SIGEP Expands Global Footprint With China Roadshow Italian Exhibition Group is doubling down on international expansion with SIGEP China, a two-day roadshow launching June 17–18 in Shanghai designed to introduce Italian artisan gelato to one of Asia's fastest-growing ice cream markets.

The event at Shanghai's PICH School will convene gelato producers, horeca operators, machinery manufacturers, and culinary students across sessions targeting media, professionals, and educators. It arrives on the heels of SIGEP USA's Las Vegas debut and signals the organization's broader strategy to establish a global network of regional events around Italian food and beverage specialties.

Market Opportunity in China

China's ice cream market hit 95 billion yuan (€12 billion) in 2025, with artisanal gelato accounting for approximately 7% of sales—a segment growing at 15–18% annually, according to Unione Italiana Food's Gelato Products Group. Shanghai, positioned as Asia's experiential retail hub, represents a strategic foothold.

A significant market shift is underway: more than 70% of Chinese consumers now purchase gelato year-round rather than seasonally, expanding addressable demand beyond summer months.

Two-Day Programming

June 17 opens with Italian and Chinese institutional partners, followed by demonstrations for media and influencers. Afternoon sessions target horeca operators, bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and investors exploring market entry.

June 18 shifts focus to PICH School students with theoretical instruction and hands-on workshops covering gelato history, production techniques, machinery, and distinctions between artisan, soft-serve, and industrial variants.

Speakers include Fabio De Cillis (ITA – Italian Trade Agency), Ludovico Santasilia (advisor to Unione Italiana Food), Achille Sassoli (ACOMAG), and Sergio Colalucci (President of Gelato World Cup).

Strategic Positioning

"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."

The roadshow is co-organized by ICE Agency, Unione Italiana Food, ACOMAG, and Gelato World Cup, and runs concurrent with Discover Gelato, a complementary initiative by Unione Italiana Food and ICE Agency.

Why It Matters

For gelato operators and equipment suppliers, SIGEP China signals a maturing Asian market willing to pay premium prices for artisanal quality. The winter-consumption trend and 15–18% growth rates suggest gelato is transitioning from seasonal novelty to year-round category in China. Operators considering regional expansion should view this roadshow as an early signal of where IEG—Europe's largest food-service trade show organizer—expects sustained growth.

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