NEWS

• The 48^th edition of IEG’s event at Rimini Expo Centre from 23^rd to 27^th January 2027

• Gelato consumption, AIG: the Italian summer saw a 2% increase in volume compared with 2025, driven by seaside resorts (+12%)

• Following SIGEP Asia in Singapore and SIGEP Meets the World’s 8 global stops, spotlights also on technology, equipment, innovation and the announcement of VIETNAM as Guest Country

www.sigep.it

Rimini, 14^th September 2026 – To double up on the number of top buyers by going from 502 in 2026 to around 1,000: this is the aim of SIGEP World, thanks to the increased commitment of the ICE Agency and MAECI for the 2027 edition, which will unite the finest names in gelato, pastry, bakery, pizza, chocolate and coffee.

The 48^th edition of the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) event, to be held at Rimini Expo Centre from 23^rd to 27^th January 2027 will build on the 2026 figures: 1,300 brands, 138,000 square metres, 30 halls, operators from 160 countries (almost one in four visitors from abroad) and a 33% increase in foreign exhibitors. The 502 top buyers from 74 countries, brought in thanks to the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), generated 5,851 business meetings. In 2027, focus will be on retail chains, travel catering, the luxury hospitality sector and, with a new Guest Country, an International Pavilion, foreign delegations and international business matchmaking.

«Doubling up on top buyers with special experiences marks a transformation of SIGEP World,» says Ilaria Cicero, Global Exhibition Director of IEG’s Food & Beverage Division and CEO of IEG Asia (Singapore). «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.»

THE ITALIAN SUMMER’S GELATO FIGURES

Of all the sectors featured at SIGEP World, gelato is still central, and the figures confirm the sector’s importance. According to Claudio Pica, General Secretary of AIG, the Italian Gelato-makers’ Association (with over 3,800 member businesses), the average increase in gelato consumption in terms of volume is estimated at +2% compared with the 2025 tourist season. «We can divide Italy into three areas: seaside resorts saw a 12% growth compared with 2025, whilst this figure was around 8% in residential areas. As for major cities, we’re looking at an increase of around 1%. With this year’s scorching heat, the preference for afternoon consumption was for granitas and sorbets.» She then added: «It should, however, be pointed out that gelato parlour profitability has fallen by 6% due to the “heat tax”, which increased electricity and cooling costs, as well as the cost of skilled labour.»

NO LONGER JUST A TRADE SHOW: SIGEP IS A GLOBAL NETWORK

The SIGEP brand has now become an international network with events across three continents and a community that engages all year round. In July, SIGEP Asia returned to the Marina Bay Sands Expo in Singapore with the Gelato World Cup – Asia Selection. SIGEP USA will be back in the United States from 13^th to 15^th April 2027, whilst SIGEP China will take place in Shanghai in June 2027. Following stops in Chicago, São Paulo, Ho Chi Minh City and Tokyo, SIGEP Meets the World, which targets potential exhibitors, buyers and the media, will be in Warsaw, Istanbul, Munich and Paris, in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency and Chambers of Commerce. The strategy is rounded off by SIGEP Ambassadors, including the Gelato World Cup winners who are active in key markets.

The big news for 2027 will be Vietnam’s participation as Guest Country, a nation that is one of the most dynamic markets in the global foodservice sector: the out-of-home sector is, in fact, expected to reach 45.2 billion dollars by 2031 (up from 24.8 in 2025, a 10% annual increase). It is the world’s second-largest coffee producing country and the leading exporter of Robusta with exports up by 58.8%. In collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency and ICHAM, the project will bring a government delegation and new qualified buyers to Rimini.

The figures confirm the importance of exports and, consequently, of SIGEP World’s global network. According to ICE-Eurostat, in the first quarter of 2026, Italian gelato exports had already risen by 19% compared with the same period in 2025 (121 million euros compared with 102). From Australia (Oceania’s gelato exports totalled €8.8 million) to the world’s most dynamic markets, an ever-greater number of Italian gelato businesses are experiencing substantial growth. Gelato Messina, a renowned Australian artisan gelato parlour, is an Italian excellence success story that has recorded a 3-5% growth over the last five years. «It has been another excellent year for us and the gelato market in Australia has reached its peak in terms of strength and competitiveness,» reiterated founder Nick Palumbo.

TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT: THE ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAIN AT RIMINI

The technology sector at SIGEP World includes the Kitchen Equipment Hub, a global showcase for foodservice technologies, and the Digital District for robotics, AI and digital services. New features will include “The Orbital Kitchen” with BEX (Beyond Exploration Expo, an event also organised by IEG), an AI-powered kitchen with smart solutions that can be replicated on Earth; water purification systems; and pasta-making machinery. An EFCEM-ANIMA advisory board will be holding discussions at the show with European industry associations.

