxury hotel chains, with a focus on tableware, fine dining, and food design.
- Innovation Bar: an immersive space that envisions the future of the coffee shop, featuring specialty coffee, robotics, artificial intelligence, and new experiential formats.
SIGEP World: An Innovation Hub and Global Platform for Foodservice Startups
With SIGEP Vision, the new “Lorenzo Cagnoni” Innovation Award, and a dedicated international area for startups and emerging projects, the event positions itself as the industry authority in artisan foodservice, offering high-value content and global visibility.
Talks, workshops, and meetings with the industry's leading innovators will enrich a unique educational program designed for those investing in the future of foodservice, gelato, and hospitality.
The Return of Major International Competitions
SIGEP World 2026 will also mark the return of two of the most prestigious competitions in the industry:
- Gelato World Cup: the only global competition bringing together the world’s best gelato masters in a challenge of technique, creativity, and teamwork.
- Juniores Pastry World Cup: dedicated to the rising stars of pastry, offering a unique platform for growth, competition, and international exposure.
Why Attend SIGEP World 2026?
- Discover the latest global trends in artisan foodservice
- Connect with qualified buyers, global chains, and industry investors
- Participate in exclusive B2B matchmaking sessions
- Experience a unique journey through innovation, education, and strategic networking
January 16–20, 2026 – Rimini Expo Centre
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