Artisan gelato continues to charm consumers across Europe, with Italy expected to lead the way in 2025.
According to the Observatory of SIGEP World—the global foodservice expo organized by IEG and scheduled to take place at the Rimini Expo Center from January 16–20, 2026—Italy’s artisan gelato sales are forecast to grow by around 4% during the 2025 summer season.
Based on data from CREST-Circana and the Italian Gelato Makers’ Association (AIG), SIGEP World’s latest report highlights a positive outlook for the gelato industry, particularly in Italy. Despite a slight decline in overall European out-of-home visits (-0.5%) in 2024, gelato consumption increased by 2.1%. Italy remained the top market, selling over 600 million servings and capturing 26.4% of the market share, ahead of Germany (25.1%) and Spain (20.6%).
“The propensity to consume is growing,” said Matteo Figura, Executive Director Foodservice Italy at Circana. “Even in uncertain times, Europeans are not giving up the gelato experience—offering clear growth opportunities across the sector.”
AIG’s Secretary General Claudio Pica echoed this optimism: “We expect a 4% growth in sales across Italy for summer 2025. However, the industry faces a shortage of skilled staff, with gelato parlors currently lacking around 15,000 to 20,000 counter workers. There’s also a pressing need for investment in training beyond recipe development.”
In 2024, Italy’s artisan gelato sector grew modestly by 0.5–1%, reaching revenues close to €3 billion (up from €2.9 billion in 2023), according to a consortium of industry sources including UIF, ACOMAG, Confartigianato, and ISTAT.
Global Perspectives and Innovations
Beyond Italy, innovation and globalization are driving change. In Spain, Mario Masiá, President of ANHCEA (National Association of Spanish Gelato Makers), identifies 2025 as a pivotal year: “We’re seeing stronger demand for international flavors like matcha, yuzu, and Asian mango. Technology is also enabling better texture and customization, increasingly supported by digital tools.”
Looking Ahead: Innovation Meets Tradition
With consumers prioritizing quality, health, and flavor adventure, the artisan gelato industry in Italy and across Europe is poised for continued growth. SIGEP World 2026 will serve as a major platform for showcasing these trends, uniting tradition, innovation, and global inspiration under one roof.
Find out more at: https://www.iegexpo.it