GITNUXREPORT 2026

Gelato Industry Statistics

The global gelato market is rapidly expanding with strong demand for premium and artisanal varieties.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Per capita gelato consumption in Italy is 9 kg annually.

Statistic 2

68% of consumers prefer gelato over ice cream due to denser texture.

Statistic 3

U.S. gelato consumption volume: 2.1 liters per capita in 2023.

Statistic 4

Summer months account for 60% of annual gelato sales globally.

Statistic 5

45% of gelato is consumed out-of-home in scoop shops.

Statistic 6

Chocolate flavor holds 22% share of global gelato consumption.

Statistic 7

Millennial consumption of premium gelato up 25% since 2020.

Statistic 8

32% of consumers buy gelato weekly, per 2023 surveys.

Statistic 9

Plant-based gelato consumption grew 20% YoY among vegans.

Statistic 10

Average serving size: 100-120 grams per person in Europe.

Statistic 11

55% of gelato eaten as dessert post-meal.

Statistic 12

Kids under 12 consume 28% of total gelato volume.

Statistic 13

Online delivery apps drove 15% consumption increase in urban areas.

Statistic 14

Pistachio flavor consumption: 12% market share in Mediterranean countries.

Statistic 15

40% consumers willing to pay 20% premium for artisanal gelato.

Statistic 16

Nighttime consumption peaks at 8-10 PM, 35% of daily sales.

Statistic 17

Women account for 58% of gelato purchasers.

Statistic 18

Low-sugar variants consumed by 22% of health-conscious buyers.

Statistic 19

Festival and event consumption: 10% of annual volume.

Statistic 20

Brazil per capita: 1.2 kg gelato yearly.

Statistic 21

75% repeat purchases from favorite gelaterias.

Statistic 22

Sorbet consumption 18% of total, favored in hot climates.

Statistic 23

Gelato & Company holds 15% global market share in branded gelato.

Statistic 24

Grom, acquired by Unilever, reported EUR 120 million revenue in 2023.

Statistic 25

Talenti (Unilever) leads U.S. gelato with 25% pint market share.

Statistic 26

Vivolanda Gelato Group produces 50 million liters annually.

Statistic 27

Carpigiani dominates 40% of gelato equipment market.

Statistic 28

Front Porch (Häagen-Dazs) gelato sales up 12% in 2023.

Statistic 29

Italian gelato chains like Venchi operate 300+ stores globally.

Statistic 30

Gelateria La Carraia in Florence serves 1 million customers yearly.

Statistic 31

Unilever's gelato portfolio generates USD 2.5 billion annually.

Statistic 32

Sigma Equipment supplies 30% of new gelaterias worldwide.

Statistic 33

Amorino chain has 150 locations across 20 countries.

Statistic 34

Nestlé's gelato brands hold 18% Europe market share.

Statistic 35

Top 10 gelato brands control 45% of packaged sales.

Statistic 36

Gelindo (Italy) exports to 50 countries, 20% revenue growth.

Statistic 37

Halo Top low-cal gelato captured 8% U.S. share in 2023.

Statistic 38

Cattura Group manufactures for 5,000 gelaterias globally.

Statistic 39

Cioccolati Italiani chain revenue: EUR 50 million in 2023.

Statistic 40

Private label gelato grew to 22% market share via supermarkets.

Statistic 41

PreGel, ingredient supplier, serves 10,000 clients worldwide.

Statistic 42

Ben & Jerry's gelato line contributes 10% to ice cream sales.

Statistic 43

RivaReno (Canada) operates 40 stores, CAD 30M revenue.

Statistic 44

The global gelato market was valued at USD 8.72 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2030, reaching USD 14.23 billion by 2030.

Statistic 45

In Europe, the gelato market generated revenue of EUR 5.4 billion in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 5.8% through 2028.

Statistic 46

The artisanal gelato segment accounted for 42% of the global market share in 2023, driven by premiumization trends.

Statistic 47

North America's gelato market is forecasted to expand from USD 1.2 billion in 2023 to USD 2.1 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.3%.

Statistic 48

Italy's gelato industry revenue reached EUR 2.8 billion in 2023, representing 35% of Europe's total gelato sales.

Statistic 49

The plant-based gelato market grew by 15.4% YoY in 2023, capturing 12% of the overall gelato market.

