NEWS

• Comments from top Italian and European pastry chefs
• And in France, from seaweed and yuzu comes the “panettone for aperitif”  
• Pastry purchases are worth 11.4 billion euros with consumption up by 1.5%; but climate change is affecting costs

Rimini(Italy), 26^th November 2024 – Classic or chocolate, with filling and suitable for any occasion, once again nobody will be doing without their panettone this Christmas. Even though the classic “rivalry” with pandoro, Italy’s other Christmas cake par excellence, is experiencing a successful comeback.

Global pastry consumption and trends in view of Christmas have again come under the watchful eye of the Observatory of Sigep, the International Gelato, Pastry, Bakery, Coffee - and, as of this year, also Pizza - Show, organised by IEG - Italian Exhibition Group (Rimini Expo Centre, 18-22 January 2025, sigep.it).

THE FIGURES

A snapshot of the Sigep Christmas 2024 Observatory by IEG reveals positive European data: +1.5% compared to 2023 for pastry consumption, while purchases stand at 11.4 billion euros (Source: CREST, Circana). “In order to counteract the high cost of living, consumers are introducing different strategies between northern and southern Europe: while in Italy and Spain they sometimes renounce a few menu items, such as dessert, in the rest of Europe, focus is on the experiential occasions of the Pastry Shop, the highest expression of hedonism in out-of-home consumption. Nevertheless, pastry consumption in Italy accounts for 40.6% of the category’s total consumption at European level,” says Matteo Figura, Out of Home Market Expert and Foodservice Area Director for Circana Italia.

THE ISSUE OF RISING RAW MATERIAL PRICES

As Sigep Observatory by IEG 2024 interviews with Europe's top pastry chefs revealed, the sector is facing high raw material prices: climate change has reduced the production of hazelnuts with a consequent +40% increase in costs that inevitably also falls on the end consumer; a jump that reaches +50% in the case of chocolate.

TRENDS AND NEW IDEAS: COMMENTS FROM TOP ITALIAN AND EUROPEAN PASTRY CHEFS

According to Giuseppe Piffaretti, Swiss master pastry chef in the Ticino and creator of the World Panettone Cup: “Traditional panettone is an important segment of pastry shop economy in the Ticino, which has some 30 artisan producers. In the border regions between Switzerland and Italy, reinterpretations, such as our cake with blueberries, apricots, sultanas, grappa and chestnuts, are much appreciated. During Christmas, the classic panettone in its chocolate version is highly popular”.

For Luigi Biasetto, master pastry chef from Veneto and AMPI lecturer (Academy of Italian Master Pastry Chefs): “Traditional Milanese panettone is already the most popular with our customers, but the big surprise is pandoro, which is experiencing a comeback after years in which it suffered from big industry’s market strategies: we foresee a 22% increase in sales. New for 2024 is the Christmas Crown, similar to the Christmas wreath and decorated with mulled seasonal fruit and spices”.

Marta Boccanera, master pastry chef in Rome and vice-president of APEI (Ambasciatori Pasticceri dell'Eccellenza Italiana, Italian Pastry Ambassadors of Excellence): “We have forecast an increase in panettone sales of around 10-15% and doubled volumes for pandoro, but pastry chefs are having to deal with the rising price of raw materials. Boccanera has also envisaged a cake that is also ideal for holiday breakfast, reminiscent of ‘pangiallo’ with dried fruit, citron and candied orange.”

“Classic panettone represents 40% of our sales,’ says Rimini-born Roberto Rinaldini, member of Relais Dessert International and president of the Junior Pastry World Championship at Sigep, “But our gourmet proposal is also growing with high-end proposals such as the Dante panettone enriched with pistachios, wild strawberries and cherries, ideal for festive lunches and personal or corporate gifts”.

Christophe Louie, Parisian baker-patissier, tells the Sigep Observatory about two big novelties: “We are aiming at coffee, spice and pear panettone made in collaboration with Maison Verlet, and panettone with seaweed and yuzu with Maison Petrossian as an aperitif.”

