With the Continental Selections across Asia, Europe, and the Americas
The international roadmap toward the next edition of the Gelato World Cup continues to take shape through a series of prestigious continental selections in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, reinforcing its role as the world’s leading competition for artisan gelato.
Asia Selection 2026: Singapore at the Center of Innovation
The Gelato World Cup – Asia Selection will be held from 15 to 17 July 2026 in Singapore, within the framework of SIGEP Asia at the Marina Bay Sands Expo.
The event will bring together national teams from Asia, the Pacific, and the MENA region. Each team—composed of a team manager and two professionals specializing in gelato, pastry, and chocolate—will compete across six demanding categories, including gelato making, plated dessert, gelato cake, gelato sticks, and an artistic showpiece.
Under the theme “Elements of the Earth,” competitors will complete an intensive eight-hour program designed to evaluate technical precision, creativity, flavor balance, texture, and artistic presentation.
The winning team will secure a place for 4 teams in the next Gelato World Cup finals, representing Asia on the global stage.
Europe Selection 2027: A Structured Qualification Pathway
The Gelato World Cup – Europe Selection will be held during Sigep World on 23-25 January 2027 in Rimini, Italy.
Teams will be challenged in a series of highly specialized tests designed to assess both technical mastery and creativity. Teams must produce a decorated chocolate gelato tub evaluated for taste and presentation, create gelato cakes using sponsor ingredients, and present a plated dessert incorporating gelato. Competitors also face two “mystery box” challenges—one milk-based and one fruit-based—requiring them to develop gelato recipes using undisclosed ingredients revealed at the start. In addition, teams prepare a traditional specialty such as cassata, and complete a large artistic chocolate sculpture assembled live, culminating in a final grand buffet showcasing all creations.
The European competition follows a rigorous team format and includes highly technical tests such as gelato production, plated desserts, mystery box challenges, traditional specialties, and artistic chocolate sculptures assembled live during the competition.
Strict rules emphasize on-site production, the use of sponsor ingredients, and the prohibition of pre-made decorations, ensuring authenticity, craftsmanship, and fairness across all competing teams.
The European route is structured through a series of national qualifying stages leading into the continental selection. The journey officially began with SIGEP Gelato d’Oro 2026, held in Rimini, which marked the first national selection phase and opened the path toward the 12th edition of the Gelato World Cup scheduled for January 2028.
The second national selection took place during the 6th edition of the GELATISSIMO Cup 2026 in Stuttgart (7–9 February 2026), with the official competition held on 10 February 2026. This event highlighted emerging talents from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, further strengthening the European competitive landscape.
These national selections represent the first steps of the Europe Continental Selection route, from which only four nations will ultimately advance to the Gelato World Cup 2028 final.
Americas: Argentina at the Heart of Development and Selection
The Gelato World Cup – America Selection will take place in June 2027 in Argentina within the framework of FITHEP, further consolidating the continent’s role in the global qualification pathway and selecting 4 teams that will participate tot he 12th edition of the Gelato World Cup.
Argentina continues to strengthen its leadership in the Americas following its remarkable third-place finish at the Gelato World Cup 2026 in Rimini.
Preparing for the continental selection, Argentina will host the 8th Copa Argentina del Helado Artesanal on 3–4 June 2026 during FITHEP LATAM 2026 at La Rural in Buenos Aires, national qualifying selection. This national championship represents the cornerstone of the Argentine team selection process and plays a key role in maintaining high professional standards across the region.
A Global System Driving Innovation and Excellence
Across all continents, the Gelato World Cup selection system is designed to identify the world’s most talented teams through rigorous evaluation of taste, texture, creativity, and technical mastery.
From the precision of gelato formulation to the artistry of chocolate and sugar showpieces, competitors are challenged to push the boundaries of innovation while respecting the traditions of artisan gelato.
A Rigorous International Qualification Path
Through these continental events, the Gelato World Cup establishes a structured and highly competitive selection system aimed at identifying the world’s top teams. Each stage emphasizes technical precision, creativity, teamwork, and the ability to innovate while respecting the traditions of artisan gelato.
About the Gelato World Cup
The Gelato World Cup is the world’s premier competition dedicated to artisan gelato. Held in Rimini, Italy every 2 years with its 12th edition in January 2028, it gathers elite teams from across the globe to compete in multidisciplinary challenges that celebrate excellence in gelato, pastry, chocolate, and culinary arts.
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