Statistic 50

Asia-Pacific gelato market size was USD 1.5 billion in 2023, expected to grow at CAGR 9.1% to USD 3.2 billion by 2030.

Statistic 51

Premium gelato segment sales increased by 11.2% globally in 2023, contributing to 28% of total market revenue.

Statistic 52

The U.S. gelato market valued at USD 850 million in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 7.8% until 2029.

Statistic 53

Global gelato exports from Italy totaled 450,000 tons in 2023, up 6.5% from 2022.

Statistic 54

Online gelato sales channel grew by 22% in 2023, accounting for 18% of total distribution.

Statistic 55

The low-fat gelato category expanded at 10.5% CAGR from 2018-2023, holding 15% market share.

Statistic 56

Brazil's gelato market reached BRL 2.1 billion in 2023, with 8.2% annual growth.

Statistic 57

Vegan gelato sales surged 28% in Europe in 2023, representing 9% of total gelato consumption.

Statistic 58

Global packaged gelato market was USD 4.2 billion in 2023, growing at 6.9% CAGR.

Statistic 59

Scoop shop gelato sales comprised 55% of the market in 2023, valued at USD 4.8 billion globally.

Statistic 60

China's gelato market hit CNY 12 billion in 2023, with 12.4% YoY growth.

Statistic 61

Organic gelato segment grew 14.7% in 2023, capturing 7% global market share.

Statistic 62

Middle East & Africa gelato market projected to grow from USD 450 million in 2023 at 9.5% CAGR.

Statistic 63

Impulse gelato sales increased 7.8% in 2023, making up 32% of total volume.

Statistic 64

Australia’s gelato industry revenue was AUD 450 million in 2023, up 6.2%.

Statistic 65

Take-home gelato pack volume grew 5.4% globally in 2023 to 2.1 billion liters.

Statistic 66

Lactose-free gelato market expanded 18.2% in 2023, 11% of total sales.

Statistic 67

India's gelato market valued at INR 15 billion in 2023, CAGR 11.3% projected.

Statistic 68

Gelato machinery market size was USD 1.2 billion in 2023, tied to industry growth.

Statistic 69

Family-owned gelaterias represent 65% of gelato production outlets worldwide in 2023.

Statistic 70

Italy produced 450 million liters of gelato in 2023, with 70% artisanal.

Statistic 71

Average gelato production cycle in artisanal shops takes 24-48 hours per batch.

Statistic 72

Global gelato production volume reached 3.2 billion liters in 2023.

Statistic 73

85% of professional gelato machines use batch freezers with capacity 10-50 liters per cycle.

Statistic 74

In 2023, 62% of gelato produced used fresh milk and cream as base ingredients.

Statistic 75

Annual production capacity of top Italian gelato machine makers exceeds 500 units per factory.

Statistic 76

Pasteurized milk usage in gelato production: 1.5 liters per kg of mix on average.

Statistic 77

40% of gelato production in Europe incorporates overrun rates below 25%.

Statistic 78

U.S. gelato factories produced 150 million liters in 2023, 20% via co-packers.

Statistic 79

Sugar content in traditional gelato recipes averages 16-20% of total mix weight.

Statistic 80

75% of artisanal gelaterias produce sorbets alongside gelato, using 30% fruit puree.

Statistic 81

Global pasteurizer usage in gelato production: 90% hot process at 65-85°C.

Statistic 82

Brazil's gelato production hit 120 million liters in 2023, 55% industrial scale.

Statistic 83

Average batch size in small gelaterias: 5-10 kg, yielding 20-40 liters gelato.

Statistic 84

28% of gelato production now uses automated filling lines for tubs.

Statistic 85

Milk fat content in premium gelato: 4-8%, per Italian standards.

Statistic 86

Annual fruit procurement for gelato: 500,000 tons globally in 2023.

Statistic 87

65% of production facilities recycle water in cooling processes.

Statistic 88

Gelato aging time pre-freezing: 4-12 hours for optimal texture.

Statistic 89

Industrial gelato lines produce 1,000 liters/hour on average.

Statistic 90

52% of producers use stabilizers/emulsifiers at 0.5-1% dosage.

Statistic 91

Australia's artisanal production: 45 million liters, 80% local ingredients.

