Longarone, November 22, 2022 – Beyond its rich flavors and traditions, gelato is one of Italy's most cherished treasures—not just for its cultural significance and exceptional quality, but also as a key economic driver. The gelato sector generates approximately 2 billion euros annually and supports over 70,000 jobs. These statistics come from the latest report by the Cgia of Mestre, commissioned specifically for MIG 2022, which will be held from November 27 to 30 at Longarone Fiere Dolomiti. This event serves as a gathering point for key players and stakeholders in the world of artisan gelato.
Gelato, a Key Driver of Italian Economy and Tradition
"This is a significant and updated snapshot of the gelato industry, especially artisanal gelato," says Roberto Padrin, President of the Province of Belluno and Mayor of Longarone. "These numbers clearly demonstrate how this sector, which owes its origins to the visionary gelato artisans from the Zoldo and Cadore regions, remains a vital and identity-defining part of the local economy."
According to Michele Dal Farra, the new president of Longarone Fiere Dolomiti, "MIG represents a major economic engine for both the fair and the region, offering a key international showcase for innovation and growth for the businesses involved."
Key Numbers and Growth Trends
The Cgia of Mestre's study provides a comprehensive look at the gelato sector, where artisan gelato accounts for over 75% of businesses and about 50% of workers. This sector, though not always easily identified due to varying business codes (Ateco codes), represents the most traditional and beloved segment of the industry.
By September 30, 2022, the gelato sector, as defined by Ateco codes including pastry shops, included 18,885 active businesses and 76,778 employees across 25,528 locations. The sector has been in consistent growth since 2014, with a brief slowdown in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the numbers bounced back strongly in 2021-2022.
The artisan segment, primarily classified under Ateco codes 56.10.3 (Gelateries and Pastry Shops) and 56.10.41 (Mobile Gelateries and Pastry Shops), includes 15,719 businesses. It operates over 21,000 retail outlets, employs approximately 62,000 people, and generates 30,000 jobs supported by artisanal gelato revenues.
Economic Impact: 2 Billion Euros Annually
The entire gelato sector has an estimated annual turnover of 2.1 billion euros, with nearly half of that coming from artisanal gelato. According to ISTAT, in 2021, Italian families spent nearly €70 per household on gelato, which accounts for €1.7 billion of the total. Additionally, tourist consumption adds to the sector's revenues.
Renato Mason, Secretary of the Cgia of Mestre, comments, "Despite facing numerous challenges—such as bureaucracy, high tax pressures, lockdowns, energy crises, and rising interest rates—the gelato sector has remained resilient, securing jobs and generating wealth."
Regional Distribution and Artisan Gelato Hubs
Artisan gelato production is concentrated in regions such as Lombardy (2,120 businesses), Sicily (1,610), Campania (1,564), Lazio (1,453), Veneto (1,305), and Emilia Romagna (1,235). Some of the highest concentrations of gelato businesses are found in Sicily, Calabria, Tuscany, Liguria, and Veneto, with Belluno and Venice standing out for their high density of gelato shops per capita.
The Dolomites region, particularly Belluno, is renowned as the birthplace of artisan gelato, and for the past 63 years, Longarone has hosted MIG, the International Exhibition of Artisan Gelato, underscoring its status as a hub of innovation and tradition in the world of gelato.
MIG 2022: A Global Meeting Point for Gelato Innovation
This year, MIG will be held at the historic Longarone Fiere venue from November 27 to 30, with exhibitors from 12 countries (Germany, Austria, France, Croatia, Brazil, Belgium, Spain, Argentina, Slovenia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and San Marino), and from 12 Italian regions. The event will feature 131 brands and is expected to attract visitors from over 30 countries.