Despite rising energy and raw material costs, the sweet out-of-home market is expanding. These are the characters at the heart of the 45th edition of Sigep, the International Exhibition of Gelato, Pastry, Bakery, and Coffee, which runs until January 24 at the Rimini Exhibition Centre. In terms of ice cream, Italy's turnover increased by 11% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching about 3 billion euros between ice cream parlors, pastry shops, and ice cream bars, as well as a rise in artisanal product purchases. The ice cream machinery and furniture sector is also doing well, with a turnover of around 650 million euros in 2023, of which 350 million euros are related to sales to artisanal ice cream parlors (about 39 thousand according to Coldiretti data), where it is estimated that 220 thousand tons of milk, 64 thousand sugars, 21 thousand fresh fruit, and 29 thousand other raw materials are used. Excellent performance also for holiday desserts: in 2023, artisanal panettone eclipsed industrial panettone in value: demand for the handmade product, in a market of 30 thousand tons and 270 million euros, accounts for 58% of the sector's value. Coffee is the most popular beverage in Italy, with over 95 million cups consumed each day. The bread industry is stable, with an average yearly per capita consumption of 41 kg, while the emphasis on items made with organic flours grows. Confectionery is expanding, with 11.4 billion goods served and an increase in out-of-home consumption of +12% by 2023.
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