Following the debut of SIGEP USA in Las Vegas, the international network of SIGEP World – organized by Italian Exhibition Group – continues its global development path with SIGEP China, the roadshow scheduled for June 17–18 at the PICH School in Shanghai and dedicated to promoting Italian artisan gelato in the Chinese market. Organized by IEG in partnership with ICE Agency, Unione Italiana Food – Gelato Products Group, ACOMAG (Italian Association of Manufacturers of Machinery, Furnishings and Equipment for Gelato), and Gelato World Cup, SIGEP China is part of the international strategy of the SIGEP brand aimed at promoting worldwide the Italian excellence of the gelato, pastry, coffee, bakery and pizza supply chains through events, networking opportunities and training activities in markets with the highest growth potential. The event will take place simultaneously with Discover Gelato, organized by Unione Italiana Food – Gelato Products Group in partnership with ICE Agency, further strengthening the promotion and awareness of Italian artisan gelato abroad.
THE GROWTH OF GELATO IN ASIA
China is currently one of the most dynamic markets for the gelato sector. According to data processed by Unione Italiana Food – Gelato Products Group, in 2025 the Chinese ice cream market exceeded 95 billion yuan – equivalent to more than €12 billion – with the artisanal segment accounting for approximately 7% of the total and recording annual growth rates between 15% and 18%. Shanghai, Asia’s capital of experiential retail and international dining, represents one of the most strategic environments for the development of Italian artisan gelato, within a consumption trend that is becoming increasingly less seasonal. According to data from Unione Italiana Food – Gelato Products Group, more than 70% of Chinese consumers state that they consume gelato during the winter season as well, confirming new growth opportunities for the entire Foodservice supply chain.
THE PROGRAMME
The roadshow will be structured over two days dedicated to media, horeca professionals and students. June 17 will feature the opening day with the participation of Italian and Chinese institutions, project partners and the press, followed by demonstration sessions and activities dedicated to media and influencers. In the afternoon, professional training sessions will be held for horeca operators, bakeries, cafés, restaurants and investors interested in business opportunities within the sector in China.
June 18 will instead be dedicated to students of the PICH School, with theoretical lessons and practical workshops on the history of Italian gelato, production techniques, machinery, and the differences between artisan, soft-serve and industrial gelato. Speakers will include Fabio De Cillis for ITA – Italian Trade Agency, Ilaria Cicero for Italian Exhibition Group, Ludovico Santasilia, advisor to Unione Italiana Food – Gelato Products Group, Achille Sassoli for ACOMAG, and Sergio Colalucci, President of Gelato World Cup.
THE CULTURAL VALUE OF ITALIAN ARTISAN GELATO
SIGEP China was created with the aim of promoting the cultural, professional and industrial value of Italian artisan gelato. The roadshow will highlight not only the quality of the final product, but also Italian excellence in technologies, machinery and professional ingredients for gelato production. At the heart of the initiative is also the ability of Italian artisan gelato to combine tradition, innovation and adaptation to local tastes.
«Following the successful debut of SIGEP USA, SIGEP China represents a further step in the international development of the SIGEP brand and its global network» said Ilaria Cicero, Global Exhibition Director of IEG’s Food & Beverage Division. «Through international roadshows and SIGEP Meets the World activities, we continue to create opportunities for businesses, professionals and strategic markets to connect, promoting worldwide the excellence of Italian artisan gelato and the entire Foodservice supply chain».
