It’s a real and pressing issue: the artisanal gelato sector is grappling with a shortage of qualified workers, an issue that threatens the future of one of Italy’s most cherished traditions. But MIG 2025 is stepping up with a clear and forward-thinking response.
From 30 November to 3 December 2025, Longarone Fiere Dolomiti will host a dedicated conference to tackle the problem head-on, bringing together education and industry experts to chart a concrete path toward a solution.
A gap in the regulation
The challenge is more complex than it appears. As it stands, the profession of gelato maker is not included in the list of professional roles eligible for three-year vocational education and training under national regulations in Italy.
This regulatory gap prevents regional training centres from offering official three-year qualification programmes, creating a vicious cycle—without structured education, it becomes difficult to attract young people to the profession.
Promising regional examples
However, research conducted in preparation for the MIG conference has revealed encouraging signs. An analysis of the Atlante del Lavoro e delle Qualificazioni (Italy’s official labour and qualifications framework) shows that eight regions – Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Lombardy, Marche, Piedmont, Sicily, Umbria, and Veneto – have already introduced specific qualifications related to gelato production.
“These are models worth studying and replicating,” says Giovanni De Lorenzi, CEO of Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, who also announced a coordinated effort across all regions to map existing opportunities and share best practices.
The challenge of educational competition
De Lorenzi lays it out clearly: “Every year, middle school students are bombarded with all kinds of educational options. Without a dedicated path for gelato-making, there’s little chance of guiding them toward this career.”
The competition is fierce. More structured sectors attract talent with ease, while ice cream – despite being a globally recognised excellence – remains on the periphery of young people’s career choices.
MIG 2025: turning the problem into a plan
The MIG conference won’t stop at diagnosing the issue. It aims to define concrete, actionable strategies, with a national roadmap designed to:
- Develop recognised, high-quality training programmes at the national level
- Coordinate and strengthen existing regional initiatives
- Attract young talent to a profession with real entrepreneurial potential
- Promote Italian craftsmanship through excellence in education
An investment in the future
“Being able to offer professional training for those who want to enter the world of gelato-making is essential if we want to elevate the profession,” concludes De Lorenzi.
This is not just about solving a staffing problem—it’s about ensuring the continuity of a cultural and economic heritage that represents Italy around the world.
VEGANOK EXPO, featured within MIG 2025, is a perfect example of how innovation can help attract new talent. Vegan gelato demands specific expertise and opens the door to international markets, making it a magnet for younger generations who prioritise sustainability and ethics.
The future of Italian gelato will be shaped in Longarone. From 30 November to 3 December 2025, MIG will be more than a trade show—it will be a creative hub where the next chapter of ice cream is written.
Read also: VEGANOK GELATO AWARD 2026: Where Tomorrow’s Leaders Take the Stage
FOR INFORMATION:
📧 [email protected] – Participation enquiries