EXPERIENTIAL EVENTS

SIGEP World will see the debut of a new concept for fine pastry-making and coffee for the luxury hospitality sector featuring international executives and pastry chefs. Vision Plaza will host the SIGEP Vision think tank. The Sustainability District will be staging a symposium and a cupping area, whilst the Gelato World Cup – Europe Selection will be back with 8 nations competing for a place in the 2028 final. Then there will be Bread in the City – Bakery World Cup with the Richemont Club and the 7 Italian Barista Championships organised with the SCA, valid for the World Coffee Events. The Pizza Club will be hosting prominent figures and events such as 50TOP Pizza. Last but not least, SIGEP Academy – a day specifically for students – Discover Gelato with UIF and ACOMAG, and the SIGEP Youth Competition will be further coveted events.

*****

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP | media@iegexpo.it head of corporate communication & media relation: Elisabetta Vitali| press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini | international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi | press office coordinator: Luca Paganin | press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri.

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP World: Mind The Pop

Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 5994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358; Maria Laura Piazza: marialaura@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 3935641179

This press release contains forecasted elements and estimations that reflect current management opinions (“forward-looking statements”) especially regarding future managerial performances, investments, cash flow trends and financial organization evolution. By nature, forward-looking statements have an element of risk and uncertainty since they depend on future events. The effective results may therefore differ, even significantly, to those announced due to multiple factors including, merely by way of example: the catering market’s foreign trends and tourist flows in Italy, market trends in the gold-jewelry industry and in the green economy; developments in the price of raw materials; general macro-economic conditions; geo-political factors and changes in the legislative framework. Furthermore, the information in this press release does not claim to be complete, nor has it been verified by independent third parties. The forecasts, estimations and objectives presented herein are based on information available to the Company at the press release issue date

Ahead of the 48th edition, scheduled to take place in Rimini from 23 to 27 January 2027, the Ambassador of Italy to Japan, Mario Vattani, opens a networking evening in Tokyo dedicated to the gelato, pastry and chocolate, coffee, bakery and pizza supply chains, as well as technologies for professional foodservice.

TOKYO, 10 September 2026 – The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) are presenting SIGEP World 2027 today in Tokyo, the leading international event for professional foodservice and the out-of-home sector, and a global meeting point for the Gelato, Pastry and Chocolate, Coffee, Bakery and Pizza supply chains. The 48th edition will take place at Rimini Expo Centre from 23 to 27 January 2027. Hosted at THE AOYAMA GRAND HOTEL, the initiative brings together Japanese industry professionals, clients, trade associations and media representatives to strengthen business ties between the Japanese market and the Italian offer of ingredients, technologies, equipment and services.

The Ambassador of Italy to Tokyo, Mario Vattani will open the initiative, confirming the continued commitment of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to promoting Italian agri-food exports to Japan, one of the strategic objectives of the 2024–27 bilateral Action Plan. “In Japan, Italian agri-food excellence is widely appreciated, not only for the traditional quality of our products, ingredients and services, but also for the effectiveness with which our companies, through their daily work, are able to tell the story of territories, biodiversity, technologies and process innovation. Today, with SIGEP Meets the World in Tokyo, we are delighted to receive further confirmation of this.”

Also taking part are Ilaria Cicero, Global Exhibition Director, F&B Division at IEG and CEO of IEG Asia (Singapore), and Mr Daiki HIRAO of Owill Co., Ltd., who shares his experience of SIGEP 2025 and the value of the event for Japanese industry professionals.

Japan is a market characterised by a strong focus on quality, innovation and supply-chain reliability. In the first six months of 2026, Japanese imports of food and beverages from Italy reached €467 million. Significant increases were recorded in the categories most directly linked to SIGEP: roasted coffee +43.0%; bakery, pastry and biscuit products +38.2%; food preparations containing cocoa +25.2%; ice cream +0.5%.

Italy’s presence is part of a market that values quality, specialisation and the ability to innovate across the entire value chain: from raw materials to ingredients, from machinery to equipment, through to services and new solutions for professional foodservice.

“Japan is a benchmark market for those competing on quality and the ability to innovate. The first-half data show particularly positive momentum in several categories at the heart of SIGEP. For Italian companies, the event is a platform for presenting not only products, but also technologies, expertise and solutions across the entire supply chain. Our goal is to encourage an increasingly qualified presence of Japanese buyers and industry professionals in Rimini and to turn interest in Made in Italy into lasting business relationships.”, says Gianpaolo Bruno, Director of the ITA Office in Tokyo.

