Following a series of regional heats held across the globe, more than 40 finalists, including three from the UK, will be competing across two days, 30th-31st October, for their chance to earn a coveted place in the World Final and the ultimate title of Gelato Festival World Masters Champion.

The European Final will showcase the very best in artisan gelato, bringing together exceptional gelato chefs, each presenting an array of creative and delicious gelato dishes – created using professional Carpigiani equipment – to a panel of industry experts who will critique the taste, structure, creativity, and presentation of the gelato.

Paul Ingram, Carpigiani UK’s managing director, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be supporting our UK finalists, Daniele, Samantha, and Jon, as they head to Bologna to compete in the European Final. The Gelato Festival World Masters brings together the very best artisan gelato chefs from across the globe, and the quality, creativity, and professionalism across the three UK heats were phenomenal.

“The entire Carpigiani team is looking forward to welcoming all international regional finalists to the European Final. This is a huge achievement, and our panel of judges will no doubt be put through their paces selecting the European finalists to progress to the World Final in 2026. The standard is tremendous.”

Representing the UK in Bologna will be:

• Daniele Panunzio of Panunzio’s Kitchen Gelati Italiani in Bristol
• Samantha Cunliffe of Bene Gelateria in Frodsham
• Jon Adams of Gelato Gusto in Chichester