For José Romero, Spanish pastry chef and EPGB lecturer from Barcelona: “In Spain, panettone sales have tripled in the last ten years, although without reaching Italian levels. The classic version of panettone is very popular, and we offer chocolate and pistachio as variants'. The Spanish Christmas cake par excellence? ‘Undoubtedly the “Turrón de yema”, with sugar, almonds and citrus fruits, is burnt in the top layer giving the effect of Catalan cream”.

PRESS CONTACT SIGEP ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP

head of media relation & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; press office coordinator: Luca Paganin; press office specialist: Mirko Malgieri - media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP: Mind The Pop

Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 5994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release, does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

·         Italian Exhibition Group presented stakeholders and foodservice professionals in Germany with the next edition of the event

·         A highly international business appointment for the Gelato, Coffee, Pastry&Choco, Bakery and, as of this year, Pizza sectors

Berlin, 14^th November 2024 – An international roadshow for an event that is looking increasingly towards the world.

Today, at the Italian Embassy in Berlin, in collaboration with Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Italian Exhibition Group presented the next edition of SIGEP WORLD, The World Expo for Foodservice Excellence, scheduled to take place at Rimini Expo Centre in Italy from 18^th to 22^nd January 2025. The Berlin event was attended by institutions and stakeholders from the German market: focus was on the opportunities of SIGEP WORLD, a reference point for international foodservice professionals.

“The speakers shared their experiences and insights on how foodservice in Germany is adapting to global changes,” Marco Carniello, IEG’s chief business officer, recounted. “And confirmation was received of how, for the entire out-of-home food universe, SIGEP WORLD is central for staying up-to-date on market developments, anticipating trends and building relationships with key stakeholders of international calibre.”

“In January,” said Flavia Morelli, group exhibition manager of IEG's Food & Beverage division, “we will be adding Pizza, a complementary segment, to the traditional Gelato, Coffee, Pastry & Bakery sectors. A key to strengthening SIGEP WORLD's positioning in the foodservice sector, especially for professionals from outside Europe, where consumption is growing rapidly.”

Jochen Pinsker from Circana: the foodservice situation in Europe

In Berlin, Jochen Pinsker, senior vice president, Industry Advisor Foodservice Europe at Circana, presented market data on the foodservice consumption situation in Europe. Despite a decline in point-of-sale visits, according to September's figures, spending in the sector was up 8% compared to 2019. Confirming the sector’s good health and development potential, Circana's forecasts indicate an average annual growth in consumption of 3.5% for the next two years. The highest growth rates regard pastry, gelato and coffee, the main product categories of SIGEP WORLD’s exhibition offer.

Germany a key player and SIGEP opportunities

During the roadshow, focus was also on the German market with the participation of key players in the German out-of-home sector, including Gerald Schenk, President of the German Pastry Chefs’ Association and Vice-President of the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners (UIBC), Giorgio Ballabeni, co-founder of Ballabeni Icecream, and Markus Elberg, former CEO of Jannys Eis Franchise GmbH.

SIGEP Vision: a look at the future of the out-of-home sector

A core new entry at SIGEP WORLD 2025 will be SIGEP Vision, a global observatory for the out-of-home industry, developed with leading international research institutes: a complete overview of the changes, challenges and opportunities awaiting the sector.

Moreover, with two new halls extending the event layout by a total of 138,000 square metres of exhibition space, the show will be expanding its product offering. The highlights at SIGEP WORLD 25 will include Taste of Tomorrow, a new concept of sustainable gelato parlours based on bio-architecture, the Sustainability District dedicated to the coffee and chocolate supply chains - from the countries of origin right down to the cup - and the Bean-to-Bar Area that will enhance the art and science of chocolate production with a specific space.

