From January 16 to 20, 2026, Sigep World will return to the Rimini Expo Centre with 1,300 exhibiting brands and a 28% increase in international exhibitors from 45 countries.

The map of participating countries will expand to include Canada, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Ecuador, Estonia, Serbia, Singapore, Nepal, and the Czech Republic. The show will also feature the National Hall, the official collective of countries that choose Sigep World as a strategic showcase for their best products: Saudi Arabia, China, Ukraine, and Brazil. In addition, India, as the guest country, will be present with a delegation of 50 buyers and institutional representatives.

Cross-sector collaboration

Gelato will continue to be the main focus with a genuine cultural project, which includes the initiatives ‘What is Gelato?’ The ‘Gelato Meets Chains’ exhibits are designed to show international chains, hotels, and operators how and with what business model Italian gelato has become a global commercial driver.

The pastry sector will expand, driven by frozen products and technologies that offer many more possibilities for pastry shops; the chocolate sector will showcase increasingly sustainable processes; the bakery sector will reflect significant industrial maturity, while pizza will accelerate its growth with Pizza (R)evolution and advanced doughs and formats that are conquering the international market.

Coffee will complete the picture with an itinerary that goes from its origins to the cup, passing through the Sustainability District, where producing countries and specific projects will be grouped. Finally, in the Innovation Bar, artificial intelligence and robotics will reinterpret the contemporary coffee shop.

Three new hubs

Three new hubs or innovation centers will be presented at the upcoming Sigep World. The Kitchen Equipment Hub, a showcase of solutions that will change the way food is produced, served, and managed; the Frozen Product Hub, which will offer an overview of the growth of quality frozen foods, becoming a strategic ally for formats and chains; and the Digital District, where software, smart payments, and robotics will redesign work both in the dining room and the kitchen.

Gelato World Cup

On the competition front, the eleventh edition of the Gelato World Cup stands out, pitting 12 countries (Argentina, Belgium, China, Ecuador, France, Japan, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Poland, and Singapore) against each other, as they demonstrate their skills in eight events.

The Junior Pastry World Cup will also take place, designed to promote young talent up to 26 years old. Participating countries include Australia, Canada, Chile, China, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, South Korea, and the United States.