How Singapore Took Home A Historic Gelato World Cup Victory

The Singapore National Pastry Team has claimed the top prize at the 2026 Gelato World Cup in Rimini, Italy. This marks the nation’s first-ever championship win in the prestigious competition’s history, a historic win for Singapore.

Held from 16 to 20 January at SIGEP, the competition took place at one of the world’s most important trade fairs for artisan gelato and pastry. Singapore triumphed over 11 other national teams from 5 continents. It’s a remarkable achievement that’s put our little red dot firmly on the global gelato map.

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A Circus Theme That Won Over Judges

The winning presentation, titled “Circus,” impressed the artistic jury with its technical mastery, compelling storytelling and creative flow. Judges described it as “a vibrant and technically flawless narrative inspired by balance, precision and wonder”. Fittingly enough, these qualities mirror Singapore’s own reputation for excellence.

The jury evaluated teams across four key areas: taste, looks, innovation and technical consistency. What set Singapore apart was the team’s exceptional technical execution, clarity of vision and seamless flow across all competition challenges. In other words, our team didn’t just excel in one area, they delivered across the board.

Eight Tough Challenges

The competition brought together 12 national teams: 4 from the Americas, Europe and  Asia each. All of them were put through “highly demanding technical challenges designed to test technical precision, creativity and presentation”, in the organiser’s words.

This wasn’t your typical baking competition. Teams faced 8 official tests spanning gelato making, pastry arts and haute cuisine, culminating in a grand buffet showcase. The challenges included decorating gelato tubs and cups, a mystery box challenge, crafting artistic gelato cakes and a gourmet starter. Teams were also expected to produce artistic pieces and gelato snacks.

A Dramatic Turnaround

Singapore’s victory becomes even more impressive when you consider that the team finished fifth just 2 years ago at the 2024 edition. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident. It can only be explained by dedication, innovation and relentless pursuit of perfection.

The competition also saw a historic upset. Italy, typically a dominant force, was severely penalised for an irregularity and finished in ninth place. This marked the first time Italy failed to win the tournament, opening the door for Singapore’s breakthrough moment.

Triumph Against All Odds

Behind the polished presentation and flawless execution lies a story of remarkable resilience. One team member nearly withdrew due to a family emergency just a day before the team set off for Italy. They only arrived in Rimini the day before the competition began, leaving virtually no time to settle in or rehearse.

Adding to the challenges, the team operated on what they described as a “lean budget.” Despite these obstacles, they maintained unity and precision throughout the competition, proving that resourcefulness and determination can overcome financial constraints.

What This Means for Singapore

This victory is a testament to Singapore’s growing reputation in the culinary arts. Our chefs, pastry makers and food artisans continue to punch above their weight on the international stage, bringing home accolades that put us alongside, and often ahead of, nations with far longer culinary traditions.

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For Singaporeans planning their next European adventure, Rimini and the surrounding Emilia-Romagna region might now hold special appeal. After all, our national team conquered the gelato world on Italian soil, at the very heart of gelato culture.