“SIGEP Meets the World in Tokyo is a strategic stage in SIGEP World’s internationalisation journey. Japan is one of the most sophisticated markets in the Asia-Pacific region and a natural counterpart for supply chains that combine quality, technology and innovation. Together with the Italian Trade Agency, we want to connect Italian suppliers more directly with Asian buyers and industry professionals, creating concrete opportunities for business, partnerships and growth.”, says Ilaria Cicero, Global Exhibition Director, F&B Division at IEG and CEO of IEG Asia (Singapore).

With more than 60 participants including members of the press, experts and industry professionals, and with the involvement of the Japan Pastry Association, the networking evening aims to strengthen Japanese participation at SIGEP World 2027 and promote new collaborations among companies, distributors and professional operators, highlighting the complementary strengths, expertise and innovation capabilities of the two systems.

STATISTICAL DATA

Japan: imports from Italy

Selected categories: food preparations containing cocoa; bakery, pastry and biscuit products; roasted coffee; ice cream

Millions of euros and percentages

Source: TDM – Trade Data Monitor

Press contacts:

ITA Office in Tokyo

Director: Gianpaolo Bruno

tokyo@ice.it

●        Italian Exhibition Group's international roadshow continues, in collaboration with the ICE Agency, dedicated to strategic Foodservice markets: on September 8, an event in Ho Chi Minh City will put the spotlight on Vietnam, Guest Country of the next edition of SIGEP World, scheduled in Rimini from January 23 to 27, 2027.

●        Among the most dynamic countries in Asia, Vietnam represents a strategic partner for Made in Italy thanks to the growth of the out-of-home sector, which is expected to reach an estimated value of $45.2 billion by 2031, and to its global leadership in the coffee supply chain: two assets at the heart of the Guest Country project.

www.sigep.it

Rimini, [XX] 2026 - Italian Exhibition Group's international journey of SIGEP Meets the World continues, the roadshow that brings the SIGEP World network into the most dynamic markets of the global Foodservice industry. On September 8 the traveling format will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City for an event of particular strategic relevance: Vietnam will in fact be the Guest Country of SIGEP World 2027, the leading Foodservice event scheduled in Rimini from January 23 to 27, 2027. The initiative is part of an international promotion program in collaboration with the ICE Agency - the Agency for the promotion abroad and internationalization of Italian companies, with the goal of strengthening dialogue between Italian companies, institutions and Vietnamese operators in the gelato, pastry & choco, coffee, bakery and pizza sectors.

A RAPIDLY EXPANDING MARKET
The designation of Vietnam as Guest Country reflects the country's growing weight in the out-of-home economy. According to the latest estimates, the sector will reach a value of $45.2 billion by 2031, up from $24.8 billion in 2025, growing at an average annual rate of over 10%. Vietnam is also the world's second-largest coffee producer and the leading exporter of the Robusta variety, with an estimated production of 30.8 million bags in the 2025/2026 season. In 2025, coffee export value reached $8.92 billion, up 58.8%, while the domestic market continues to expand thanks to rising consumption and the development of major local chains.

A BRIDGE TOWARD SIGEP WORLD 2027
The Ho Chi Minh City stop represents an important opportunity for dialogue with institutions, associations, buyers, companies and specialized Vietnamese media ahead of SIGEP World 2027. The Guest Country project, in collaboration with the ICE Agency and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM), includes an official government delegation and qualified buyers, a dedicated area showcasing the country's excellences, workshops on business opportunities, B2B meetings and networking initiatives to foster new business relationships and highlight synergies between the Vietnamese production system and the international business community.

«The choice of Vietnam as Guest Country of SIGEP World 2027 stems from the desire to showcase a country that represents the ideal meeting point between excellence in raw material production and the technological innovation of Made in Italy. Vietnam is today one of the most dynamic countries for the sector and a strategic partner for the international development of our network. Thanks to the support of the ICE Agency, with SIGEP Meets the World we want to build a concrete bridge between Vietnamese institutions, businesses and professionals and the international community that gathers in Rimini every year, fostering new relationships and business opportunities», said Ilaria Cicero, Global Exhibition Director Food & Beverage Division at IEG and CEO of IEG Asia in Singapore.

«Vietnam is today one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia for the foodservice sector, and its participation as Guest Country at SIGEP World 2027 reflects the country's growing relevance on the international stage. For the ICE Agency, this initiative represents an important opportunity to strengthen economic relations between Italy and Vietnam and to showcase the excellence of Italian technologies and production. SIGEP World will give Vietnamese operators the opportunity to get to know up close a unique ecosystem of innovation, quality and know-how, helping to develop new partnerships between Italian companies and Vietnamese operators», said Ilaria Piccinni, Director of ICE Ho Chi Minh City.