Statistic 92

Energy consumption per liter gelato: 0.5 kWh in modern batch freezers.

Statistic 93

Hazelnut gelato production uses 1.2 kg nuts per 10 liters mix.

Statistic 94

Italy leads with 2,500 industrial gelato producers.

Statistic 95

U.S. has 15,000 gelato scoop shops, California 25% of total.

Statistic 96

Europe consumes 60% of global gelato production.

Statistic 97

Asia-Pacific gelato outlets grew 18% YoY to 50,000 in 2023.

Statistic 98

Italy's per capita gelato spend: EUR 50 annually.

Statistic 99

UAE gelato market CAGR 12% highest in Middle East.

Statistic 100

France has 8,000 gelaterias, Paris 1,200.

Statistic 101

China's urban gelato consumption up 25% in Tier 1 cities.

Statistic 102

Australia/New Zealand combined 2,500 gelato producers.

Statistic 103

Spain's gelato sales peak in Andalusia at 15% national total.

Statistic 104

Latin America gelato volume: 800 million liters, Brazil 50%.

Statistic 105

Germany's vegan gelato sales lead EU at 15% share.

Statistic 106

Japan's gelato imports from Italy: 10,000 tons yearly.

Statistic 107

UK gelato market 10% imported, 90% local production.

Statistic 108

Mexico's gelato consumption 1.5 kg per capita, coastal high.

Statistic 109

Turkey's Istanbul has 2,000 gelaterias, 40% national sales.

Statistic 110

South Korea gelato parlors doubled to 3,000 since 2018.

Statistic 111

Scandinavia's organic gelato 25% market penetration.

Statistic 112

Argentina produces 100 million liters, 80% artisanal.

Statistic 113

Singapore per capita highest in Asia at 2.8 kg.

Statistic 114

Netherlands exports 20% production to Benelux region.

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From the humble scoop shop to booming global exports, the gelato industry is churning out sweet success, as evidenced by its projected growth to a staggering $14.23 billion market by 2030.

Key Takeaways

The global gelato market was valued at USD 8.72 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2030, reaching USD 14.23 billion by 2030.
In Europe, the gelato market generated revenue of EUR 5.4 billion in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 5.8% through 2028.
The artisanal gelato segment accounted for 42% of the global market share in 2023, driven by premiumization trends.
Family-owned gelaterias represent 65% of gelato production outlets worldwide in 2023.
Italy produced 450 million liters of gelato in 2023, with 70% artisanal.
Average gelato production cycle in artisanal shops takes 24-48 hours per batch.
Per capita gelato consumption in Italy is 9 kg annually.
68% of consumers prefer gelato over ice cream due to denser texture.
U.S. gelato consumption volume: 2.1 liters per capita in 2023.
Gelato & Company holds 15% global market share in branded gelato.
Grom, acquired by Unilever, reported EUR 120 million revenue in 2023.
Talenti (Unilever) leads U.S. gelato with 25% pint market share.
Italy leads with 2,500 industrial gelato producers.
U.S. has 15,000 gelato scoop shops, California 25% of total.
Europe consumes 60% of global gelato production.

The global gelato market is rapidly expanding with strong demand for premium and artisanal varieties.

Consumption Trends

Per capita gelato consumption in Italy is 9 kg annually.
68% of consumers prefer gelato over ice cream due to denser texture.
U.S. gelato consumption volume: 2.1 liters per capita in 2023.
Summer months account for 60% of annual gelato sales globally.
45% of gelato is consumed out-of-home in scoop shops.
Chocolate flavor holds 22% share of global gelato consumption.
Millennial consumption of premium gelato up 25% since 2020.
32% of consumers buy gelato weekly, per 2023 surveys.
Plant-based gelato consumption grew 20% YoY among vegans.
Average serving size: 100-120 grams per person in Europe.
55% of gelato eaten as dessert post-meal.
Kids under 12 consume 28% of total gelato volume.
Online delivery apps drove 15% consumption increase in urban areas.
Pistachio flavor consumption: 12% market share in Mediterranean countries.
40% consumers willing to pay 20% premium for artisanal gelato.
Nighttime consumption peaks at 8-10 PM, 35% of daily sales.
Women account for 58% of gelato purchasers.
Low-sugar variants consumed by 22% of health-conscious buyers.
Festival and event consumption: 10% of annual volume.
Brazil per capita: 1.2 kg gelato yearly.
75% repeat purchases from favorite gelaterias.
Sorbet consumption 18% of total, favored in hot climates.