Internationality at the centre

SIGEP WORLD is becoming increasingly global. In 2025, 160 countries and 3,000 foreign buyers, hosted through the incoming buyer programme in cooperation with Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are expected to attend. 1,200 international brands will be exhibiting. Not only high-quality finished products will be on show, but also cutting-edge technologies, innovative ingredients and customised services.

Rimini: a first-class location for hosting the Foodservice community

For 46 years, SIGEP World has been held in Rimini, one of Italy's best-known tourist destinations, able to satisfy the most diverse needs of visitors thanks to the vast availability of hotels, restaurants and international connections. An “experiential” top location for foodservice operators.

SIGEP ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP PRESS CONTACTS

head of media relations & corporate communications: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini; press office specialist: Mirko Malgieri

international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP: Mind The Pop

Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 4994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

From 26th to 28th June 2024, Italian Exhibition Group will inaugurate the first edition of Sigep Asia, the new Sigep World satellite show that will bring the best of the Foodservice industry in the Gelato, the Italian frozen dessert, Pastry & Chocolate, Coffee, Bakery and Pizza sectors to Singapore

• Over 300 brands from 31 countries and numerous top Italian brands

• Singapore, a target country for IEG with a Food & Beverage market worth more than 12 billion dollars

• Space for masterclasses and demos and in collaboration with Richemont Club Italy, International Union of Bakers & Confectioners, Ambasciatori Pasticceri dell´Eccellenza Italiana, Federazione Italiana Cuochi

• On stage, 4 great coffee competitions with the Singapore National Coffee Championship hosted by the Singapore Coffee Association

www.iegexpo.it | www.sigep.it | www.sigepasia.com.sg

Rimini, 21st June 2024 . Italian Exhibition Group raises another flag in the Asian continent by inaugurating Sigep Asia at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore from 26th to 28th June 2024. The first edition of Sigep World´s satellite show will showcase over 300 exhibiting brands from Singapore and 31 countries, including Italy, Kuwait, China, Malaysia, Japan, Austria and Mexico. The first edition of Sigep Asia confirms the scope of Sigep World´s internationalisation strategy, which is consolidating its expansion plan in Southeast Asia and offering companies a valuable showcase to develop their business. Singapore is known as the Food & Beverage capital of Asia with a market that exceeds $12bn and is estimated to grow by 4.47% annually (CAGR 2024-2028).

Italian brands at the show will include the most representative of the Sigep Word community such as Carpigiani, Casa Optima/Mec3Fabbri1905, Gelmatic, ISA, Moretti Forni, Unox, La Marzocco, Nuova Simonelli, Saeco, Segafredo Zanetti, Caffè Carraro, Essse Caffè, Eurovo, Zanolli. The opening ceremony will be attended by Singapore´s Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Culture, Ms. Low Yen Ling, who will inaugurate Sigep Asia at the same time as the 5th edition of Restaurant Asia - organised by IEG Asia in collaboration with RAS - Restaurant Association of Singapore - and Speciality Food & Drinks Asia, Speciality Coffee and Tea Asia and Food2GO Asia. Thanks to the partnership with ITA-Italian trade Agency, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Singapore and Asean Restaurant Alliance, Sigep Asia will represent, from products to technologies, the entire Food & Beverage industry with its main exhibition sectors: gelato, the Italian frozen dessert, pastry, bakery, coffee and tea.

ITALIAN GASTRONOMIC CULTURE IN MASTERCLASSES HELD BY CHEFS AND TOP BRANDS
During the three-day event, sector buyers and operators will have the chance to deepen their knowledge of Italian gastronomic culture in masterclasses organised by top chefs and pastry chefs from Richemont Club Italy, International Union of Bakers & Confectioners, Ambasciatori Pasticceri dell´Eccellenza Italiana (Pastry Ambassadors of Italian Excellence), and Federazione Italiana Cuochi (Federation of Italian Chefs). Gelato, the Italian frozen dessert will be the theme of the masterclasses conducted by leading companies in the sector such as Carpigiani, and master Italian gelato maker, Eugenio Morrone, the Gelato World Cup champion 2020 and President of the Jury of the last Juniores Pastry World Cup; while Master Pastry Chef Giuseppe Piffaretti will be holding a workshop on Panettone. The promotion of Italian Food & Beverage culture will continue in the Italian Trade Agency Lounge, where visitors will be able to meet Italian Chefs and discover the secrets of their art.