«SIGEP World 2027 will represent an international showcase for a Vietnam that is establishing itself as one of the emerging gastronomic destinations, with growing international recognition, leveraging its extraordinary culinary heritage as a lever for innovation, attractiveness, economic development and international cooperation. This participation will offer new opportunities for business, integration, educational and training exchange, as well as growth between Italy and Vietnam across the entire foodservice, hospitality and food & beverage excellence supply chain, further strengthening economic relations between our two countries», said Simonetta Di Domenico, Vice President of ICHAM Vietnam.

*****

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP World: Mind The Pop

Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358;

Maria Laura Piazza: marialaura@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 3935641179;

Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848;

Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272;

Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 5994;

Il presente comunicato stampa contiene elementi previsionali e stime che riflettono le attuali opinioni del management (“forward- looking statements”) specie per quanto riguarda performance gestionali future, realizzazione di investimenti, andamento dei flussi di cassa ed evoluzione della struttura finanziaria. I forward-looking statements hanno per loro natura una componente di rischio e incertezza perché dipendono dal verificarsi di eventi futuri. I risultati effettivi potranno differire anche in misura significativa rispetto a quelli annunciati, in relazione a una pluralità di fattori tra cui, a solo titolo esemplificativo: andamento del mercato della ristorazione fuori casa e dei flussi turistici in Italia, andamento del mercato orafo - gioielliero, andamento del mercato della green economy; evoluzione del prezzo delle materie prime; condizioni macroeconomiche generali; fattori geopolitici ed evoluzioni del quadro normativo. Le informazioni contenute nel presente comunicato, inoltre, non pretendono di essere complete, né sono state verificate da terze parti indipendenti. Le proiezioni, le stime e gli obiettivi qui presentati si basano sulle informazioni a disposizione della Società alla data del presente comunicato.

·       The event is scheduled for July 15-17 at Marina Bay Sands Expo and is organized by IEG Asia in co-location with Restaurant Asia and realized in collaboration with the Restaurant Association of Singapore. The highlight event is the Gelato World Cup – Asia Selection, which grants access to the SIGEP World world final in Rimini in January 2028

·       Meanwhile, the reference market is responding positively: according to data processed by ICE based on Eurostat surveys, in 2025 Italian Foodservice exports to East Asia exceeded 4.1 billion euros (+6% compared to 2023), with gelato reaching 12.9 million (+28.7% compared to 2024), also growing in the first quarter of 2026 (+12.8%)

www.sigep.it

Rimini, July 13, 2026 – 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.

LA GELATO WORLD CUP E IL DEBUTTO DELL’ASIA SELECTION DI ‘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».

*****

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP | media@iegexpo.it
head of corporate communication & media relation: Elisabetta Vitali|
press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini | international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi | press office coordinator: Luca Paganin | press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP World: Mind The Pop

Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 5994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358; Maria Laura Piazza: marialaura@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 3935641179

Il presente comunicato stampa contiene elementi previsionali e stime che riflettono le attuali opinioni del management (“forward- looking statements”) specie per quanto riguarda performance gestionali future, realizzazione di investimenti, andamento dei flussi di cassa ed evoluzione della struttura finanziaria. I forward-looking statements hanno per loro natura una componente di rischio e incertezza perché dipendono dal verificarsi di eventi futuri. I risultati effettivi potranno differire anche in misura significativa rispetto a quelli annunciati, in relazione a una pluralità di fattori tra cui, a solo titolo esemplificativo: andamento del mercato della ristorazione fuori casa e dei flussi turistici in Italia, andamento del mercato orafo - gioielliero, andamento del mercato della green economy; evoluzione del prezzo delle materie prime; condizioni macroeconomiche generali; fattori geopolitici ed evoluzioni del quadro normativo. Le informazioni contenute nel presente comunicato, inoltre, non pretendono di essere complete, né sono state verificate da terze parti indipendenti. Le proiezioni, le stime e gli obiettivi qui presentati si basano sulle informazioni a disposizione della Società alla data del presente comunicato.

Networking cocktails, international relations and a global vision: an eight-stop tour across four continents for Italian Exhibition Group’s new roadshow format leading up to SIGEP World 2027. The tour officially kicks off next Monday, May 18, at Gene & Georgetti.

www.sigep.it

Chicago, May 13, 2026 – SIGEP Meets the World, the networking format created by Italian Exhibition Group to promote the vision of SIGEP World, officially launches in Chicago next Monday, May 18. SIGEP World is the leading international trade show dedicated to Gelato, Pastry, Bakery, Coffee, Chocolate and Pizza, and every January in Rimini it becomes the global meeting point where professionals do business, anticipate trends and shape the future of high-end Foodservice.

