RIMINI – A “house-full” SIGEP welcomed Italian Minister Flavio Zanonato to Rimini Fiera today. This morning, the minister responsible for Economic Development cut the inaugural ribbon of the 35th edition of the International Exhibition of Artisan Gelato, Pastry, Confectionery and Bakery production, along with the Mayor of Rimini Andrea Gnassi and Rimini Fiera Chairman Lorenzo Cagnoni.
With them, there were representatives of association and leading companies from a trade that is a feather in the cap of Italian-made products worldwide and which, thanks to the comprehensive expo of all the ingredients, products, technologies, furnishings, fittings and services and international competitions showcasing excellence, here at SIGEP ensures a complete insight on the best to be currently found on the gelato, artisan confectionery, bakery and coffee markets.
STATEMENTS
The minister for economic development Flavio Zanonato opened “the most important exhibition in the international field for gelato, the major European showcase for confectionery and bakery” and continued, “Italy stands out in this sector, with products that are inimitable, thanks to their quality, ingredients and knowledge based on centuries of experience, but also extraordinary plants and equipment that enable to make excellent products.” According to the minister, “Our entrepreneurial culture manages to combine artisan tradition and innovation. As far as the government is concerned, we are trying to help: the decree ‘del Fare’ (to get things done) has facilitated access to credit for the purchase of new machinery.” Lastly, Zanonato reminded participants of the challenge of Milan’s 2015 Expo, and praised Rimini Fiera for its “ability to organize great events.”
Rimini Mayor Andrea Gnassi stated, “Somebody said that Italy has only 0.9 percent of the world population, but the remaining 99 percent wants to see, hear and touch our country. Around cultural ‘reserves’ such as wine and food, there are industrial chains that can enable us to play a ‘winning hand’ at international level: the country as a whole has not yet completely understood the fact that, with this expo, Rimini is spotlighting the value of these assets”.
For Rimini Fiera chairman Lorenzo Cagnoni, “The very presence of Minister Zanonato is an acknowledgement of this expo’s importance.” “It’s a dynamic event”, he added “aggressively addressing internationalization, and we are proud of this. SIGEP manages to provide a top-grade combination of the creative ingeniousness of great master artisans with the innovation of supplying companies.” Cagnoni ensured that, “SIGEP supports this trade all year round, with the GELATO WORLD TOUR and the SIGEP SYSTEM platform that accompanies companies towards foreign markets.” The Chairman also reminded attendees of the combination with RHEX, as well as and the WORLD OF COFFEE event, which will be held in Rimini from June 10th to 12th.
NEWS
Among the curiosities to be seen at the expo: the smallest cakes in the world, a gelato flavour dedicated to teenagers’ TV star Violetta, cocktails to be licked, bread gelato and one that’s a match for sushi, a life-size statue of Pope Francis made entirely from chocolate…
THE GREAT EVENTS AT SIGEP 2014
For 2014, SIGEP decided to create a Times Square (Hall B3 and B5) of artisan confectionery. Like the famous New York square, the area offers an enormous crossroads under the banner of internationality, hosting performances by the world’s great masters, a stage with live video streaming coverage, able to be seen worldwide.
Among other events, the program includes the eagerly awaited Gelato World Cup with eleven countries taking part; the second edition of The Pastry Queen, the world pastry championship reserved for ladies, with eleven contestants from five continents; The Star of Chocolate, the contest dedicated to Chocolate; the Italian barista championship (South Foyer); the Italian Junior and Senior Pastry Championships and Bread Art, with the excellence of Italian bakers’ art.
With the aim of integrating food service/catering in a strong related expo, in order to represent all the food world’s new trends, RHEX RISTORAZIONE (Rimini Horeca Expo) is being held simultaneously with SIGEP 2014.