THE FUTURE OF F&B AT SIGEP ASIA
Sigep Asia aims to propel the Food & Beverage industry into the future not only by dedicating seminars and meetings to Technology and Sustainability, but also to the topic of Corporate Culture & Leadership, such as the RAS Leadership Symposium conducted by Will Scott. Moreover, Food & Beverage gurus will welcome visitors in a panel discussion organised by the International Food & Beverage Association, while cutting-edge technologies in the Ho.re.ca. sector will dominate the Technology & Innovation Pavilion and the Sandbox, the area in which to discover revolutionary and green solutions for the catering industry.

COFFEE SECTOR COMPETITIONS
The Singapore National Coffee Championships hosted by the Singapore Coffee Association will also be held during Sigep Asia. This year´s competition events will feature the Singapore National Barista Championship (SNBC), Singapore National Brewers Cup (SNBRC), Singapore National Latte Art Championship (SLAC) and Singapore Cup Tasters Competition (SCTC). The winner will represent Singapore at the World Barista Championship 2025.

PRESS CONTACT SIGEP ASIA ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP
Head of media relation & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP ASIA: Mind The Pop
Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 4994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release, does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

 The 46th edition of the event organized by Italian Exhibition Group will be held in Rimini from 18 to 22 January 2025, with a new pay-off: Sigep World . The World Expo for Foodservice Excellence

• The leading Italian gelato show in the world will also confirm the other 4 supply chains: pastry, chocolate, coffee and bakery. The 2025 edition will feature a large space designated to pizza, an industry worth over 153 billion dollars worldwide

• Thanks to the expansion of Rimini Expo Centre, adding two new pavilions, Sigep will cover over 140 thousand square metres of exhibit area

Rimini, 11 June 2024 . Sigep, the world´s leading Italian gelato fair, is stretching its international reach and broadening its horizons towards the pizza universe, an industry which according to the most recent estimates has a global value of over 153 billion dollars (source Verified Markets Reports). And for the 2025 edition it is giving itself a makeover, starting from the pay-off which will become: ´Sigep World - The World Expo for Foodservice Excellence´. The reference to World underlines the global scope of the Rimini event recently supported by two new satellite trade shows in markets with great potential such as southern China and the Singapore area.

The event, organized by Italian Exhibition Group, will be held at Rimini Expo Centre from 18 to 22 January 2025. In addition to gelato, the Italian frozen dessert, which remains the core of the exhibition, top foodservice technologies and premium ingredients for the pastry, pizza, bread making, and coffee world will also feature, embracing an increasingly wider community: last year attracted visitors arrived from no less than 160 countries, eager to check out the 1,200 exhibiting brands from 35 countries. And in that same edition, Sigep hosted over 500 buyers from 84 countries, generating more than 5,200 business meetings.

SIGEP 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

The 46th edition will maintain the 5 large supply chains. Gelato will obviously be a shining star. After all, Sigep is the number one Italian gelato fair in the world, with the most complete offering and the participation of all producers, from technologies to ingredients, from semi-finished products to equipment. And alongside gelato, the Italian frozen dessert, there will of course be pastry, bread, chocolate and coffee. But among the new entries is a large space dedicated to pizza: Sigep World will definitely be the most important showcase for the product and its technologies, becoming a true cornerstone. Italian Exhibition Group will also expand the exhibition area, enhancing the exhibition sector with two new pavilions in the east area providing up to 140 thousand extra square metres of exhibit space, to shoulder the growth of this major event.

As always, ample space will be given to the most important talks from all the communities present. In particular, the opening session will focus on the most up-to-date foodservice trends, both national and above all international, confirming Sigep World as the most authoritative voice in the industry thanks to the launch of Sigep Vision, the global observatory on gelato and foodservice trends.