The upcoming tour introduces an enhanced format designed for the most dynamic Foodservice markets worldwide. Between now and November, the roadshow will stop in eight cities across four continents, combining business opportunities and networking in the major capitals of contemporary Ho.Re.Ca. Following the United States, the tour will continue in Brazil, Vietnam, Japan, Poland, Turkey, Germany and France.

Chicago marks the first stage of a format aimed at reinforcing SIGEP World’s global reach: a trade show ecosystem that, originating from the heart of Rimini, now extends its international leadership through the annual editions of SIGEP USA in Las Vegas and SIGEP Asia in Singapore, ensuring extensive coverage of the world’s leading premium Foodservice markets.

CHICAGO, FIRST NETWORKING STOP FOR SIGEP WORLD
The event will take place on May 18 at Gene & Georgetti, a historic name in American hospitality located in the heart of Chicago. The invitation-only networking cocktail event aims to bring together buyers, distributors and wholesalers, food & beverage importers, restaurant and coffee shop chains, manufacturers interested in the Italian market, as well as professionals specializing in Foodservice technologies and equipment.

THE PROGRAM
The evening will begin at 6 p.m. at the award-winning Tuscan-inspired venue on Franklin Street, in the heart of the North River district, with welcome remarks by Ilaria Cicero, Global Exhibition Director of IEG’s Food & Beverage Division. Buyers attending the event will also share their experience visiting SIGEP in Rimini and discuss the business and networking opportunities generated by the show. The event will continue with a convivial networking moment in a relaxed atmosphere designed to encourage exchange and dialogue among participants — a taste of Italian hospitality.

«With the Chicago event - comments Ilaria Cicero, Global Exhibition Director of IEG’s Food & Beverage Division - we are launching a long-term strategic journey that, over the coming months, will help strengthen an increasingly extensive network of relationships among companies, markets and cultures, while also creating new ones, building on SIGEP’s heritage of expertise, know-how and valuable partnerships».

Leading companies from SIGEP World’s key sectors — Gelato, Pastry, Bakery, Coffee, Chocolate and Pizza — will attend the event in Chicago, showcasing ingredients, technologies, equipment and new business models capable of connecting global demand with the innovative drive of Made in Italy.

The roadshow will accompany the international community toward SIGEP World 2027, scheduled to take place from January 23–27, 2027 at the Rimini Expo Centre, the world’s benchmark event for Foodservice excellence. The 2026 edition further confirmed the show’s international standing, attracting professionals from 160 countries, more than 500 top buyers from 75 nations, and recording significant growth in the participation of international companies, with exhibitors from 45 countries.

STRATEGIC PARTNERS
SIGEP Meets the World is organized by IEG in collaboration with the Italian American Chamber of Commerce Midwest, with the strategic support of ITA – Italian Trade Agency, as part of the international promotion program aimed at enhancing Italian Foodservice excellence across major global markets.

SIGEP WORLD 2026 IN FIGURES
138,000 sqm exhibition area
1,400 exhibiting brands (+8%) from 47 countries
198,000 attendees from 160 countries
502 Top Buyers from 75 countries with more than 5,800 business meetings

SIGEP NETWORK – SIGEP’s INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW EVENTS
SIGEP CHINA, Shanghai, June 17–18, 2026
SIGEP ASIA, Singapore, July 15–17, 2026
SIGEP WORLD, Rimini, Italy, January 23–27, 2027
SIGEP USA, Las Vegas, April 13–15, 2027

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP | media@iegexpo.it
head of corporate communication & media relation: Elisabetta Vitali|
press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini | international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi | press office coordinator: Luca Paganin | press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP World: Mind The Pop

Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 5994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

Il presente comunicato stampa contiene elementi previsionali e stime che riflettono le attuali opinioni del management (“forward- looking statements”) specie per quanto riguarda performance gestionali future, realizzazione di investimenti, andamento dei flussi di cassa ed evoluzione della struttura finanziaria. I forward-looking statements hanno per loro natura una componente di rischio e incertezza perché dipendono dal verificarsi di eventi futuri. I risultati effettivi potranno differire anche in misura significativa rispetto a quelli annunciati, in relazione a una pluralità di fattori tra cui, a solo titolo esemplificativo: andamento del mercato della ristorazione fuori casa e dei flussi turistici in Italia, andamento del mercato orafo - gioielliero, andamento del mercato della green economy; evoluzione del prezzo delle materie prime; condizioni macroeconomiche generali; fattori geopolitici ed evoluzioni del quadro normativo. Le informazioni contenute nel presente comunicato, inoltre, non pretendono di essere complete, né sono state verificate da terze parti indipendenti. Le proiezioni, le stime e gli obiettivi qui presentati si basano sulle informazioni a disposizione della Società alla data del presente comunicato.

