SIGEP World 2027 plans to nearly double the number of international hosted buyers at its 48th edition, scheduled for Jan. 23–27 at Rimini Expo Centre in Rimini, Italy.
Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), which organizes the event, is targeting approximately 1,000 top buyers for 2027, up from 502 at the 2026 edition. The expansion will receive additional support from the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
The 2026 show brought 502 top buyers from 74 countries to Rimini, generating 5,851 business meetings. Overall, the event featured 1,300 brands across 138,000 square meters and 30 halls, with industry professionals attending from 160 countries. According to IEG, nearly one in four visitors came from outside Italy, while international exhibitor participation increased 33 percent.
“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 (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.”
International Reach Expands
SIGEP World covers the gelato, pastry, bakery, pizza, chocolate, and coffee sectors. For 2027, organizers are placing additional emphasis on retail chains, travel catering, and luxury hospitality while expanding international business matchmaking and foreign delegations.
Vietnam will participate as the 2027 Guest Country. Working with the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM), organizers plan to bring a government delegation and additional buyers to Rimini. An International Pavilion will also support the show’s international expansion.
The Rimini event is part of a broader SIGEP network that now extends across three continents. SIGEP Asia returned to Singapore in July, while SIGEP USA is scheduled for April 13–15, 2027, and SIGEP China is planned for Shanghai in June 2027.
SIGEP Meets the World, a program targeting prospective exhibitors, buyers, and media, has made stops in Chicago, São Paulo, Ho Chi Minh City, and Tokyo. Additional stops are planned for Warsaw, Istanbul, Munich, and Paris.
Technology and Experiences Join the Show Floor
The 2027 show will also expand its technology and equipment programming. The Kitchen Equipment Hub will focus on foodservice technologies, while the Digital District will feature robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital services.
Among the planned additions is The Orbital Kitchen, developed with Beyond Exploration Expo (BEX), another IEG-organized event. The concept will explore an artificial intelligence-powered kitchen and related technologies, alongside water purification systems and pasta-making machinery.
SIGEP World will also debut a fine pastry and coffee concept aimed at the luxury hospitality sector. Vision Plaza will host the SIGEP Vision think tank, while the Sustainability District will include a symposium and cupping area.
Competition programming will include the Gelato World Cup Europe Selection, with eight nations competing for places in the 2028 final, as well as Bread in the City, the Bakery World Cup, and seven Italian Barista Championships organized with the Specialty Coffee Association. Other programming will include the Pizza Club, SIGEP Academy, Discover Gelato, and the SIGEP Youth Competition.
SIGEP World is organized by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) and brings together businesses and professionals from the gelato, pastry, bakery, pizza, chocolate, coffee, and foodservice technology sectors. For more information, visit SIGEP.it.
Press release submitted by Italian Exhibition Group. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
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