A STRONG INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Last January, IEG, in collaboration with ITA-Italian Trade Agency, brought a wave of foreign interest from Europe, the Balkans area, Africa, North America, Central South America, Asia and Southeast Asia to Rimini. And the commitment for the 2025 edition will be doubled with a European road show scheduled for autumn to involve journalists and buyers, thanks also to the collaboration of the group´s regional advisors, with particular emphasis on importers, distributors, foodservice and hotel chains. As regards the individual supply chains, the Arenas and international competitions which saw 25 countries participate last January will naturally be confirmed.
Last but not least, particular attention will be given to new trends on a global scale to be presented at Sigep World. Specifically, the latest technologies of automatic coffee machines, with a clear improvement also on the sustainability front, leavened foods and new pastry trends, as well as naturally the gelateria of the future, with the Rimini event being the main driving force behind the diffusion of the Italian ice cream culture throughout the world.

SIGEP ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP PRESS CONTACTS
head of media relations & corporate communications: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini; press office specialist: Mirko Malgieri
international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP: Mind The Pop
Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 4994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release, does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

• Consumption in Europe: between +3 and +5% in Spain; up to +12% in Italy in the art cities
• New flavours? White chocolate and asparagus in Germany
• From Italy, gelato in homage to Sinner: carrot, tangerine, lemon

Italy, Rimini, 2nd May 2024 . On the brink of summer, Sigep Observatory (46th International Artisan Dolce World Expo, organised in Italy by IEG - Italian Exhibition Group, at Rimini Expo Centre from 18th to 22nd January 2025 www.sigep.it) takes a snapshot of data and trends in the European gelato industry.

THE EUROPEAN AND ITALIAN SCENARIO. FORECASTS FOR SUMMER 2024
Marco Carniello (pictured), CBO of IEG, explains: ´In Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the UK, 2.2 billion gelatos were sold in 2023, a year in which, according to CREST-Circana data, gelato consumption in Europe grew by 4.7%. Circana forecasts an increase in 2024 thanks to consumers who see gelato as an accessible pleasure in a still uncertain economic context.´
Flavia Morelli (pictured), head of IEG´s food & beverage shows, adds: ´In Italy in particular, according to economic categories, such as the Italian Association of Gelato Makers, the positive sales performances recorded this spring imply an estimated increase in consumption in Italy up from 6% to 12% in art cities due to the high number of international tourists.´

SUMMER TRENDS: A THOUSAND FLAVOURS UNDER THE SUN
For Summer 2024, Italian master gelato maker, Giancarlo Timballo, President of the Gelato World Cup, will be creating new flavours drawing on local traditions and working with local products. His proposals include raspberry and rosemary gelato.
Eugenio Morrone, a master gelato maker with two famous gelato parlours in Rome, has created a carrot, tangerine and lemon gelato in homage to the great Jannik Sinner. The ´surprise´, however, is the return of the tiramisu flavour, increasingly in demand, especially among foreign tourists.
Marco Miquel Sirvent, president of the Asociación Nacional Heladeros Artesanos de España, highlights the health aspect with a trend for purchasing low-sugar gelato (although nougat, vanilla and chocolate continue to endure). Forecasts for summer 2024 are optimistic with a 3-5% increase in consumption.
German consumers are poised between great classics and curiosity for new ideas, as explained by Dario Fontanella, founder of a well-known gelato parlour in Mannheim, Germany, which, for summer 2024, is offering white chocolate gelato with asparagus, typical of the Baden-Württemberg region. New flavours include bergamot with curry and wasabi.