·        From tomorrow until March 26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in conjunction with the International Pizza Expo (IPE) organized by Emerald

·        Already present in China and Singapore, with its arrival in the USA, Italian Exhibition Group’s SIGEP World - the world expo for foodservice excellence, strengthens the global network for professional operators in the gelato, pastry & chocolate, coffee, bakery and pizza sectors

Rimini, 23^rd March 2026 – Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has launched another overseas initiative. After last January’s edition of SIGEP World at Rimini Expo Center – which, with 1,300 exhibiting brands and operators from 160 countries, confirmed the event’s role as an international Foodservice excellence hub - the leading event for the gelato, pastry & chocolate, coffee, bakery and pizza sectors is taking a further step in its global development. From tomorrow to March 26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, SIGEP World will be making its debut on the US market with the first edition of SIGEP USA as part of the International Pizza Expo (IPE) organized by Emerald.

The Rimini edition highlighted a growth in internationalization, strengthening SIGEP World’s role as a global platform for top foodservice supply chains and companies amid innovation and new business models.

“With the US debut,” says IEG CEO, Corrado Peraboni, “Sigep's international network consolidates its presence in the most dynamic global foodservice markets. In 2026, we will also be holding SIGEP China with the roadshow scheduled for spring in Shanghai, and SIGEP Asia from 15 to 17 July in Singapore. The Las Vegas event completes a strategy that covers some of the most strategic areas for the sector’s global development.”

Ilaria Cicero, recently nominated as IEG’s global exhibition director, Food&Beverage Division, comments:

“SIGEP USA is an important step in the international development of the SIGEP brand. After the success of Rimini and the consolidation of the shows in Asia, our debut in the United States will allow us to build an increasingly integrated network between companies, professionals and markets, and consequently enhance the excellence of gelato, pastry, coffee and chocolate supply chains around the world".

THE U.S. MARKET AND THE POWER OF ITALIANNESS

The US market is one of the main drivers of global Foodservice as well as one of the most important areas for the diffusion of Italian gastronomic culture: the Italian restaurant sector is worth over 112 billion dollars, with 45,000 businesses involved, confirming the strong demand for products and formats linked to Italian cuisine (source: IBISWorld - Italian Restaurants Industry Report). In this scenario, the premium desserts segment inspired by Italian tradition is also growing. In 2024, the United States’ gelato market amounted to approximately $3.6 billion and could exceed $5 billion by 2033 supported by the growing demand for artisanal and authentic desserts linked to Italian food tradition (source: Grand View Research – U.S. Gelato Market Report). Consumer interest in premium, natural and high-quality products is, in fact, driving the growing popularity of artisanal gelato and its presence on Foodservice and catering menus (source: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-gelato-market-report). A high-profit product and a tool that can expand the offer and increase margins.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS FOR PROMOTING ITALIAN EXCELLENCE

SIGEP USA has been organized in collaboration with ITA – Italian Trade Agency, a strategic partner in the international promotion of Italian companies and the enhancement of Made-in-Italy excellence around the world. Another strategic partnership involves Emerald, the organizer of the International Pizza Expo, the most important event for pizza in the United States. Hence, a dialogue between two internationally- renowned symbolic products of Italian cuisine - pizza and artisanal gelato - which will result in new business opportunities for the entire sector.

GELATO A KEY PLAYER ALSO IN THE UNITED STATES

The central role of gelato in the SIGEP world will be confirmed by the Gelato Festival World Masters Grand Finale, which will take place during the International Pizza Expo. This international competition features the world’s best gelato makers. SIGEP, together with Carpigiani, is a strategic partner in the project, which saw the conclusion of the international selections at SIGEP World in Rimini, where the Italian final took place.

PARTICIPATING COMPANIES AND THE DEBUT OF SIGEP CLUB

SIGEP USA will feature leading companies in the gelato, pastry, chocolate and coffee sectors, some of which will be joining the SIGEP Club for the first time, a recognition for brands that participate in multiple SIGEP network events around the world. The Club consists of an elite of companies that share an international vision and contribute to building value at all the Sigep brand’s venues.

PRESS CONTACT - ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

head of media & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Pier Francesco Bellini, Marco Forcellini; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; press office coordinator: Luca Paganin; press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri; press office assistant: Julia Andreatta media@iegexpo.it

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release, does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

·       Cicero will lead SIGEP WORLD, BEER & FOOD ATTRACTION, BB TECH EXPO, MIXOLOGY ATTRACTION, and the Group's abroad food-related trade shows.

Rimini, March 13, 2026 – IEG – ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP is focusing on outstanding professionalism for the Italian and international development of a key area of ​​its business: food & beverage.

