This article explores key data, emerging trends, and the main challenges facing the artisan gelato industry moving forward.
Europe: Record-Breaking Sales and Industry Growth
In 2022, the artisan gelato sector in Europe generated €9.83 billion in revenue—up +13% from 2021 (€8.7 billion). This all-time high was driven by several factors:
- Rising prices: The surge in raw material costs led to an average consumer price increase of +10%.
- Favorable climate: Mild weather extended the gelato season, boosting sales.
- Tourism recovery: The resurgence of travel positively impacted sales, accounting for over 20% of total revenue in some regions.
Despite higher revenues, many artisan businesses saw declining profitability due to increased energy and ingredient costs.
Europe remains home to over 65,000 gelato shops employing more than 300,000 people. The top countries by number of establishments are:
- Germany: 9,000 (including 3,300 dedicated gelato shops)
- Spain: 2,200
- Poland: 2,000
- United Kingdom: 1,100
- Austria: 900
- Greece: 680
- France: 450
Europe confirms its leadership in the global artisan gelato scene, with the product present in 76 countries. Key markets include Italy, Germany, Spain, and Poland, alongside growing interest in Austria, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Italy: A Strong Market with Growing Challenges
In 2022, Italy’s artisan gelato industry recorded €2.7 billion in revenue—up +16% from 2021 (€2.3 billion), continuing the recovery trend from 2020 (€1.85 billion).
Market Structure in Italy
Italy is home to around 39,000 points of sale, including:
- Dedicated gelato shops: 9,000 (+139 from 2021)
- Pastry shops serving gelato: 12,000
- Bars offering gelato: 18,000 (slightly declining)
The largest concentrations of artisan gelato labs are found in:
- Lombardy: 2,120
- Sicily: 1,610
- Campania: 1,564
- Lazio: 1,453
- Veneto: 1,305
- Emilia Romagna: 1,235
Per capita gelato spending continues to rise thanks to increased demand from both locals and tourists.
Italy’s Leadership in the Gelato Supply Chain
Italy is not only a major consumer market—it’s also a global leader in the production of ingredients, semi-finished products, and equipment for artisan gelato.
Ingredients and Semi-Finished Products
In 2022, the gelato ingredients sector generated €1 billion in revenue across 65 specialized companies. These businesses are essential in linking agriculture to retail.
Compared to 2021, purchases of agri-food raw materials grew by +5%, with notable volumes:
- 230,000 tons of milk
- 68,000 tons of sugar
- 53,000 tons of fruit (fresh and dried)
- 1,650 tons of Bronte pistachios
- 1,900 tons of Piedmont hazelnuts
Bronte pistachios and Piedmont hazelnuts remain top favorites among Italian and international consumers.
Machines and Equipment for Gelato Production
The gelato equipment sector reported about €700 million in revenue in 2022, with over 70% of production exported. Italy stands out as the world’s leading producer of gelato machines, furniture, and tools.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the growth, the artisan gelato sector must tackle key challenges:
- Rising energy and raw material costs, reducing profit margins.
- Shortage of skilled labor, affecting production capacity.
- Increasing competition from industrial gelato, which is gaining market share through aggressive marketing.
At the same time, several opportunities are emerging:
- Growing consumer demand for high-quality, natural, and organic gelato.
- Ongoing innovation in flavors and production technologies, supporting product diversification.
- Expansion into international markets, with Italian gelato widely recognized as a symbol of quality and tradition.
2022 was a year of strong growth for artisan gelato in both Italy and Europe. Italy’s gelato supply chain alone reached a turnover of €3.8 billion, contributing significantly to tourism, employment, and agriculture.
Despite ongoing challenges, the future looks promising. The market is evolving, driven by consumer interest in authentic experiences and premium ingredients, while Italian know-how continues to lead global trends.