Italy’s Artisan Gelato Sales Set To Rise 4% This Summer, Study Finds

The findings are based on data from CREST-Circana and the Italian Gelato Makers’ Association.

The artisan gelato sector in Italy generated revenue worth €3 billion in 2024, registering growth of 0.5 points year-on-year to 1%.

Europe saw a 2.1% increase in the sales of gelato despite a marginal 0.5% decline in visits last year.

Among the five main markets – Italy, Germany, Spain, France, and Great Britain – Italy emerged on top, selling over 600 million servings and accounting for 26.4% of total sales. Germany followed at 25.1%, and Spain came next at 20.6%.

‘Propensity To Consume Is Growing’

Matteo Figura, executive director of Foodservice Italy at Circana, stated, “The propensity to consume is growing. In four out of 100 visits, consumers include gelato among their out-of-home choices.

“Even at a time of uncertainty, Europeans are not giving up this experience, offering opportunities and growth incentives for the entire supply chain.”

Claudio Pica, secretary general of the Italian Gelato Makers’ Association (AIG), added, “For summer 2025, we foresee a growth in sales of around 4% throughout Italy.

“But artisans need to invest more in training, not only on creations in the workshop: unfortunately, staff shortage is also an issue for gelato parlours, which are short of about 15-20 thousand counter workers.”

SIGEP World’s Observatory also unveiled new flavours for the season, such as aronia and beetroot as well as new products such as inverted stracciatella with a dark chocolate base and white chocolate chips, among others, ESM reports.