Thanks to continuous innovation in the sector, it is possible to offer not only traditional gelato but also a wide range of specialties that cater to the needs of an increasingly demanding audience. The artisan gelato market in Italy is worth over 3 billion euros, with the segment linked to frozen desserts growing steadily. Integrating gelato into your offering will not only help you stand out from the competition but also provide new sales opportunities throughout the year. Let's explore the best solutions for a pastry shop that wants to focus on gelato.
From cones to frozen desserts: plenty of options to expand your pastry offering
Gelato enters the pastry world with many variations, not only to offer artisanal gelato in the warmer months but also to create frozen yogurt, ice cream cakes, and frozen pastries. In all cases, the common ingredient is gelato: excellent and produced with a wide range of ingredients from the important Made in Italy gelato supply chain. Moreover, thanks to the wide choice of machines and display technologies, you can choose from various options that best fit your needs in terms of investment, required space, and production volume.
Today, in the windows of the best pastry shops, you can find ice cream cakes, semifreddos, and, when the season allows, gelatos and sorbets. In modern gelaterias and more innovative pastry shops, the range of products has expanded to meet the needs of a larger number of customers.
Alternatives for a pastry shop wanting to offer gelato-based delights? Here are a few:
How to make gelato and which machines to choose
Today, thanks to technological developments, there are numerous alternatives. Artisan gelato is produced with a batch freezer and is immediately placed in the display case, or it can be briefly stored in a freezer or a blast chiller at -40 degrees to store some cold before being displayed. Display cases or wells can be used to maintain a constant temperature during necessary periods.
There are companies that manufacture machines and display cases for every space requirement. For example, a small batch freezer and a compact pasteurizer can equip your laboratory, or you can opt for a combined machine that serves both freezing and pasteurization functions. Innovative batch freezers that also serve as displays are available on the market if you want to offer a few flavors and have an incredibly fresh product. Once prepared, gelato is stored in view display cases or in wells. There’s a wide range of options, from offering 4-6 flavors to customizable solutions with various flavors.
An alternative to the traditional batch freezer is the soft serve machine. These machines can make up to two gelato flavors without needing a pasteurizer. The mixture is prepared cold and directly placed into the machine. The gelato is instantly frozen when served. Combining several soft serve machines allows you to offer a reasonable range of classic gelato flavors, which is called "espresso gelato."
The soft serve machine can also be used to create a yogurt corner, pairing with a yogurt display case equipped with wells for storing fruit, sauces, crumbles, and fillings for yogurt.
Innovative creations and emerging trends
With gelato, pastry chefs can get creative and showcase their expertise in making spectacular ice cream cakes. These are ideal for the summer months when traditional cream-based pastries feel too "heavy," and consumers want something fresh and indulgent. Personalized ice cream cakes are a growing trend, with increasing demand for special events like birthdays and weddings.
One recent trend is handmade ice cream on sticks. To make this, you can use gelato or cream. A semi-solid mixture is poured into silicone molds and then placed in a blast chiller for at least 30 minutes. The "bare" stick can be coated with pure chocolate in various flavors, such as dark, milk, white, coffee, hazelnut, or pistachio, and enriched with crushed hazelnuts, almonds, or pistachios. These artisanal sticks can be stored in a vertical freezer or a traditional gelato display case using special trays.
Final considerations
The choice of gelato type depends on the budget, aspirations, and available space for each store. For those who want to further diversify their offering, introducing innovative flavors like gourmet gelato with refined ingredients, vegan versions, or lactose-free gelato can cater to a clientele that is increasingly health-conscious and attentive to food intolerances.
For information on equipment and machines, you can consult the website of acoma.it, the association that includes the leading Italian manufacturers. Investing in gelato can be a winning choice for your pastry shop, ensuring quality, innovation, and an ever-expanding range of offerings for your customers.