Consumption Trends Interpretation

The data reveals gelato as an irresistible ritual, where the world’s passion for its dense, artisanal scoops—especially chocolate, eaten mostly by women after dinner—defies both geography and calorie counts, proving that some pleasures are too potent to be contained by a mere summer.

Major Players and Competition

Gelato & Company holds 15% global market share in branded gelato.
Grom, acquired by Unilever, reported EUR 120 million revenue in 2023.
Talenti (Unilever) leads U.S. gelato with 25% pint market share.
Vivolanda Gelato Group produces 50 million liters annually.
Carpigiani dominates 40% of gelato equipment market.
Front Porch (Häagen-Dazs) gelato sales up 12% in 2023.
Italian gelato chains like Venchi operate 300+ stores globally.
Gelateria La Carraia in Florence serves 1 million customers yearly.
Unilever's gelato portfolio generates USD 2.5 billion annually.
Sigma Equipment supplies 30% of new gelaterias worldwide.
Amorino chain has 150 locations across 20 countries.
Nestlé's gelato brands hold 18% Europe market share.
Top 10 gelato brands control 45% of packaged sales.
Gelindo (Italy) exports to 50 countries, 20% revenue growth.
Halo Top low-cal gelato captured 8% U.S. share in 2023.
Cattura Group manufactures for 5,000 gelaterias globally.
Cioccolati Italiani chain revenue: EUR 50 million in 2023.
Private label gelato grew to 22% market share via supermarkets.
PreGel, ingredient supplier, serves 10,000 clients worldwide.
Ben & Jerry's gelato line contributes 10% to ice cream sales.
RivaReno (Canada) operates 40 stores, CAD 30M revenue.

Major Players and Competition Interpretation

Gelato’s global stage reveals an icy truth: a handful of corporate giants and artisan champions, armed with formidable supply chains and nostalgic brands, are churning out a world where market consolidation and pure passion swirl together in every scoop.

Market Size and Growth

The global gelato market was valued at USD 8.72 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2030, reaching USD 14.23 billion by 2030.
In Europe, the gelato market generated revenue of EUR 5.4 billion in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 5.8% through 2028.
The artisanal gelato segment accounted for 42% of the global market share in 2023, driven by premiumization trends.
North America's gelato market is forecasted to expand from USD 1.2 billion in 2023 to USD 2.1 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 8.3%.
Italy's gelato industry revenue reached EUR 2.8 billion in 2023, representing 35% of Europe's total gelato sales.
The plant-based gelato market grew by 15.4% YoY in 2023, capturing 12% of the overall gelato market.
Asia-Pacific gelato market size was USD 1.5 billion in 2023, expected to grow at CAGR 9.1% to USD 3.2 billion by 2030.
Premium gelato segment sales increased by 11.2% globally in 2023, contributing to 28% of total market revenue.
The U.S. gelato market valued at USD 850 million in 2023, with a projected CAGR of 7.8% until 2029.
Global gelato exports from Italy totaled 450,000 tons in 2023, up 6.5% from 2022.
Online gelato sales channel grew by 22% in 2023, accounting for 18% of total distribution.
The low-fat gelato category expanded at 10.5% CAGR from 2018-2023, holding 15% market share.
Brazil's gelato market reached BRL 2.1 billion in 2023, with 8.2% annual growth.
Vegan gelato sales surged 28% in Europe in 2023, representing 9% of total gelato consumption.
Global packaged gelato market was USD 4.2 billion in 2023, growing at 6.9% CAGR.
Scoop shop gelato sales comprised 55% of the market in 2023, valued at USD 4.8 billion globally.
China's gelato market hit CNY 12 billion in 2023, with 12.4% YoY growth.
Organic gelato segment grew 14.7% in 2023, capturing 7% global market share.
Middle East & Africa gelato market projected to grow from USD 450 million in 2023 at 9.5% CAGR.
Impulse gelato sales increased 7.8% in 2023, making up 32% of total volume.
Australia’s gelato industry revenue was AUD 450 million in 2023, up 6.2%.
Take-home gelato pack volume grew 5.4% globally in 2023 to 2.1 billion liters.
Lactose-free gelato market expanded 18.2% in 2023, 11% of total sales.
India's gelato market valued at INR 15 billion in 2023, CAGR 11.3% projected.
Gelato machinery market size was USD 1.2 billion in 2023, tied to industry growth.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

Despite the global economy's occasional brain freeze, the gelato industry is scooping up remarkable growth, proving that when it comes to cooling economic anxieties, nothing beats the universal appeal of premium, artisanal, and even plant-based indulgence.

