Asia’s finest gelato artisans are gearing up for one of the most anticipated culinary competitions in the region: the Asia Selection of the Gelato World Cup. Scheduled from 15 to 17 July 2026 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, the event will take place alongside SIGEP Asia and Restaurant Asia 2026, bringing together the best talent in pastry, gelato, and culinary innovation.
The competition will crown Asia’s next gelato champion, who will proudly represent the continent at the Gelato World Cup 2028 in Rimini, Italy—a global stage celebrating excellence across the foodservice industry, including gelato, pastry, coffee, bakery, and pizza.
A Showcase of Skill, Creativity, and Innovation
Participants will face six rigorous challenges, designed to test their technical expertise, creativity, teamwork, and artistry. Using premium ingredients and tools provided by world-leading gelato, chocolate, and pastry brands, contestants will merge traditional gelato craftsmanship with bold, innovative presentations.
The jury will feature team captains from participating countries, alongside Sergio Colalucci, President of the Gelato World Cup, and Sergio Dondoli, Official Commissioner of the competition. Their presence underscores the event’s high standards and international prestige.
“The remarkable energy and creativity emerging from the Asian selections highlight how deeply rooted and rapidly evolving the passion for gelato is across the region. Our mission is to nurture this growth by bridging Italian tradition with the bold, innovative directions shaping gelato in Asia and beyond,” said Ilaria Cicero, CEO of IEG Asia.
Global Recognition and Culinary Excellence
The Asia Selection is strategically endorsed by the Worldchefs Association, a global network representing over 110 member countries and millions of chefs. Worldchefs promotes culinary excellence through education, certification, and international collaboration. Ragnar Fridriksson, Managing Director of Worldchefs, emphasized:
“The SIGEP Gelato World Cup Asia Selection represents the very best of innovation, craftsmanship, and passion. It brings together exceptional talent from across Asia, celebrating creativity and technical mastery in gelato-making, while fostering international collaboration and raising global standards.”
Leadership, Expertise, and Regional Impact
Sergio Colalucci, President of the Gelato World Cup, highlighted the competition’s growing influence:
“We are delighted to participate in SIGEP Asia 2026 for the Gelato World Cup – Asia Selection. With the invaluable support of Chef Kenny Kong and the partnership with Worldchefs, this competition identifies the Asian teams who best combine artisanal mastery with innovation, ready to represent the region at the Gelato World Cup 2028 in Rimini.”
Chef Kenny Kong, a leading figure in Asia’s pastry and gelato scene, adds:
“United by craft, inspired by nature, we elevate regional traditions through artisan gelato. This selection celebrates Asia’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant fruits, unique ingredients, and spices, while fostering the growth of professional skills. It also strengthens collaboration and friendship among gelato and pastry artisans, pre-selecting three outstanding Asian teams to showcase their talent on the global stage.”
Chef Kong’s expertise and deep connections within Asia’s culinary landscape have been instrumental in establishing the competition in Singapore, ensuring its credibility, relevance, and long-term impact.
For more updates, highlights, and photos, visit www.gelatoworldcup.com.
