SIGEP World 2027 is aiming to nearly double its international hosted buyer programme, targeting approximately 1,000 top buyers for its 48th edition, scheduled to take place from January 23 to 27, 2027, at the Rimini Expo Centre in Rimini, Italy. The expansion highlights the event’s growing international ambitions and its focus on strengthening business connections across the global foodservice and hospitality industries.
Organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), SIGEP World 2027 will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, distributors and industry professionals from the gelato, pastry, bakery, pizza, chocolate and coffee sectors. The expanded buyer programme will receive additional support from the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
SIGEP World 2027 Expands International Buyer Programme
The decision to increase the number of hosted buyers follows the strong business performance of SIGEP World 2026. The previous edition welcomed 502 top buyers from 74 countries and facilitated 5,851 business meetings, demonstrating the exhibition’s importance as an international platform for sourcing, networking and commercial partnerships.
For SIGEP World 2027, organisers aim to welcome approximately 1,000 top international buyers, creating more opportunities for exhibitors to connect with qualified purchasing professionals and explore new markets. The expanded programme is expected to strengthen participation from international retail chains, travel catering businesses, luxury hospitality operators and other major buyers across the foodservice supply chain.
Ilaria Cicero, Global Exhibition Director of IEG’s Food & Beverage Division and CEO of IEG Asia in Singapore, described the expansion as a significant development in the evolution of SIGEP World. She highlighted the exhibition’s transformation into a global business network that builds relationships between companies, markets and cultures throughout the year.
The event’s offering spans the entire supply chain, from raw materials and ingredients to advanced equipment, production technologies and digital solutions. This comprehensive approach positions SIGEP World as a meeting point for businesses seeking innovation, international distribution opportunities and long-term commercial partnerships.
SIGEP World 2026 Delivers Strong International Results
The 2026 edition established a strong foundation for the next stage of international growth. The exhibition featured 1,300 brands across 138,000 square metres and 30 exhibition halls, attracting industry professionals from 160 countries.
According to Italian Exhibition Group, almost one in four visitors came from outside Italy, while international exhibitor participation increased by 33%. These figures underline the exhibition’s growing global reach and its role in connecting Italian producers with international markets.
The 5,851 business meetings recorded during SIGEP World 2026 also demonstrated the value of structured business matchmaking. By increasing the hosted buyer target for 2027, organisers aim to expand these opportunities and facilitate more direct engagement between exhibitors and international purchasing decision-makers.
For businesses operating in the bakery, confectionery, coffee, gelato and hospitality sectors, SIGEP World offers a platform to discover new products, evaluate equipment, identify suppliers and develop partnerships across multiple markets.
Vietnam Named Guest Country for SIGEP World 2027
International expansion will remain a central focus of SIGEP World 2027, with Vietnam selected as the Guest Country for the upcoming edition.
Working with the Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (ICHAM), organisers plan to facilitate the participation of a government delegation and additional buyers from Vietnam. The initiative is intended to strengthen commercial relationships and encourage greater cooperation between businesses in Italy, Vietnam and other international markets.
An International Pavilion will also support the exhibition’s global positioning by providing an additional platform for international participation and business engagement.
The focus on Vietnam reflects SIGEP World’s broader strategy of developing connections with emerging and established markets. International delegations and hosted buyers can help exhibitors understand regional demand, explore distribution opportunities and build relationships with prospective business partners.
The 2027 edition will place particular emphasis on retail chains, travel catering and luxury hospitality, expanding the event’s reach beyond traditional bakery and confectionery businesses to include a wider range of commercial buyers.
SIGEP Builds a Global Exhibition Network Across Three Continents
SIGEP World in Rimini is part of a broader international exhibition network developed by Italian Exhibition Group. The portfolio includes events and business initiatives designed to connect professionals across different geographical markets.
SIGEP Asia returned to Singapore in July 2026, while SIGEP USA is scheduled for April 13–15, 2027. SIGEP China is also planned for Shanghai in June 2027, extending the brand’s presence in key Asian markets.
Another international initiative, SIGEP Meets the World, connects prospective exhibitors, buyers and media representatives through targeted meetings and promotional activities. The programme has already visited Chicago, São Paulo, Ho Chi Minh City and Tokyo, with further stops planned in Warsaw, Istanbul, Munich and Paris.
These activities help maintain business relationships between editions and provide companies with opportunities to engage with international markets throughout the year. The approach also reinforces SIGEP World’s ambition to operate as a global industry network rather than a standalone annual exhibition.
Technology and Digital Innovation to Feature at SIGEP World 2027
Alongside its international expansion, SIGEP World 2027 will strengthen its focus on equipment, automation and emerging technologies for the foodservice industry.
