Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) is targeting a doubling of top buyers at SIGEP World 2027 in Rimini, aiming to lift numbers from 502 in 2026 to around 1,000.
The 48th edition of the gelato, pastry, bakery, pizza, chocolate and coffee event will run at Rimini Expo Centre, 23-27 January 2027, and will be supported by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (MAECI).
The 2026 edition attracted 1,300 brands across 138,000sqm in 30 halls, with operators from 160 countries and almost one in four visitors from abroad. Foreign exhibitor numbers rose 33%.
The 502 buyers from 74 countries in 2026generated 5,851 business meetings. For 2027, organisers are prioritising retail chains, travel catering and the luxury hospitality sector, alongside a new Guest Country, International Pavilion, foreign delegations and enhanced international business matchmaking.
“Doubling up on top buyers with special experiences marks a transformation of SIGEP World,” said Ilaria Cicero, global exhibition director of IEG’s Food & Beverage Division and CEO of IEG Asia. “SIGEP is now a global network that builds relationships between businesses, markets and cultures all year round. Its offer range embraces the entire supply chain, from raw materials to the most advanced technologies.”
Gelato remains central to the show and Claudio Pica, general secretary of the Italian Gelato-makers’ Association (AIG), estimated average volume growth of 2% in the 2026 tourist season versus 2025. Profitability in the sector, however, fell 6% due to higher electricity, cooling and skilled labour costs. Italian gelato exports rose 19% in the first quarter of 2026 to €12m.
SIGEP has evolved into a year-round international network. SIGEP Asia returned to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands in July with the Gelato World Cup – Asia Selection. SIGEP USA is scheduled for 13-15 April 2027 and SIGEP China for Shanghai in June 2027.
The SIGEP Meets the World roadshows will visit Warsaw, Istanbul, Munich and Paris. Vietnam will be Guest Country in 2027, reflecting its dynamic out-of-home foodservice market, projected to reach $45.2bn by 2031, and its position as the world’s second-largest coffee producer.
Technology features at SIGEP 2027 will include the Kitchen Equipment Hub and a Digital District, while experiential highlights encompass a new luxury hospitality concept for pastry and coffee, the SIGEP Vision think tank, Sustainability District, Gelato World Cup – Europe Selection, Bread in the City – Bakery World Cup, Italian Barista Championships and SIGEP Academy events for students.
