On this episode, Ragnar is joined by members of Team Singapore, winners of the 2026 Gelato World Cup, and Ilaria Cicero, recently-appointed Global Exhibition Director of the F&B division of IEG Group, organizer of SIGEP World and the Gelato World Cup.
First launched in 2003, the Gelato World Cup unites top talent from across the globe to compete for the world title through challenges in Gelato-making, Pastry, Chocolate-making and Haute Cuisine. In 2026, Singapore made history as the first Asian country to win the finals, serving as a landmark moment for the region and a breakthrough for artisan gelato on the global stage. Tune in to hear insights from the team, learn about the evolution of gelato and explore how SIGEP World is driving expansion for the future of gelato worldwide on Episode 141: A Historic First for Asia at the Gelato World Cup with Team Singapore and SIGEP World.
Tune in and LEARN:
- Making History on the World Stage: Discover how Team Singapore became the first Asian country to win the Gelato World Cup through strategy, creativity, and preparation, all while balancing full-time careers.
- The Evolution of Artisan Gelato: Explore how gelato is expanding across Asia and hear how global initiatives are shaping the future of the sector.
- Local Flavors and Global Impact: Learn how the team blended Asian ingredients with international appeal and why universal storytelling matters in competition.
Resources
Team Manager
“Gelato as a product is very versatile. It allows people to translate their local flavors into a product people enjoy a lot. In Singapore, we are a tropical spot so we are very hot throughout the year. It’s a perfect location for gelato. During COVID we saw a big rise in local gelato shops, and now you see a lot of international brands coming in…”
Meet the Team
Jason Tan Yirong (Team Manager): Head of the studio division at Euraco Finefood. A Le Cordon Bleu Sydney top graduate and champion of the 2018 Asian Gelato Cup, Tan provided the strategic leadership and veteran experience necessary to guide the team to gold.
Dexter Lee: Executive pastry chef at Bidfood Singapore and Gourmet Partner Singapore. A 2022 Global Pastry Chef Challenge champion, Lee’s expertise in ice carving and chocolate molding was instrumental in the team’s artistic presentation.
Loh Cheng Kit: Pastry chef at Swissotel The Stamford and Fairmont Singapore. A seasoned competitor and champion of the 2022 Asian Gelato Cup, Loh brought elite technical gelato craft honed in Singapore’s leading five-star kitchens.
Chew Wei Lung: Junior sous chef at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. The youngest member and a rising star, Chew showcased mastery in sugar sculptures, having recently won Best Sugar Showpiece at the 2025 Singapore Pastry Cup Selection.
Explore Gelato’s Evolution
Global Exhibition Director – F&B Division IEG Group
“The gelato market is growing and we need to teach people. What is artisan gelato compared to other kinds, let’s say… ice cream. It’s a big challenge for people working in this sector to make other people understand… For us, to have teams across Asia competing to go to Rimini, we’re really proud.”
Listen or watch now to learn more:
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to SIGEP World, the Singapore team, and Ilaria Cicero for joining us.
World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and Electrolux Food Foundation.