Ilaria Cicero is the new global exhibition director of IEG's Food & Beverage Division, which includes the great SIGEP WORLD—which showcases the excellence of artisan gelato, pastry, bakery, pizza, and coffee worldwide—, BEER & FOOD ATTRACTION, BB TECH EXPO, MIXOLOGY ATTRACTION, and the international food-related events in Asia and the United States.

In addition to this new role, she will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of IEG Asia in Singapore. Ilaria Cicero holds a law degree and a Ph.D. in European Community Law, an LL.M. from the University of London, and several specialized master's degrees. Prior to leading IEG Asia, she served as Group General Counsel, M&A Executive Director, and Head of the Corporate & International Development Division of the Fiera Milano Group. In the trade fair and conference sector, she has also gained experience in areas such as Food & Beverage, Hospitality, Lifestyle, Retail, Oil & Gas, and Interior & Design.

Throughout her career, Cicero has led successful transactions, acquiring expertise in areas such as M&A, Venture Capital, IPOs, and closing joint venture agreements not only in Italy, but also in Germany, France, the United States, Brazil, Turkey, the Middle East, Russia, China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Before entering the Trade fairs industry, she worked at a US law firm, handling projects involving private equity funds.

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP | media@iegexpo.it
head of corporate communication & media relation: Elisabetta Vitali| press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini | international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi | press office coordinator: Luca Paganin | press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP | media@iegexpo.it
head of corporate communication & media relation: Elisabetta Vitali| press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini | international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi | press office coordinator: Luca Paganin | press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management’s current opinions (“forward-looking statements”), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release does not claim to be complete and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

• +33% growth in exhibitors from 45 countries, showcasing the excellence of Italian foodservice supply chains.
• Sigep reconfirmed the world’s most comprehensive and qualified showcase of Italian gelato.
• Almost one in four visitors are from abroad, with Spain, Germany, Romania, France, Greece and Poland leading the way.
• 500 top buyers from 75 countries and 5,650 business meetings facilitated through the Top Buyer Program. ​India Guest Country 2026: 50 leading buyers and specialised operators.

Rimini, 20 January 2026 —Just over a month after Italian cuisine was recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, SIGEP World has become a key meeting point for the international foodservice industry, bringing together markets, consumption patterns and business visions. ​The event, curated by Italian Exhibition Group at Rimini Expo Centre, ran from 16 to 20 January, reaffirming its position as a global platform for the gelato, pastry, chocolate, coffee, bakery, and pizza industries. This was particularly significant, given the value of the out-of-home sector, which is worth €71 billion in Italy alone (source: Circana). ​The presence of the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests, Francesco Lollobrigida – preceded by the Minister for Disabilities, Alessandra Locatelli – and the President of the Italian Trade Agency, Matteo Zoppas, highlighted the strategic importance of the industry and the development of human capital for its competitiveness.

GLOBAL FIGURES: INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY AND DEMAND FROM 160 COUNTRIES

The 2026 edition saw a significant increase in international participation, with a 33% rise in foreign exhibitors from 45 countries, alongside a strong and high-quality Italian presence. ​New entries include Canada, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Ecuador, Estonia, Serbia, Singapore, Nepal, and the Czech Republic. ​This global initiative received a strong response, confirming the success of the previous edition: operators from 160 countries, with almost one in four visitors coming from abroad. ​The top six foreign countries: Spain (8.9%), Germany (6.6%), Romania (4.9%), France (4.1%), Greece (4.0%), and Poland (3.8%). The fastest-growing countries by continent: the United States (+2%), Argentina (+40%), the Philippines (+78%), and Serbia (+29%). Many African countries are attending the fair for the first time, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Guinea. ​All chose Rimini as a key location to discover emerging trends, technologies, and formats. ​The Top Buyer Program, a strategic collaboration between the Italian Trade Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, played a crucial role in bringing 500 buyers from 75 countries to Rimini, with notable representation from the United States, India, Canada, China, Brazil, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore. ​The encounter between supply and demand resulted in 5,650 business meetings, confirming SIGEP World as a working platform for international business development.

India was the Guest Country for 2026, with a delegation of 50 top buyers, institutional representatives, and exhibitors specialising in ice cream technology, confirming the dynamism of the Indian market in the foodservice and hospitality sectors. ​The 2026 edition also saw a significant increase in foreign press coverage, with a total of 802 accredited journalists, including many international correspondents from dozens of countries.

ENGAGING WITH INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

Interaction with top drawer global players was also particularly important and evident through the presence of National Pavilions and collectives from Saudi Arabia (debuting after the Guest Country 2025 project), China, and Ukraine. An ecosystem in which ingredients, technologies, and formats converged across geographical boundaries, reflecting an increasingly interconnected and hybrid foodservice landscape.