The Kitchen Equipment Hub will showcase technologies and solutions for professional kitchens and foodservice operations. Meanwhile, the Digital District will highlight robotics, artificial intelligence and digital services designed to improve operational efficiency and support business innovation.
One of the planned additions is The Orbital Kitchen, a concept developed in collaboration with Beyond Exploration Expo (BEX), another event organised by Italian Exhibition Group. The initiative will explore an artificial intelligence-powered kitchen and related technologies, alongside innovations such as water purification systems and pasta-making machinery.
The technology-focused programme reflects changing requirements across professional kitchens, hospitality businesses and food production facilities. Automation, digital tools and advanced equipment are increasingly relevant to companies looking to improve productivity, optimise workflows and respond to evolving customer expectations.
By incorporating these themes into SIGEP World 2027, organisers aim to create opportunities for businesses to evaluate new technologies while connecting with equipment manufacturers, solution providers and industry specialists.
Discover Gelato and Luxury Hospitality Concepts
Gelato will remain one of the central attractions at SIGEP World 2027, supported by programming that highlights product development, craftsmanship and international market opportunities.
The Discover Gelato programme will contribute to the exhibition’s focus on the international gelato industry, bringing attention to the products, techniques and business opportunities associated with this growing sector.
The 2027 edition will also introduce a fine pastry and coffee concept aimed at the luxury hospitality market. The initiative will explore the relationship between premium pastry products, specialty coffee and high-end guest experiences, offering a relevant platform for hotels, restaurants and hospitality operators.
Vision Plaza will host the SIGEP Vision think tank, providing a setting for discussions on industry developments, emerging trends and the future of the foodservice sector.
The Sustainability District will feature a symposium and a cupping area, bringing sustainability discussions together with coffee-focused activities. These initiatives will complement the exhibition’s wider programme of product demonstrations, professional learning and business networking.
International Competitions to Highlight Industry Talent
SIGEP World 2027 will continue to use international competitions to showcase professional skills, technical expertise and innovation across the foodservice industry.
The programme will include the Gelato World Cup Europe Selection, where eight nations are expected to compete for places in the 2028 final. The competition will provide a platform for national teams to demonstrate their capabilities in gelato production and presentation.
Other scheduled competitions will include Bread in the City and the Bakery World Cup, highlighting technical excellence and creativity in the baking sector.
Coffee professionals will also feature prominently, with seven Italian Barista Championships organised in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association. The competitions will bring attention to barista skills, coffee preparation and specialty coffee culture.
Additional activities will include the Pizza Club, SIGEP Academy, Discover Gelato and the SIGEP Youth Competition. Together, these programmes will connect professional development, industry education and emerging talent with the exhibition’s broader commercial offering.
The combination of competitions, demonstrations and educational initiatives is designed to engage both established professionals and the next generation of foodservice specialists.
Why SIGEP World 2027 Matters to the Global Foodservice Industry
SIGEP World 2027 is expected to provide international businesses with opportunities to strengthen supplier relationships, introduce new products and explore emerging market requirements. Its expanded hosted buyer programme is particularly relevant for exhibitors seeking meetings with qualified purchasing professionals and decision-makers.
For manufacturers and suppliers, the exhibition offers access to businesses across the gelato, pastry, bakery, pizza, chocolate and coffee industries. Buyers, meanwhile, can compare products, evaluate equipment and discover new technologies within a single international business environment.
The event’s focus on retail chains, travel catering and luxury hospitality could also broaden opportunities for companies serving large-scale commercial operations and premium customer segments.
With international delegations, technology showcases, industry competitions and networking initiatives, SIGEP World 2027 is positioning itself as an important meeting point for businesses looking to expand their global presence.
SIGEP World 2027: Event Details
Event Name: SIGEP World 2027
Edition: 48th edition
Dates: January 23–27, 2027
Venue: Rimini Expo Centre, Rimini, Italy
Organiser: Italian Exhibition Group (IEG)
Target Hosted Buyers: Approximately 1,000
Guest Country: Vietnam
Key Sectors: Gelato, pastry, bakery, pizza, chocolate, coffee, foodservice equipment and hospitality technology
Major Features: International buyer matchmaking, International Pavilion, Kitchen Equipment Hub, Digital District, The Orbital Kitchen, Vision Plaza, Sustainability District and professional competitions.
For additional event information, businesses and industry professionals can visit the official SIGEP World website.
Conclusion
SIGEP World 2027 is preparing for an expanded international edition, with Italian Exhibition Group targeting approximately 1,000 hosted buyers compared with 502 in 2026. The event will combine international business matchmaking with technology showcases, professional competitions and new hospitality-focused concepts at the Rimini Expo Centre from January 23 to 27, 2027.
Supported by the Italian Trade Agency and Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the exhibition is set to strengthen its global business network and create further opportunities for companies across the foodservice, bakery, confectionery, coffee and hospitality industries.
