The international SIGEP World network – organized by Italian Exhibition Group – returns to Southeast Asia with SIGEP Asia, scheduled for July 15-17, 2026 at Marina Bay Sands Expo in Singapore. The event, organized by IEG Asia – the Singapore branch of Italian Exhibition Group – together with Restaurant Asia and Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS), brings together in a single platform the worlds of Foodservice and hospitality: gelato, pastry, bakery, pizza, coffee, technology and nightlife, with hundreds of international brands among ingredients, machinery and hospitality solutions.
THE MARKET: ITALIAN FOODSERVICE GROWING IN EAST ASIA
The event is part of a growth context for the entire Italian Foodservice in the area. According to data processed by ICE based on Eurostat surveys, in 2025 Foodservice exports to East Asia exceeded 4.1 billion euros, growing 6% compared to 2023, with markets like China (+7.1%) and South Korea (+8.3%) also increasing compared to 2024. Running faster than all is gelato, the symbolic product of the SIGEP network: in 2025 exports to East Asia reached 12.9 million euros (+28.7% compared to 2024), a trend that continued in the first quarter of 2026 with an additional +12.8%. Also doing well is Singapore, which hosts the event: in 2025, Italian gelato exports to the city-state grew by almost 50% compared to 2024.
THE GELATO WORLD CUP AND THE DEBUT OF THE ASIA SELECTION AT “BREAD IN THE CITY”
The highlight event of the 2026 edition is the Gelato World Cup – Asia Selection, the Asian selection of the world gelato championship. Eight teams in competition – Australia, China, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka – to gain access to the world final, scheduled for January 2028 at SIGEP World in Rimini; also competing is the home team, the reigning world champion. Judging them, the great names of international gelato: Sergio Colalucci, president of the Gelato World Cup, with vice president Sergio Dondoli and honorary president Giancarlo Timballo.
In parallel, the Asia Selection of Bread in the City debuts, the world breadmaking championship that will see on the jury, among others, Matteo Cunsolo, president of Richemont Italy. The same week Singapore will also host the UIBC Congress (July 13-15), the international federation of bakers and pastry chefs.
FROM PIZZA TO PANETTONE, MASTERCLASSES AND TECHNOLOGY
Rich program of SIGEP Sessions, with masterclasses and talks guided by sector ambassadors. Two protagonists for pizza: Vincenzo Capuano, with techniques and philosophy of authentic Neapolitan pizza, and Antonio Brancato, owner of Anto, number one pizzeria in Singapore for 50 Top Pizza. For pastry, following the success of the World Panettone Cup – Asian Selection, master Giuseppe Piffaretti, creator of the competition, will reveal the secrets of the leavened symbol of Italian Christmas in a dedicated masterclass. Finally, space for innovation with the Technology Innovation Pavilion – robotics, artificial intelligence and digital solutions for catering – and with the RAS Leadership Symposium dedicated to AI in Foodservice.
«With the return of the Gelato World Cup Asia Selection to the SIGEP brand, the Asia Selection of the world breadmaking championship and the UIBC Congress, SIGEP Asia 2026 marks a significant moment for artisanal food culture and professional Foodservice in the region – declares Ilaria Cicero, CEO of IEG Asia and Global Exhibition Director Food & Beverage Division of IEG –. These international platforms not only celebrate talent and artisanal mastery, but create opportunities for training, collaboration and growth for the industry across Asia».