GELATO: A STRATEGIC LEVER FOR GLOBAL FOODSERVICE

A cornerstone of SIGEP World’s identity, artisan gelato remains not only a symbol of Italian excellence in 2026, but also a strategic asset for the global foodservice industry, capable of generating profit, differentiation, and new opportunities across various markets and formats. ​With Gelato Meets Chains, the event developed a project aimed at international restaurant, hotel, coffee shop and bakery chains, encouraging the inclusion of gelato in global menus. ​To reinforce this vision, the international campaign “What is Gelato?” and the guide “Gelato means Business” provided data, models, and concrete examples to demonstrate how gelato can generate high margins, seasonally adjusted consumption, and a rapid return on investment.

LUXURY FOOD EXPERIENCE: FOOD AS A NEW LANGUAGE OF HOSPITALITY

The Luxury Hotel Food Experience project also received significant attention, fostering a closer relationship between the hotel and foodservice industries. It found one of its fullest expressions at SIGEP World, showcasing breakfast as a true measure of contemporary hospitality. ​At Pastry Arena, breakfast was presented as a complete experience - a ritual that can become an economic lever and a means of differentiation for international hotels and formats.

SUSTAINABILITY DISTRICT: SUPPLY CHAINS, ORIGINS, INNOVATION

Sustainability has become a key focus of supply chain strategies, highlighted by the Sustainability District, which sparked an international dialogue on cocoa, coffee, and the new frontiers of sustainable food. ​The area connected producers, cooperatives, institutions, and companies across the entire value chain, bringing the voices of the countries of origin to the event, alongside technological solutions, energy innovations, and new models of cooperation. ​From Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania and Kenya) to Latin America (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Dominican Republic), the district showcased supply chains increasingly focused on transparency, market orientation and responsibility.

CROSS-CUTTING PROJECTS: SUPPLY CHAINS MORE CONNECTED THAN EVER

SIGEP World also highlighted that the foodservice industry is no longer operating in isolated sectors, but through increasingly interconnected supply chains. ​Cross-cutting projects like the Kitchen Equipment Hub, the Frozen Product Hub, and the Digital District demonstrated how equipment, frozen solutions, and digital technologies are now essential factors in format design, operational management, and international business growth.

NEXT-GEN SIGEP: TRAINING IN NUMBERS

A key focus was also on the next generation of professionals, through SIGEP Giovani, SIGEP Academy’s training and competition programme for schools and vocational institutes. ​The initiative involved 53 Italian institutes and universities from 14 regions, with a total of over 2,750 participants. The international presence grew, with delegations from Serbia (5 vocational training institutes from Belgrade and over 360 participants) and Slovenia (115 participants from three-year university courses and vocational training institutes). ​The SIGEP Academy programme also hosted 10 fully sold-out events dedicated to schools, with 270 participants.

INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: A PROVEN SUCCESS

Completing the picture, the success of major international championships – from the Gelato World Cup (won by Singapore, followed by France and Argentina) to the Juniores Pastry World Cup – has reinforced SIGEP World as a global showcase for talent and expertise, further strengthening the connection between training, excellence, and the industry’s future.

SIGEP WORLD: KEY FOODSERVICE MARKETS

Finally, the show’s global profile is further strengthened by an international development strategy that extends far beyond Rimini. ​Upcoming events include SIGEP USA, scheduled for 24-26 March 2026 in Las Vegas, the SIGEP China roadshow in Shanghai in spring 2026, and SIGEP Asia, taking place 15-17 July 2026 in Singapore, all aimed at addressing some of the most dynamic areas of the global foodservice industry.

IMPROVED AIR CONNECTIONS AND OPTIMISED CITY MOBILITY

The event’s growing international reach was boosted by improved connections and access services for buyers and exhibitors. ​New direct flights to Rimini from Munich and Madrid were launched, alongside a partnership with the Lufthansa Group that offers discounted fares to Bologna Airport from over 310 destinations worldwide.

Regarding road traffic, the expo centre’s opening hours from 10 am to 6 pm, the reorganisation of the road network, and the optimisation of public transport services – thanks to close collaboration with the Municipality of Rimini – all contributed to smoother traffic flow, significantly improving road conditions and reducing peak-hour congestion.

Italian Exhibition Group looks forward to hosting the next edition of SIGEP World at Rimini Expo Centre from 23rd to 27th January, 2027.

ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP PRESS CONTACTS| media@iegexpo.it
head of corporate communication & media relation: Elisabetta Vitali|
press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini | international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi | press office coordinator: Luca Paganin | press office specialist: Nicoletta Evangelisti, Mirko Malgieri

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP World: Mind The Pop

Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 5994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release, does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.