Singapore’s reputation as a culinary powerhouse just got sweeter: the nation has claimed the coveted title of World Champion at the Gelato World Cup 2026, held as part of the Sigep World in Rimini, Italy. Edging out 11 rival nations, the win marks a dramatic ascent for the team, which previously secured fourth place in the 2024 competition. The victory solidifies Singapore’s elite standing in the world of artisan desserts and sets the stage for the country to host the Asian regional qualifiers later this year.
Triumph in Rimini: The Olympics of Artisan Gelato
Often referred to as the Olympics of artisan gelato, the Gelato World Cup is a prestigious global showcase for technical artistry, precision, and creativity in frozen dessert making. This year, the competition featured 12 national teams, split evenly across four teams each from the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Competitors navigated ten highly rigorous technical challenges designed to push the boundaries of gelato creation.
These challenges required participants to master a spectrum of techniques, spanning everything from crafting exquisite gelato cakes, sticks, and single-portion desserts to constructing complex, large-scale artistic showpieces and intricate chocolate sculptures. Success hinged not merely on flavor, but on technical exactitude, flawless presentation, and innovative design.
The Winning Concept: A Circus of Precision
The four-member Team Singapore—comprising Team Manager Jason Tan, Pastry Chefs Dexter Lee and Loh Cheng Kit, and Chef Chew Wei Lung—captivated the judges with their ambitious project titled ‘Circus.’ The concept, inspired by themes of wonder, precision, and kinetic balance, was meticulously translated across every competitive challenge, earning top marks for conceptual execution and finesse.
The journey to the gold medal was not without turbulence. Team Manager Jason Tan shared the unexpected hurdles they overcame, noting that one member nearly missed the competition due to an unforeseen family emergency, arriving in Italy just one day before the start. Despite the adversity, the team delivered a stunning performance.
France secured the second-place spot with their project, ‘The Dance of Animals,’ while Argentina rounded out the top three, claiming bronze with their submission, ‘The Garden of Butterflies.’
Looking Ahead: Singapore Hosts Regional Selections
The celebration of this historic world title extends beyond Italy. Following the victory, Singapore is poised to host the Gelato World Cup Asia Selections from July 15 to 17, 2026. This regional qualifier will take place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, drawing the region’s finest gelato professionals to compete for highly coveted spots in the 2028 World Finals.
This upcoming event not only celebrates Singapore’s achievement but also underlines its increasing importance as an international hub for the finest culinary arts. The competition offers a valuable opportunity for local and regional dessert enthusiasts to witness the highest caliber of gelato-making innovation firsthand.
The Singapore team’s triumph serves as an inspiration, showcasing how preparation, ingenuity, and perseverance can translate into world-class success, cementing their spot at the pinnacle of global frozen pastry craft.