PRESS CONTACT SIGEP ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP
head of media relation & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini; Pier Francesco Bellini; press office specialist: Mirko Malgieri
international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP: Mind The Pop
Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 4994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

 From 24th to 26th April, Italian Exhibition Group will take high quality Italian dolce foodservice art to the Shenzhen convention centre, in conjunction with Anuga Select China, southern China´s main food show, promoted by Koelnmesse

• Space for leading Italian and European brands: Babbi, Di Saronno, Mec3, Irca, Valrhona for ingredients and Carpigiani, Ice Team, Rhea, Nuova Simonelli and Eureka on the machinery front

• Three specific areas for Gelato&Pastry, Bakery e Coffee. Space for important competitions with the Chinese Pastry Queen and Bread in The City selections

• IEG´s expansion in Asian markets is growing in anticipation of the launch of Sigep Asia, scheduled in Singapore from 26th to 28th June 2024

www.iegexpo.it | www.sigep.it | www.sigepcn.com

Rimini (Italy), 22 April 2024 . Over 500 exhibiting brands from 30 different countries. These are the main figures of the second edition of Sigep China and Anuga Select China, the two events that will take place simultaneously at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre, organised by Italian Exhibition Group (through IEG China) and Koelnmesse. A three-day event, from 24th to 26th April, in which the Italian and European dolce food service industry will be represented thanks to Sigep China. And just like the 45th edition of Sigep (organised by Italian Exhibition Group), staged at Rimini Expo Centre last January, the appointment in China will be a reference point for innovation in the 5 major exhibition sectors: artisan gelato, bakery, pastry, chocolate and coffee. In fact, several leading Italian and European brands will be in attendance: on the ingredients front Babbi, Di Saronno, Mec3, Irca, Valrhona, gelato machines by Carpigiani and Ice Team and coffee machines by Rhea, Nuova Simonelli and Eureka.

SHENZHEN, THE ECONOMIC ENGINE OF THE GREATER BAY AREA
For IEG, the event marks a great opportunity for growth with the aim of making Italian pastry art better known in China. And the Shenzhen catchment area is the perfect development pole since it is the economic engine of the Greater Bay Area of Guandong-Hong Kong-Macao, a veritable reference point for the entire southern Chinese market. A market that, according to the most recent data, exceeds 1,700 billion dollars. It is no coincidence that, at the first edition of Sigep China, 40% of visitors were Ôdecision makers´ and the most represented countries, besides China, were Italy, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and the USA.

AREAS AND EVENTS
Three areas are foreseen for the second edition of Sigep China where major competitions that will give access to Sigep 2025 will take place. The first will be the Gelato&Pastry Area for the Pastry Queen who will represent China at the Women´s Pastry World Championship next year. Six pastry chefs will compete in the competition: the jury president will be Louie Ye, one of China´s most renowned Gelato&Pastry chefs.
The Bakery Area will stage the Chinese selection for the World Bakery Championship (Bread in The City), also scheduled to take place at Sigep 2025, with 8 teams, each with 2 competitors. The event is organised in partnership with Richemont Club Cina, represented by jury president Gino Cao.
Last but not least, the Coffee Area with two brewing and latte art competitions organised by Coffee T&I, one of Asia´s top magazines dedicated to the development of coffee, tea and gelato. A Forum Area will also be set up along the lines of Sigep´s Vision Plaza featuring the most significant talks regarding the 5 exhibition areas.

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTION TOWARDS SIGEP ASIA
The second edition of Sigep China confirms Italian Exhibition Group´s recent expansion towards Asian markets. June will in fact see the big launch of Sigep Asia, scheduled to take place in Singapore from 26th to 28th, which will include Café Asia, International Coffee & Tea Asia and Sweets & Bakes Asia. A veritable showcase of artisan gelato, pastry, bakery, coffee and tea supply chains.

