“The challenge of internationalization has been won,” stated Corrado Peraboni, CEO of Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), reflecting on the recently concluded SIGEP World at the Rimini Expo Centre. He emphasized that the strategy of expanding flagship products abroad and investing in buyer delegations has successfully boosted international attendance at SIGEP and other major IEG events. This year also marked the launch of direct flights between Munich and Rimini, organized in collaboration with Luxwing and Rimini’s Fellini Airport, further connecting SIGEP to key global markets. Germany saw a remarkable +68% growth in visitors, with all key markets for foodservice achieving double-digit growth. The event achieved a +14% overall attendance increase, with a record-breaking +26% rise in international visitors, reinforcing its role as a global hub for the foodservice industry. SIGEP has solidified a winning combination with Rimini, synonymous with hospitality and innovation.
Saudi Arabia as Guest Country
A key feature of this edition was Saudi Arabia’s debut as the “Guest Country.” The nation, preparing to host Expo 2030, is emerging as a strategic market in hospitality and foodservice, with high demand for innovative technologies. SIGEP World provided a unique platform for exhibitors to forge partnerships with prominent Saudi entrepreneurs. Delegates included officials from the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, and the Culinary Arts Commission, along with commercial operators such as importers, restaurant chains, and luxury hotels. This initiative opened significant opportunities for global foodservice collaboration.
Key Figures from an Exceptional Edition
Now in its 46th edition, SIGEP World confirmed its global leadership in the foodservice sector, covering industries such as Gelato, Pastry, Chocolate, Coffee, Bread, and Pizza. Highlights include: 1,300 exhibitors across 30 pavilions over 138,000 square meters of exhibition space. Significant growth in coffee, with a +30% increase in espresso and super-automatic coffee machine companies, and 50 new pizza-related exhibitors focusing on technologies like mixers, ovens, flours, and frozen bases. Visitors from 160 countries, with notable growth in attendance: Germany: +68%, Spain: +21%, Double-digit growth in Romania, France, Greece, Poland, and the U.S. (+64%). Middle East: +38%, led by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, and Iraq. Africa: +30%, with strong representation from Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria. Latin America: +10%, driven by Brazil (+48%). Asia: India grew by +34%. Over 5,500 business meetings took place, involving 545 top buyers from 79 countries and 3,300 European buyers through IEG’s Premium Program, supported by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ICE Agency.
Focus on Technology and Future Trends
The event, inaugurated by Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida, highlighted cutting-edge trends in foodservice, offering a comprehensive showcase of technology, equipment, and ingredients. IEG’s SIGEP Vision Observatory partnered with top research firms to present key consumer insights: 44% of consumers favor sustainable businesses. 66% seek unique dining experiences. The European foodservice market has surpassed pre-COVID levels, with spending rising from €309 billion in 2019 to €336 billion (+9%). Innovations included the Sustainability District, featuring: Micro Roaster Village: Showcasing small-scale coffee roasters and unique blends. Fully Automatic Coffee Machines, representing the future of sustainable coffee. Bean to Bar: Highlighting artisanal chocolate-making technologies. Taste of Tomorrow explored the future of gelato, focusing on sustainability and functional ingredients, with innovative flavors such as alpine herb and microalgae blends. Pizza, a globally recognized Italian icon, was also a major highlight. The event showcased innovative solutions for equipment, ingredients (e.g., premium flours and toppings), and technologies. Sweet pizzas drew media attention, with creative combinations turning pizza into a gourmet dessert.
Awards and Education
The Lorenzo Cagnoni Award recognized startups and exhibitors driving innovation in digital solutions, sustainability, and packaging. The event also focused on developing the next generation of professionals. The final day welcomed 3,300 students from 60 hospitality schools, combining practical learning with industry interaction through SIGEP Academy programs.
Media and Digital Success
SIGEP achieved impressive visibility: Over 488 million media contacts and 737 accredited journalists (57 international). 161,000 professionals engaged in SIGEP’s social media community. The digital platform Sigep.it recorded 2 million+ views and facilitated business and job opportunities, particularly for young professionals.
Upcoming Events
IEG announced future events: SIGEP World 2026: January 23-27 in Rimini. SIGEP China: April 24-26 in Shenzhen. SIGEP Asia: July 16-18 in Singapore. Additionally, the Beer&Food Attraction event will take place in Rimini from February 16-18, 2025.