Applause for two pioneers: Colalucci and Destefano presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025!

Highest honour at this year’s Scirubetta Festival: Master gelatieri Sergio Colalucci and Davide Destefano presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025! Worthy recipients who represent outstanding quality and a true passion for the craftsmanship and innovation of artisanal ice-cream. For decades now, they have played a key role in shaping the culture of gelato, setting new standards and establishing the international reputation of Italian ice-cream culture far beyond national borders.

The award was presented by GELATISSIMO, together with Editrade and ITALCAM, the Italian-German Chamber of Commerce. A trophy ceremony held on 15 September 2025 as part of the Scirubetta Festival brought the entire international gelato community together in a fitting celebration marking the lifetime achievements of these two industry legends.

Sergio Colalucci – World Champion & Innovator

Sergio Colalucci is regarded as one of Italy’s most influential gelato master craftsmen. As the first world champion in artisanal ice-cream manufacture, President of the Gelato World Cup and popular international speaker, he has played a definitive role in the gelato trade for decades now.

His career is a shining example of superb craftsmanship, innovativeness and extraordinary communication skills. Colalucci’s ice-cream creations have been setting the standard for years, his success at competitions is legendary – but most importantly he has inspired an entire generation of gelatieri to continue rethinking the art of gelato.

Davide Destefano – Tradition with responsibility

Davide Destefano is an ice-cream maker in the third generation and runs the renowned Gelateria Cesare in Reggio Calabria. His name stands for the perfect combination of tradition, innovation and sustainability.

He uses only the best, often local, raw materials and has made a name for the family company that is talked about far beyond the borders of Calabria. At the same time, Destefano is passionately involved in supporting young talent and sharing the skills and knowledge acquired over generations.

An award that inspires the industry

The presentation of this award to Colalucci and Destefano demonstrates that innovation and tradition need not be mutually exclusive and can indeed shape the future of gelato craftsmanship together. Both recipients are not only masters of their craft, but also mentors, role models and ambassadors of a culture that is loved the world over.

With this award, GELATISSIMO is sending a strong signal: excellence in the craftsmanship of traditional ice-cream will be recognised, celebrated and shared with future generations.