Rome, July 17, 2025 – Artisanal gelato, a symbol of Italian agri-food excellence, was the focus of an important institutional meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests (MASAF). Highlighted was the meeting with Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, who welcomed a delegation of industry representatives to discuss opportunities, challenges, and development prospects for the sector.
Representing the world of artisanal gelato were Carlotta Fabbri, President of UIF – Gelato Products Group, Sergio Colalucci, President of the Gelato World Cup and 2006 world champion, and Domenico Belmonte, President of Artglacé and promoter of European Artisanal Gelato Day. These two initiatives – the Gelato World Cup and the European Day – testify to the commitment to the international recognition of a product that originates from Italian agricultural raw materials, telling a story of quality, creativity, and conviviality to the world.
During the meeting, gelato masters presented two unique flavors created for the occasion with 100% Italian ingredients: Delizia Cilentana, featuring Giffoni hazelnuts and honey-roasted almonds, and RED WINE 24, made with peach, passion fruit, Neptune wine, marinated peaches, and saffron. This was a tribute to the extraordinary variety and richness of national agriculture.
Among the topics discussed with the Minister and Chief of Staff Raffaele Borriello was the growing difficulty in finding qualified labor and the need to promote training and youth entrepreneurship in the sector. Additionally, concrete projects aimed at promoting the artisanal gelato supply chain both in Italy and abroad were discussed. This dialogue proved to be an important opportunity to initiate a shared path to support the supply chain, recognizing artisanal gelato as having a strategic role not only in economic terms but also culturally and identitarily.
"We wish to express our gratitude to Minister Lollobrigida and to the entire MASAF team for their ongoing attention and support for the world of artisanal gelato," said Carlotta Fabbri. "Today we wanted to demonstrate, through the creativity of our masters, the value of a product that arises from the meeting of tradition, innovation, farmers, artisans, and businesses, bringing the culture of gelato ever closer to citizens."
Although a 4% increase in gelato consumption is estimated in Europe between May and July 2025 due to particularly favorable weather conditions, with predominantly dry conditions and temperatures above the seasonal average of the last two years, the importance of vocational training and the entry of new generations into the sector was reaffirmed during the event. These elements are fundamental to ensuring continuity, development, and competitiveness at both national and international levels.
Artisanal gelato represents a leading economic reality in Italy: over 39,000 sales points – including about 9,000 specialized gelato shops – generate an annual turnover of approximately 3 billion euros, plus an additional 1.7 billion euros from companies producing ingredients, machinery, and display cases. The sector has a significant impact on Italian agri-food, sourcing many essential raw materials such as milk, sugar, fruit, and dried fruit. The industry directly and indirectly employs over 120,000 people, including gelato makers, suppliers, and technology producers, confirming its status as one of the engines of the Italian agri-food economy.
With this initiative, MASAF renews its commitment to promoting Italian excellence, supporting artisanal gelato as a symbol of quality, creativity, and a short supply chain.