RIMINI, Italy – July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – SIGEP World 2026, the premier global exhibition for foodservice excellence, is fast approaching, promising an unparalleled experience for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. Held from January 16th to 20th at the Rimini Expo Centre, this year’s event marks a pivotal moment for the gelato, pastry, chocolate, coffee, and pizza sectors, solidifying SIGEP’s position as the definitive authority in artisanal foodservice. The event’s centerpiece remains the Gelato World Cup, the world’s only competition showcasing the world’s most talented gelato masters battling for supremacy. Alongside this thrilling competition, the Juniores Pastry World Cup will provide a platform for the next generation of pastry talent, further elevating SIGEP’s standing as a key international event. The spotlight will also shine brightly on pizza with Pizza (R)evolution, a groundbreaking project designed to explore innovative synergies between ingredients, cutting-edge technologies, and evolving consumption formats. This initiative promises a fresh perspective on a beloved staple. Furthermore, the Innovation Bar will offer an immersive experience, detailing the ongoing evolution of the global coffee shop landscape, showcasing the latest trends and technologies.

SIGEP World consistently attracts a vast international audience, and 2026 promises to be even more expansive. In 2025, the show welcomed 1,300 exhibiting brands from 33 countries across 30 halls, with visitors hailing from 160 nations. Building on this success, the internationalization strategy for 2026 has been significantly strengthened. The roadshow, commencing on November 6th at the Italian Embassy in Madrid, will strategically engage the Spanish foodservice business community, generating excitement and anticipation for the event. Recognizing the growing global interest, additional direct air connections have been established between Munich and Spain, facilitating easier access for international attendees.

Gelato, the iconic Italian frozen dessert, will be celebrated through "Gelato Meets Chains," a new strategic project designed to showcase the versatility and appeal of gelato within established and emerging foodservice chains. This initiative will feature exclusive webinars and digital meetings for selected buyers, alongside a comprehensive guide compiled by UIF and ACOMAG, detailing the economic, operational, and image advantages of incorporating gelato into menus. SIGEP Vision will continue to be a cornerstone of the event, with the prestigious "Lorenzo Cagnoni" Innovation Award recognizing exceptional achievements and fostering innovation within the industry. An international area dedicated to start-ups will provide a launchpad for emerging brands, while thought-provoking talks and discussions will further enrich the experience.

SIGEP World’s commitment to supporting the next generation is evident through the Juniores Pastry World Cup, offering aspiring pastry chefs a vital platform to showcase their skills. The event’s success is underpinned by the expertise of Italian Exhibition Group, and its dedication to connecting businesses with the latest trends and technologies. The 2026 SIGEP World promises to be a landmark event, driving innovation and shaping the future of the foodservice industry.