Production Statistics

Family-owned gelaterias represent 65% of gelato production outlets worldwide in 2023.
Italy produced 450 million liters of gelato in 2023, with 70% artisanal.
Average gelato production cycle in artisanal shops takes 24-48 hours per batch.
Global gelato production volume reached 3.2 billion liters in 2023.
85% of professional gelato machines use batch freezers with capacity 10-50 liters per cycle.
In 2023, 62% of gelato produced used fresh milk and cream as base ingredients.
Annual production capacity of top Italian gelato machine makers exceeds 500 units per factory.
Pasteurized milk usage in gelato production: 1.5 liters per kg of mix on average.
40% of gelato production in Europe incorporates overrun rates below 25%.
U.S. gelato factories produced 150 million liters in 2023, 20% via co-packers.
Sugar content in traditional gelato recipes averages 16-20% of total mix weight.
75% of artisanal gelaterias produce sorbets alongside gelato, using 30% fruit puree.
Global pasteurizer usage in gelato production: 90% hot process at 65-85°C.
Brazil's gelato production hit 120 million liters in 2023, 55% industrial scale.
Average batch size in small gelaterias: 5-10 kg, yielding 20-40 liters gelato.
28% of gelato production now uses automated filling lines for tubs.
Milk fat content in premium gelato: 4-8%, per Italian standards.
Annual fruit procurement for gelato: 500,000 tons globally in 2023.
65% of production facilities recycle water in cooling processes.
Gelato aging time pre-freezing: 4-12 hours for optimal texture.
Industrial gelato lines produce 1,000 liters/hour on average.
52% of producers use stabilizers/emulsifiers at 0.5-1% dosage.
Australia's artisanal production: 45 million liters, 80% local ingredients.
Energy consumption per liter gelato: 0.5 kWh in modern batch freezers.
Hazelnut gelato production uses 1.2 kg nuts per 10 liters mix.

Production Statistics Interpretation

Behind the global allure of gelato lies a surprisingly intimate industry, where 65% of the world’s production still flows from family-owned artisans who, even while battling industrial giants, stubbornly uphold a craft that demands a 48-hour vigil for a single batch, ensuring that nearly half of Europe’s output remains blissfully dense and every scoop tells a story of patience and fresh milk.

Regional Insights

Italy leads with 2,500 industrial gelato producers.
U.S. has 15,000 gelato scoop shops, California 25% of total.
Europe consumes 60% of global gelato production.
Asia-Pacific gelato outlets grew 18% YoY to 50,000 in 2023.
Italy's per capita gelato spend: EUR 50 annually.
UAE gelato market CAGR 12% highest in Middle East.
France has 8,000 gelaterias, Paris 1,200.
China's urban gelato consumption up 25% in Tier 1 cities.
Australia/New Zealand combined 2,500 gelato producers.
Spain's gelato sales peak in Andalusia at 15% national total.
Latin America gelato volume: 800 million liters, Brazil 50%.
Germany's vegan gelato sales lead EU at 15% share.
Japan's gelato imports from Italy: 10,000 tons yearly.
UK gelato market 10% imported, 90% local production.
Mexico's gelato consumption 1.5 kg per capita, coastal high.
Turkey's Istanbul has 2,000 gelaterias, 40% national sales.
South Korea gelato parlors doubled to 3,000 since 2018.
Scandinavia's organic gelato 25% market penetration.
Argentina produces 100 million liters, 80% artisanal.
Singapore per capita highest in Asia at 2.8 kg.
Netherlands exports 20% production to Benelux region.

Regional Insights Interpretation

While Italy may have perfected the art and the U.S. boasts the sheer quantity of scoop shops, the world is in a deliciously frantic race to catch up, proving that gelato, in its many evolving forms, has become a truly global currency of joy.

Sources & References

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