Italian Foodservice Sectors Eye Growth in Turkey and Germany SIGEP World, the trade show operated by Italian Exhibition Group, is launching a two-city international roadshow targeting strategic growth markets. Events in Istanbul on October 26 and Munich on October 28 will connect Italian foodservice companies with local industry professionals, organized in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA).

Turkey: Coffee and Gelato Imports Surge Turkey represents a significant opportunity for Italian exporters.

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkish imports from Italy reached USD 18.4 million for coffee and USD 1.6 million for gelato in 2026. Beyond finished products, trade is particularly active in semi-finished goods, pastry and bakery mixes, and foodservice technologies. "Türkiye's gastronomy and restaurant scene is thriving, with remarkable dynamism and a steady emergence of successful new formats," said Marco Pintus, Director of ITA Istanbul. "To keep pace with this growth, local operators are showing strong interest in Italian expertise and technologies, which can deliver efficiency and high standards. SIGEP World is the natural platform for bringing the two sides together."

Germany Drives Italian Import Growth Germany is accelerating purchases of Italian foodservice products.

In the first seven months of 2026, German imports of Italian coffee reached EUR 350.5 million, up 28.4% year-over-year. Bakery products climbed to EUR 367.8 million (+5%), gelato to EUR 44.8 million (+10.5%), and food preparations to EUR 149.5 million (+25.7%). At the most recent SIGEP World edition, Germany ranked as the second-largest international visitor market at 6.6% of attendees and a leading source of international exhibitors. "Although the German Foodservice market is experiencing a challenging period, marked by significant price increases and a resulting tendency among consumers to favour more affordable options, demand for sustainable, high-quality products remains a distinguishing feature," said Dr Ferdinando Fiore, Director of ITA Berlin. "In this context, Made in Italy is recognised as a benchmark for authenticity, excellence and added value."

SIGEP World 2027 Expands International Focus The roadshow precedes SIGEP World 2027, scheduled for January 23-27 at the Rimini Expo Centre. The 48th edition aims to attract more than 1,000 international buyers. For 2027, SIGEP World plans to increase participation from retail chains, travel catering businesses, and luxury hotels through structured international delegations and business matchmaking programs. Vietnam will serve as the Guest Country for the 2027 edition, with government delegations and qualified buyers expected. As the world's second-largest coffee producer and leading Robusta exporter, Vietnam's participation will expand opportunities across the supply chain. "International markets offer different opportunities, which require an understanding of local contexts and the ability to build relationships with industry operators," said Ilaria Cicero, Global Exhibition Director of IEG Group's Food & Beverage Division. "Through SIGEP Meets the World, we are working precisely in this direction, bringing the expertise of Italian companies into contact with qualified counterparts."

Why It Matters

For Italian foodservice operators and suppliers, these roadshow events signal sustained demand in key European markets despite economic headwinds. The data—particularly double-digit growth in German coffee and gelato imports—validates that quality and authenticity still command premium positioning even as consumers face price pressures. The 2027 SIGEP expansion into Vietnam also suggests Italian exporters should prepare for competitive dynamics in emerging Asian foodservice markets.

For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.

Written by FBM Publications Editors