From March 24 to 26, 2026, Las Vegas hosted the first edition of SIGEP USA, held alongside the International Pizza Expo by Emerald. This debut marks a key strategic milestone in SIGEP’s international expansion, strengthening its positioning in the most important global Foodservice markets.
An international hub bridging innovation and the US market
SIGEP USA brought the very best of SIGEP World to the United States, featuring 15 leading companies from the gelato, pastry, chocolate, and coffee sectors: A.P.A., Casa Folino, Alcas, Bindi, Carpigiani, Disaronno Ingredients, Fabbri 1905, Gel Matic, Gelato Festival, Gelato Go, Ice Cream Mix Italia, Ice Team 1927, La Spaziale, Selmi, Truffly Made, and Watercut.
Many of these companies are members of the SIGEP Club, which brings together an elite group of brands sharing an international vision, and which play a leading role in the SIGEP network of events around the world.
Gelato Festival World Masters: the global grand finale
Among the most significant highlights of the event was the Grand Finale of the Gelato Festival World Masters, organized by Gelato Festival in collaboration with ICE – Italian Trade Agency, with the strategic support of Carpigiani, SIGEP World – Italian Exhibition Group, and Gelato World Tour.
After four years of international selections involving more than 3,500 gelato artisans, the world title was awarded to:
🥇 Christian Wu (Belgium) – Gelateria Giotto, Ixelles
The winning flavor, “The Hundred Acre Wood,” is a creation that combines technique and storytelling: fior di latte infused with wild honey and Scots pine, porcini mushroom crumble, and a lemon and honey swirl. A sophisticated balance that impressed the international jury for its technical precision and narrative depth.
🥈 Carlo Guerriero (Spain) – La Cremeria Gelato Italiano, Cádiz
With “Sherrymisu³,” a reinterpretation of tiramisu enriched with sherry notes, successfully bridging different culinary traditions.
🥉 Kees Baars (The Netherlands) – IJssalon IJsie Prima, Callantsoog
With “Seaside Delight,” a flavor inspired by the Dutch coastal landscape, transformed into a universally appealing experience.
The U.S. market: figures and opportunities
The launch of SIGEP USA comes at a particularly favorable time. The United States represents one of the main engines of global Foodservice and a strategic market for the spread of Italian gastronomic culture.
- The Italian restaurant sector is worth over $112 billion, with approximately 45,000 establishments (source: IBISWorld).
- The U.S. gelato market reached approximately $3.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to exceed $5 billion by 2033 (source: Grand View Research).
This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for premium, natural, and authentic products, which is fueling the expansion of artisanal gelato and its presence on Foodservice menus.
In this context, gelato is not only an iconic symbol of Italian heritage, but also a strategic tool to:
- expand product offerings,
- increase margins,
- capture new consumer trends.
SIGEP USA: a hub for the future of the industry
The Las Vegas debut confirms SIGEP as a global platform capable of connecting businesses, markets, and culinary cultures. A project focused on the future of international Foodservice, promoting Italian excellence while supporting companies in their growth across global markets.