PRESS CONTACT SIGEP CHINA ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP
head of media relation & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini, Pier Francesco Bellini; international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP CHINA: Mind The Pop
Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 4994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

Rimini (Italy) 22 February 2024 - Over the next three years, from 2024 to 2026, the Singapore Coffee Association will be staging the Singapore National Coffee Championship (SNCC) alongside IEG Asia Pte Ltd events. In 2024, it will be hosted during Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia which will be co-located with SIGEP Asia and Restaurant Asia, following the acquisition of the Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia series from Montgomery Events Asia. The competitions will be held from 26 . 28 June 2024 at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.
This year, SNCC will present four competitions: Singapore National Barista Championship (SNBC), Singapore National Latte Art Championship (SNLAC), Singapore National Brewers Cup (SBRC), and the Singapore Cup Tasters Competition (SCTC).
The various competitions highlight the different aspects in the world of coffee . from hand-brewed, filtered coffee and intricate coffee artistry, to distinguishing taste differences in specialty coffees and mixology.
Set against the backdrop of Singapore´s vibrant coffee culture, these prestigious competitions bring coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and industry experts to an internationally recognised platform for professionals to compete, learn and network, while showcasing their skills, creativity, and passion for coffee. The national champions would then represent Singapore in the World Coffee Championship 2025.
Victor Mah, President of Singapore Coffee Association said, ´We are thrilled to host SNCC alongside the inaugural SIGEP Asia, and we are looking forward to celebrating the mastery of Singapore´s baristas. I hope the Championship will inspire a new wave of creativity, innovation, and passion within our coffee community.´
´This collaboration underscores our dedication to elevating the coffee experience, as well as our event, and this partnership with Singapore Coffee Association exemplifies our commitment to curating an extraordinary experience for all on the show floor. I am positive that coupled with SIGEP Asia, SNCC will be a catalyst for further growth and evolution of the coffee industry,´ said Ilaria Cicero, Chief Executive Officer of IEG Asia, Organiser of SIGEP Asia.
For more information, please write to us at connect@iegasia.com.sg | www.sigepasia.com.sg | https://en.sigep.it/

PRESS CONTACT ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP | media@iegexpo.it
head of corporate communication & media relations: Elisabetta Vitali|
press office manager: Marco Forcellini | international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.

• Visitors from over 160 countries, 1,200 exhibiting brands from 35 nations
• Over 500 buyers from 84 nations for 5,200 business meetings
• Three international competitions with 25 participating countries: Gelato World Cup, Junior Pastry World Cup and European Gelato Challenge
• 3,250 students from 70 hotel and catering schools and professional institutes

Rimini, 24th January 2024 . ´The excellent results of the last edition were confirmed with visitors arriving from 160 countries. Internationality, vision, craftsmanship, innovation, territorial identities that go global and blend in with the world. This and much more was expressed at the 45th edition of Sigep´. And this was what Maurizio Ermeti, President of Italian Exhibition Group, had to say today at Rimini Expo Centre at the conclusion of the International Artisan Gelato, Pastry, Bakery, Coffee and Chocolate Show. ´The event confirms its role as a reference point for the dolce foodservice industry,´ Ermeti said, ´offering increasingly cutting-edge and technological challenges. A unique business event that has found enormous added value in Rimini, where innovation is second nature.´
Foreign attendance was high from Europe (Spain, Germany, Romania, France, Greece), the Balkan area (Croatia, Serbia, Albania), the Middle East (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon), Africa (Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia), North America (USA, Canada), Central South America (Brazil, Argentina, Mexico), Asia and South East Asia (China, South Korea, Japan, India).
A full programme of events over the five days of the show featured no less than three international competitions with 25 countries taking part in the Gelato World Cup, Junior Pastry World Cup and European Gelato Challenge.

More than 5,000 business meetings took place at the stands of the 1,200 exhibiting brands thanks to an incoming of over 500 top buyers from 84 countries around the world through the valuable collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, ITA - Italian Trade Agency and IEG´s network of regional advisors.

ONLINE AND MEDIA SUCCESS
A trade show that achieved great visibility both in the media and on the social networks. The latter registered a community of 161,000 professionals, with 2 million viewings of online content and 780,000 viewings on the TEO app - The eating out Hub, which also drew interest due to the new ´Job Offers´ function dedicated to matching supply and demand, particularly for young people. Total media contacts to date exceed 561 million gross with 660 accredited journalists of which 56 from abroad.

