It was awards day at Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, marking the grand finale of the 63rd International Exhibition of Artisan Gelato (MIG). As tradition dictates, the event closed with the highly anticipated Coppa d’Oro, honoring the best artisan gelato and its makers.
This year’s competition challenged gelato artisans to create the perfect dark chocolate sorbet—a water-based flavor that put techniques and ingredient pairings to the test. With over one hundred participants, the jury faced a tough task choosing among outstanding creations.
First place went to Alberto Luisotto from Eiscafe Crema Gelato in Gröbenzell, Germany, followed by Cristiano Antoniazzi (Gelateria Dolce Gelato, Gorizia, Italy) and Antonio Tacco from Huesca, Spain. The award for best young gelato artisan under 32, the Giorgio De Pellegrin Memorial Cup, was won by Sara Gallonetto from Gelateria Gallonetto in Venice.
"Winning the Coppa d’Oro is an incredible emotion, especially after several close finishes in past years," said a visibly moved Luisotto.
A particularly touching story came from third-place winner Antonio Tacco, whose gelato journey bridges Spanish and Italian cultures. The grandson of Zoldo emigrants who opened their first gelateria decades ago in Palma de Mallorca, Tacco shared: “It was my first time competing for the Coppa d’Oro, and placing third fills me with joy.”
Looking Ahead to MIG 2024
“This edition placed strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, spotlighting the artisan gelato maker as a skilled and passionate professional,” said Michele Dal Farra, President of Longarone Fiere Dolomiti. “The response from businesses was overwhelmingly positive.”
“We’re already looking toward MIG 2024 with the intention of pushing these themes even further,” added Alessandro Piccinini, Director of MIG. “This is an event deeply rooted in tradition, but always forward-looking—something we want to make increasingly cool.”
MIG Green Award: Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Alongside the awards for flavor, the MIG Green Award recognized gelato businesses committed to environmental responsibility. The initiative continues to grow as a platform for promoting sustainability in the artisan gelato world.
In the eco-friendly booth category, La Cialcon received special mention, while Martini Linea Gelato took first prize. The jury praised their approach:
“A leading company for whom sustainability is not a slogan, but a genuine operational principle—demonstrated through careful material choices and a modular, reusable booth design adaptable for future events.”
In the category for sustainability communication, Agrimontana earned a special mention, while BRX – Salvalacqua received first prize “for their successful campaigns promoting environmental awareness in the artisan gelato sector.”
With these awards, the 63rd edition of MIG Longarone concludes on a high note, affirming the event’s role as a benchmark for excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the world of artisan gelato.