Ice cream makers from around the world have been battling it out in Italy to find out who makes the tastiest gelato.
Thirty-six teams from 19 countries took part in the Gelato World Tour Grand Finale on September 8-10 in the northern Italian city of Rimini, all hoping to claim sweet victory.
The competition's search for the tastiest gelato began in 2015, with preliminary events already held in Singapore, Tokyo, Shenzhen, Chicago and Berlin.
"This is the final round of a competition that involved more than 1,800 gelato artisans in 12 main competitions plus 19 locals," said Andrea Cocchi, CEO of gelato machinery company and event sponsor Carpigiani.
The competition included a range of events, including the "Stack it High Showdown" in which participants were given 20 seconds to scoop as much of the Italian ice cream as possible onto a cone without any leaks or spills.
But the ultimate prize was the "Best Flavour" award.
Judges included gelato artisans and journalists, while the audience was also given a vote.
In the end, Italian ice cream maker Alessandro Crispini was crowned winner for his pistachio flavoured gelato.
Other popular flavours included a mix of strawberry and candied walnut, and the experimental passion fruit, cream and Colombian chocolate.
While gelato has its origins in Italy, competitors and organizers of the Gelato World Tour said the event reflected a growing taste for the icy treat across the world.
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