France is crowned with the ice cream world cup for the fourth time. The country won the 2018 Gelato World Cup at a food gala held in the Italian city of Rimini. It has beaten 11 other countries to become the ice cream champions, with Spain and Australia securing the second and third place respectively. Previous winner, Gelato giant Italy had to sit out of the eighth edition of the competition as the rule states non-participation of reigning champs for their next event i.e. the recently held food festival. Argentina, Brazil, South Korea, Morocco, Poland, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United States also participated in this one of its kind festival held at the four-day International Trade show for artisans in ice cream, pastry, bakery and coffee.

The win came to France after three days of tasting as a part of team challenges. Each country led by a team of master ice cream makers showcased their scoop skills. Squads were tasked with daily gelato challenges, with eight demanding trials in total that included, ice sculpture, a decorated gelato pan, a gelato cake, an entry competition of three hot finger foods combined with gourmet and snacks.

There is no concept of defending champions in Gelato World Cup. They have a unique tradition which restricts the winners from participating in the following edition of the tournament which is held every two years. But the rule is finally undergoing this change paving way for crown holders to take part in 2020. It means France will be defending their Gelato World Cup title next edition.

Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini witnessed the event and announced that with the success of Neapolitan Pizza (a style of Pizza) being added to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site in December, he wishes to push for ice cream’s inclusion in the list as well.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 25, 2018 08:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).