New Delhi, November 3, 2025 – Italian artisanal gelato takes center stage in India on the occasion of the 10th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World, the annual event promoted by the network of Embassies, Consulates, Italian Cultural Institutes, and ITA – Italian Trade Agency offices abroad, dedicated to promoting Italian cuisine and high-quality agri-food products.
From November 3 to 7, 2025, New Delhi and Mumbai will host a series of masterclasses, tastings, and networking events designed to promote the culture of Italian artisanal gelato in one of the fastest-growing markets of the Asian subcontinent.
The initiative offers a strategic opportunity to encourage the opening of new gelato shops in India, foster international partnerships, and attract investments in a sector experiencing unprecedented growth.
A booming market: the rise of gelato in India
The Indian ice cream market is going through a period of remarkable expansion. Valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2023-24, it is expected to reach USD 5.83 billion by 2028.
Per-capita consumption has quadrupled over the past decade — from just 400 milliliters in 2011 to about 1.6 liters in 2024 — reflecting a growing appetite for frozen desserts among Indian consumers.
Within this context, artisanal gelato stands out as the most dynamic segment, growing between 20% and 25% annually, driven by urban consumers looking for premium, natural, and high-quality products.
The rapid expansion of artisanal gelato shops across major cities and emerging markets confirms India as one of the most promising destinations for Italian excellence in this sector.
Italy: global leader in the artisanal gelato supply chain
With a total value exceeding €4 billion, Italy is the world leader in artisanal gelato production and in the export of machines, display cabinets, and ingredients.
In 2024:
- The gelato ingredients sector recorded a turnover of €1.1 billion, with 67% of sales generated by exports.
- The machinery and equipment segment, worth about €700 million, exported 75% of its production.
This supply chain brings together a unique ecosystem of:
- Producers of natural and innovative ingredients
- Manufacturers of professional gelato machines and equipment
- International training schools and academies
- Major industry events such as SIGEP World – The World Expo for Foodservice Excellence, to be held in Rimini, January 16–20, 2026.
Partners and organizers
The project is the result of collaboration among the key players of Italy’s artisanal gelato supply chain:
- ACOMAG – Association of Gelato Machine, Equipment and Furnishing Manufacturers
- IEG – Italian Exhibition Group, organizer of SIGEP World, the leading international trade fair for gelato, pastry, coffee, bakery, and pizza
- Unione Italiana Food – Gelato Products Group, representing Italy’s main producers of ingredients and semi-finished products for artisanal gelato
- ITA – Italian Trade Agency, through its New Delhi Office, providing coordination, logistical support, and promotional activities in India.
Event program
New Delhi (November 3–5, 2025)
- November 3: Student masterclass at APCA Gurgaon, with live demonstration of Italian gelato production
- November 4 (morning): Student masterclass at SEP Gurgaon
- November 4 (5:30 PM): Networking event and gelato tasting at the Italian Cultural Institute
- November 5: Professional masterclass at APCA Gurgaon focused on business opportunities, investment, and profitability
Mumbai (November 6–7, 2025)
- November 6 (morning): Professional masterclass at SEP Mumbai
- November 6 (afternoon): Networking lunch with Ho.Re.Ca. professionals
- November 7: Student masterclass featuring a hands-on gelato production workshop
Speakers and protagonists
- Carlotta Fabbri, President of the Gelato Products Group of Unione Italiana Food and Master of the Italian Culinary Arts, will present the Italian gelato supply chain and explore business opportunities in the Indian market.
- Fanny Lopez Ruano, Gelato & Research Chef at Frozen Fun, will lead technical demonstrations and tastings.
- Shivanie Mirchandani, founder of Minus Thirty, will share her successful entrepreneurial journey in the Indian artisanal gelato industry.
A bridge between Italy and India
“This initiative represents a unique opportunity to introduce the excellence of the Italian artisanal gelato industry to the Indian market,” said Antonietta Baccanari, Director of the ITA – Italian Trade Agency Office in New Delhi.
“Italian artisanal gelato is not just a food product, but a cultural experience that combines tradition, innovation, and quality. With its vibrant economy and growing interest in premium products, India is a strategic market for this icon of Italian excellence.”
The masterclasses and networking events will give Indian entrepreneurs and investors a deeper understanding of the Italian artisanal gelato model — from production techniques and professional equipment to business and investment opportunities for those looking to enter or expand in the fast-growing food and Ho.Re.Ca. sectors.