Gelateria Pinocchio’s Alex Fratini, an ice cream maker and representative for Abreca (Association of Bars, Restaurants and Cafeterias), together with Marco Levati, the organization’s director, joined the mayor on a tour of the various stands.
In the Benidorm Ice Cream Grand Prix, 150 competitors vie for the coveted title and exclusive prizes, with a Porsche Boxter taking first place, a Vespa Piaggio coming in second, and a Bravo machine coming in third. The competition blends creativity, technique, and flavour.
Prominent figures from the industry, including Paco Torreblanca, the world’s top pastry chef in 2022 and the recipient of the Generalitat’s Medal d’Or 9 d’Octubre in 2024, as well as 150 participating businesses and over 4,500 operators from throughout Europe, attended the tournament. Among these, Gelateria Pinocchio stands in for Benidorm. According to Marco Levati, the event has doubled the number of attendees each year, with over 6,000 specialists participating overall in 2025.
Toni Pérez’s attendance was intended to highlight Benidorm’s dedication to projects that “boost the projection of the city as a first-class tourist and gastronomic destination.” As the mayor has stated, “The Ice Cream Grand Prix not only highlights the talent of ice cream makers, but also reinforces the image of Benidorm as a place where excellence and innovation have a place.” This event is significant for the town. In a field that has its roots and recognition in the province of Alicante, he has identified this event as the second most significant in the world.
With suggestions that delighted the jury and the general public, the event, which concludes today, has flooded the Melià Villaitana hotel with flavours and scents. The jury has tasted the pros’ chocolate and mango masterpieces in anonymous containers. Twelve of them were chosen, and they have since produced the traditional Cremino ice cream from Piedmont, Italy. The awards ceremony, which is a much-anticipated event that will wrap up two days of fierce competition, will take place today. This new edition of the 2025 Ice Cream Grand Prix solidifies its standing as one of the sweetest and most eagerly awaited events on the calendar, adding to Benidorm’s cultural and economic vibrancy. Other ice cream competitions in Budapest, Hungary, Vienna, Austria, and Split, Croatia, will follow throughout 2025.
However, the event organisers have already said that the winner would receive a Maserati and that the awards will be upgraded to a higher level the following year.
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