We recap highlights from this year’s SIGEP World, a foodservice exhibition hosted in Rimini, Italy. Read on for the latest trends in coffee and sustainability, and a look at Italy’s new barista champs.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photos courtesy of George Mitropoulos
For five days in January, the bustling halls of Rimini Fiera in Rimini, Italy, came alive with the spirit of innovation and creativity for SIGEP World, a global exhibition celebrating foodservice excellence. This year was SIGEP’s 46th anniversary, and from January 18-22, the iconic event brought together 1,300 exhibitors across 138,000 square meters of space, offering visitors a comprehensive look into the coffee supply chain, in addition to the industries of gelato, pastry, chocolate, and baked goods.
With over 30 halls dedicated to these industries, SIGEP once again affirmed its role as a global hub for foodservice professionals. This year’s edition featured a notable new initiative: the “Guest Country“ spotlight. Saudi Arabia took center stage, highlighting its growing prominence in the food and beverage sector and showcasing its unique contributions to the industry’s global landscape.
Coffee Trends on the Show Floor
The show floor reflected the industry’s evolving priorities, with sustainability and innovation leading the way. One standout feature was the Sustainability District, where talks dedicated to promoting ethical practices in coffee and cocoa production were held.
The Micro Roaster Village, meanwhile, offered visitors a chance to explore boutique roasters and sample their unique blends, highlighting the growing interest in small-scale, artisanal production. Additionally, an entire section was dedicated solely to super-automatic coffee machines, signaling what the future of coffee preparation might look like.
Among the new products on display, a few stood out for their originality. Potato Milk by DUG, a Swedish brand developed through research at Lund University, impressed me with its creamy texture and ability to retain coffee’s flavors. It even worked well for latte art: an unexpected but welcome surprise.
On the equipment front, Sweet Coffee Italia showcased a prototype espresso machine that uses induction technology, offering a glimpse into the future of precision brewing. Italian company Aroma also made waves with its new line of espresso pod machines, designed for both professionals and home baristas. These machines are 100% made in Italy and, while not yet available for purchase, are set to launch soon.
Competitions: Italy’s Best on Display
Competitions played a pivotal role in bringing the coffee community together. The Coffee Arena was the site of intense yet friendly rivalries as Italy’s top baristas competed for national titles and the chance to represent their country on the world stage. Among the winners were Daniele Ricci, crowned Italian Barista Champion again, and Stefano Cevenini, who claimed the title of Italian Latte Art Champion. Each competition showcased not only technical skill but also the deep passion and creativity that define the coffee industry.
Spotlight on Origin: A Global Perspective
Educational talks further enriched the experience, offering valuable insights into the coffee supply chain across the globe. From a discussion on Cuban coffee’s blend of tradition and modernity to lessons learned from Africa’s coffee-growing regions, the talks were both informative and thought-provoking.
One session focused on the incredible diversity of African coffee shone a spotlight on Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda, and was particularly engaging, providing attendees with a deeper appreciation for origin countries and offering importers and roasters a valuable opportunity to connect with producers directly.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As SIGEP came to a close, it was clear that, after several decades, the event remains a vital platform for fostering connections within the coffee community and the foodservice community at large, exploring trends and celebrating excellence in the foodservice world. Next year’s edition is already set to take place January 23-27, 2026. After spending four days immersed in this year’s dynamic atmosphere, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next chapter of SIGEP World.
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
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