Rimini, 15 January 2025 – The countdown is on for the 13th edition of European Artisanal Gelato Day, the only day officially established by the European Parliament, which returns on 24 March 2025 to celebrate one of the most iconic symbols of quality European craftsmanship. A not-to-be-missed opportunity to promote a key sector that continues to grow, now generating over €11 billion in annual revenue across the European market alone.
The event will be officially launched during the 46th edition of SIGEP WORLD – The World Expo for Foodservice Excellence (18–22 January 2025), where Artglace, the promoter of Gelato Day, will unveil all the highlights of the 2025 edition, including the competition to create the official Flavour of the Year and the award ceremony for the 2024 international video contest.
A booming market across Europe
Artisanal gelato continues to be a key player in Europe, with a network of approximately 65,000 outlets and 300,000 employees. In 2024, total revenue reached €11 billion, up 1% from 2023, despite a summer marked by unpredictable weather. Sales volumes also rose, driven by new gelato parlours opening in emerging markets, while Italy and Germany remained steady in both store numbers and sales.
This upward trend was supported by stable pricing, which increased by just 1% (compared to +10% in 2023, when raw material, logistics and labour costs soared), helping maintain strong consumer confidence.
Italy: nearly €3 billion in revenue and over 39,000 gelato-serving outlets
In 2024, the Italian artisanal gelato sector recorded a 0.5–1% growth, reaching nearly €3 billion in turnover. There are now over 9,300 dedicated gelato shops, alongside 12,000 pastry shops and 18,000 bars serving artisanal gelato, for a total of over 39,000 points of sale.
After a challenging start to the year, the sector bounced back in summer thanks to international tourism, which saw a 1.2% increase in arrivals and a 3% rise in overnight stays (Aug–Oct). Southern Italy led the way, with strong performances in Lazio (+13%), Sicily (+5%) and Campania (+3%).
Per capita consumption held steady at 2 kg per person, with an average spending of €46 per resident, plus €2.70 per tourist. Prices remained stable, with a small cone or cup averaging €2.70, peaking at €5 in major tourist cities.
“Hallelujah” – The 2025 Flavour of the Year dedicated to the Jubilee
At Sigep 2025, a panel of experts will select the official recipe for the Flavour of the Year “Hallelujah”, a special creation celebrating the 2025 Jubilee, under the patronage of the Dicastery for Evangelization and MASAF (Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests). The competition, open to 30 artisan gelato makers from across Europe, will take place on Tuesday, 21 January at the Artglace stand (Pavilion A6, Stand N. 48).
On 23 March, the “Hallelujah” flavour will be offered to pilgrims near St. Peter’s Square in Rome during a charity event held in Piazza Pio XII, followed on 24 March by its debut in gelato shops across Europe, served either in its official recipe or reinterpreted by gelato artisans using local ingredients and traditions.
Video Contest 2024: and the winners are…
Sigep 2025 will also host the awards ceremony for the fourth edition of the international Video Contest, dedicated to the 2024 Flavour of the Year “Gaufre de Liège”. Gelato artisans from across Europe submitted videos, which were judged by a five-member expert panel based on creativity, video quality, presentation of the production process, and visual appeal of the final product.
A sector that blends tradition, innovation, and culture
“Once again, we’re excited to celebrate the quality and creativity that make artisanal gelato unique,” said Domenico Belmonte, President of Artglace. “Dedicating the 13th edition of Gelato Day to the 2025 Jubilee allows us to combine flavour, artistry and spirituality. The 2024 market results confirm the leading role of artisanal gelato in Europe – a true excellence in food and craftsmanship, driven by the passion and skill of thousands of artisan gelato makers.”
How to participate
All gelato shops across Italy and Europe are invited to take part in the 2025 edition of Gelato Day by registering at www.gelato-day.com and submitting their planned initiatives for 24 March 2025.
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