LONGARONE, 24 MARCH – Longarone Fiere Dolomiti marked European Artisan Ice Cream Day today with a special event at Agrimont, the annual mountain agriculture fair that runs until Sunday. This celebration underscores the global recognition of Italian-made gelato, a product that represents Italy’s rich culinary tradition and the excellence of its regional raw materials.
The event in Longarone holds particular significance as it is from this town, renowned as the birthplace of Italian ice cream, that the movement to establish a European day dedicated to gelato began. Paolo Garna, the longtime director of Mig (International Exhibition of Artisan Gelato), recalled how the idea was conceived in 2008 in collaboration with Giovanni De Lorenzi, then president of the fair. Garna traced the journey from the initial proposal presented to the European Parliament in 2009 to its formal recognition in Strasbourg in 2012, leading to the establishment of 24 March as the official European Artisan Ice Cream Day.
“This day is not just a celebration; it is a recognition of the quality of the product, rooted in the territories it comes from, and a testament to its cultural and economic significance,” said Garna. He emphasized that the artisan ice cream sector is not only about tradition but also plays an important role in the economy, creating jobs and contributing to GDP.
The event also featured discussions about future initiatives, including a potential bid for UNESCO recognition of artisan gelato. Giancarlo Timballo, president of the Gelato World Cup, spoke about ongoing efforts to secure this prestigious recognition, stressing the worldwide acclaim for Italian gelato. “We are confident that this would further solidify gelato’s reputation as a symbol of excellence,” he said.
Ivano Pocchiesa Prize and Regional Awards
The Ivano Pocchiesa Prize, an annual recognition for contributions to the world of gelato, was awarded during today’s event. This year, Michelangelo Corazza, an ice cream maker and author with decades of experience in Vienna, received the honor. Corazza is known for his extensive work on gelato, including his latest book, Gelato and Ice Cream Makers in Valle di Zoldo and Zoppè di Cadore. Special mention was also given to young ice cream makers Marco Areato and Carolina Da Rold for representing Belluno ice cream at the prestigious Casa Sanremo during the Italian Song Festival.
In addition to the awards, a conference held yesterday in Venice at the historic Ca’ Sagredo hotel recognized Veneto’s most notable gelato parlours. Longarone Fiere, in collaboration with the Belluno-Treviso Chamber of Commerce, presented certificates to both historical and innovative gelaterias in the region.
Historical Gelato Parlours Recognized
The following gelaterias were honored in the “Historical Ice Cream Parlours” category:
Venice:
- l’Arte di Mauro (20 years), Sall (24 years), Gelato Fantasy (25 years), Icebar (30 years), Gelateria Gardenia (36 years)
Padua:
- Gelateria Barbara Luvison (25 years), La boutique del gelato (25 years), Gelateria Panciera (26 years), Gelateria Amica (27 years), and more
Belluno:
- Gelateria Gimmy (23 years), Il Gelato (33 years), Gelateria Al Soler (35 years), Dolomiti la Gelateria (43 years)
Innovative Gelato Parlours Recognized
Awards were also given for innovative gelato parlours, including:
Padua:
- Gelateria Da Carlo (opened in 2020), Gelateria Gianni (2013), Cuor di Gelato (2012), and others
Venice:
- Mivè Gelateria (2013), Gelateria per passione (2012), Gelateria Chocolat La bottega del gusto (2009), and more
This recognition highlights the diverse and evolving gelato industry in Veneto, celebrating both the rich history and the ongoing innovation within this beloved craft.
As Longarone continues to celebrate its central role in the global gelato movement, the future looks bright for artisan ice cream, with both traditional craftsmanship and new innovations poised to shape the industry.
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