A triumph of Sicilian flavors projected by the master ice cream maker from Messina Giuseppe Arena towards the Italian final of World Masters Ice Creamthe most important international competition for individual ice cream makers. Arena won over the jury with its original flavour, called “Pyrus Amygdalum“, during the semi-final which was held on 27 and 28 October at the Carpigiani Gelato University Campus in Bologna.
The event saw 74 ice cream makers from all over Italy compete to secure a place in the prestigious next phase. The master ice cream maker from Ganzirri succeeded in the undertaking thanks to a recipe that was able to enhance the excellence of the territory: a sorbet of Williams pear and raw semi-roasted Avola almondsenriched with smoked salt, Sicilian blood orange variegation, dried pear and chopped almonds. The use of the highest quality raw materials and the balance of flavors have been the key to success for Arena.
The Italian final of the Gelato World Masters will take place on January 17, 2026 to SIGEP World 2026at the Gelato & Pastry Lab. Sixteen of the best Italian ice cream makers will compete on that occasion to win the four places available for the prestigious World Final. The competitors will prepare their original recipes live, submitting them to the judgment of a jury made up of experts and professionals in the sector.
«It is a great satisfaction to have arrived this far – commented Arena – and now we are preparing to face the next match. This victory represents an important milestone. I put all the love I have for my work and for the territory into my ice cream and I always choose ingredients that represent Sicily.”
The master ice cream maker also expressed his desire to share the success and future plans with his family: «I am very happy with this result and I want to share this victory with my son Nicola who took the same path as me and decided to carry forward our projects and our dreams.”