Introduction to the Winter Games Express
The Winter Games Express, a remarkable chocolate train, has been officially recognized as the longest chocolate train in the world by the Guinness World Record. Measuring 55.27 meters in length and weighing 28 quintals, this incredible creation has set a new standard in the category of Longest Chocolate Sculpture. The ceremony took place at Palazzo Lombardia, with the president of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana, in attendance, and under the high patronage of the European Parliament.
55 meters of chocolate: the Winter Games Express was born
International Collaboration and Link with Milano Cortina 2026
The project was born from the collaboration between Italian and Maltese entities in view of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and falls within the Cultural Olympiad promoted by the Lombardy Region. The initiative is part of the broader program of Cultural Olympics of Milan Cortina 2026, which aims to promote Olympic values through culture, heritage, and sport, spreading multidisciplinary and participatory activities throughout the national territory.
Education, Training, and Involvement of Young People
«This record is the result of enormous work, made of precision and collaboration», declares Andrew Farrugia, professor at the Institute of Tourism Studies in Malta, who led the project, already holder of the previous record. «Thanks to the collaboration between professionals, students, schools, and institutions, we have created a wonderful work, which celebrates the union between Italy and Malta».
Guinness World Record for the Winter Games Express chocolate train
The construction of the train involved pastry chefs, chocolatiers, and students of Italian and Maltese hotel schools and professional training centers, involved in all phases of the project, from the technical design to the final construction of the work. «For us, it is an extraordinary honor to see our students involved in a project like Winter Games Express», underlines Cristian Cantaluppi, CEO of CAST – Italian Institute of Culinary Arts and Hospitality. «An experience that goes far beyond the technical dimension, where future pastry chefs learn what it means to work in a complex project, breathing in the complexity and building a true professional mentality».
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Winter Games Express also integrates a commitment to sustainability. «Supporting this project means promoting a responsible vision of artisanal excellence», explains Pierre Tussot, CEO of Belcolade Puratos, chocolate supplier partner. The chocolate used is certified Cacao Trace, a program aimed at ensuring sustainable cocoa production through direct relationships with farmers. At the end of the exposure, the chocolate will be recovered and reused in agricultural activities, transforming the Guinness World Record into a concrete example of environmental responsibility.
Solidarity and Involvement of the Territory
The project also includes a solidarity aspect. Dedicated chocolate bars were put up for sale during the event, the proceeds of which will be donated to ODV-ETS Palliative Care Association of Bergamo and St. Michael Hospice of Santa Venera in Malta. «Thanks to Winter Games Express, we will be able to support more families in their palliative care journey», states Aurora Minetti, President of the Palliative Care Association. The chocolate train thus becomes a symbol of international collaboration, artisan excellence, and solidarity.
The ceremony took place at Palazzo Lombardia in the presence of the president of the Lombardy Region, Attilio Fontana
Winter Games Express will be exhibited at Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport from January 29th to February 20th, allowing the public to admire the Guinness World Record up close and to contribute to the fundraiser by purchasing solidarity chocolate bars. The initiative represents an example of how art, education, and social responsibility can come together in a concrete and high-impact project.
Read more about the Winter Games Express and its record-breaking achievement Here