FOCUS ON THE NEW GENERATIONS OF PROFESSIONALS
The last day of Sigep also saw the participation of 3,250 students from 70 hotel and catering schools and professional institutes for an educational tour that combined practical training with interaction with companies. The initiative is part of the Sigep Academy project that incorporates Sigep Giovani and Sigep for schools.

AN ALL-ROUND OVERVIEW
Sigep 2024 gathered together the main proposals from the world of dolce foodservice, including meetings on product innovations, new consumer trends and show-cooking with the great Masters of artisan pastry, involving distributors, restaurant chains, and public establishments. Leading companies in machinery and ingredients for gelato and pastry, bakery and pizza, chocolate and coffee, were all exhibiting.

THE BIG SUSTAINABILITY TREND
Sustainability was the leitmotif of this edition. And although the green economy has already landed in the gelato parlour, it has now also crept into the pastry industry, which is looking at vegetables and exploring new frontiers, including artificial intelligence. Chocolate has also shown an inclination towards conscious production processes, while the coffee sector is appealing to an increasingly attentive consumer who prefers the most sustainable companies.

BETWEEN INNOVATION AND INTERNATIONALITY
The spotlights shone on ingenuity and start-ups in the Innovation District: the big, new project in the heart of the Expo Centre´s Vision Plaza, with the Innovation Award that rewarded exhibitors´ and start-ups´ best business ideas.

This 2024 edition of Sigep enjoyed the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry and the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy. And, on drawing to a close, opens up new dialogues thanks to the virtuous relations interwoven with sector associations, an enormous strong point.

THE NEXT APPOINTMENTS
Italian Exhibition Group has fixed the next appointment with Sigep 2025 from 18th to 22nd January, again at Rimini Expo Centre. In the meantime, it is preparing for Sigep China, to be held from 24th to 26th April in Shenzhen and the debut of Sigep Asia, scheduled in Singapore from 26th to 28th June. However, another IEG-branded Food & Beverage event is just around the corner: from 18th to 20th February, Rimini Expo Centre will be hosting Beer&Food Attraction.

FOCUS ON SIGEP 2024
Dates: 20-24 January 2024; Organizer: Italian Exhibition Group SpA; In collaboration with: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ITA . Italian Trade Agency; Under the patronage of: the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry, The Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Emilia-Romagna Region, Province of Rimini, Romagna Chamber of Commerce, Rimini Council; edition: 45th; frequency: annual; event: international trade show; entry: trade only; Info: www.sigep.it

PRESS CONTACT SIGEP ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP
head of media relation & corporate communication: Elisabetta Vitali; press office manager: Marco Forcellini; press office specialist: Mirko Malgieri
international press office coordinator: Silvia Giorgi; media@iegexpo.it

MEDIA AGENCY SIGEP: Mind The Pop
Martina Vacca: martina@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 339 748 4994; Fabrizio Raimondi: fabrizio@mindthepop.it, mob. +39 335 389 848; Benedetto Colli: benedetto@mindthepop.it, mob. 380 371 2272; Stefano Chiossi: stefano@mindthepop.it, mob. + 39 388 739 4358.

This press release contains forecast elements and estimates that reflect the management´s current opinions (´forward-looking statements´), particularly regarding future management performance, realization of investments, cash flow trends and the evolution of the financial structure. For their very nature, forward-looking statements have a component of risk and uncertainty, as they depend on the occurrence of future events. The effective results may differ (even significantly) from those announced, due to numerous factors, including, only by way of example: food service market and tourist flow trends in Italy, gold and jewellery market trends, green economy market trends; the evolution of raw material prices; general macroeconomic conditions; geopolitical factors and evolutions in the legislative framework. Moreover, the information contained in this release does not claim to be complete, and has not been verified by independent third parties. Forecasts, estimates and objectives contained herein are based on the information available to the Company as at the date of this release.