20 years and counting: Gelatissimo shares its journey to being the most awarded gelato brand

Gelatissimo has about 40 stores in Australia and has a strong presence in six other regions.

In 2002, Gelatissimo only had its humble beginnings in opening its first gelato shop to offer high-quality and flavourful gelato. 

Now, Gelatissimo, which is one of the most awarded gelato brands, managed to open over 40 stores all over Australia and expand its footprint in six international regions.

To keep up with rising costs, Gelatissimo implemented employee value propositions and strong partnerships with our suppliers and distribution partners.

In this Q&A, Gelatissimo CEO Braeden Lord talked to QSR Australia about a detailed account of the gelato brand’s operations in the past 20 years and plans for the next few years.

Since the business turned 20, can you share Gelatissimo's journey in the QSR industry?

Gelatissimo was founded in 2002 with a simple ambition to deliver smiles and beautifully presented gelato packed full of flavour. This dedication has seen us become the most loved & awarded gelato brand in Australia with over 100 awards in national and state-based dairy industry shows. Our flavour obsession has recently been celebrated by winning 1st place at the World Dairy Expo – Championship USA for our Salted Macadamia and Dulce De Leche Gelato.  

For two decades we have thrived as a retail and franchised business through an unwavering commitment to excellence in flavour, range, innovation, and quality. Now with over 40 stores nationally and a strong presence in six international regions, we have rebranded and are proud to call ourselves For The Flavour Obsessed®. We’ve also leveraged this obsession to partner with Coles and bring 5 amazing flavours in pint tubs (473ml) to Coles stores nationwide. We can’t wait for more Australians to fall in love with our gelato – whether in-store or now at home. 

What's new with Gelatissimo?

To coincide with our 20th year, we fully refreshed our brand, all the way from our logo to store design. We’ve just re-opened our new look store at Watson’s Bay - which has been very well received – and brings our flavour obsession to life. 

We’ve also stepped up flavour innovation; introducing dozens of new flavours annually including working with partners such as Nestle to create a range made with KitKat®, and Lindt to create decadent flavours inspired by their range of chocolates. Internationally, we recently opened in Houston, Texas, and are on a path to an opening in Phuket and Hawaii. Finally, in Coles Supermarkets nationwide we’ve just launched our amazing pint tubs.

What strategic direction is Gelatissimo headed?

We have a very focused team and engaged group of franchise partners domestically and internationally, committed to delivering on our flavour obsession. Our customers have made us the most awarded and loved gelato brand in Australia and our bold ambition is to extend this recognition internationally.  

We’re also expanding our Australian footprint with the opening of three stores so far in 2022, with two more to come, and plans to open many more in 2023. Gelatissimo is also committed to expanding our distribution channels and formats, deepening our reach by partnering with other retailers and hospitality venues. 

How is Gelatissimo keeping up with challenges in the QSR industry?

Our continued success ultimately relies on our ability to execute well and remain true to our core; our flavour obsession. We also understand our customers and know what they are looking for. QSR and retail have had a tough run over the past few years and we have not been immune to these challenges. However, growth of late has been remarkable and it is wonderful to deliver an experience that can put a smile on peoples’ faces in good and bad times. 

A compelling employee value proposition and strong partnerships with our suppliers and distribution partners have meant that we can run an efficient operation capable of withstanding rising costs. We know our customers, are keeping our brand and product fresh, launching new channels and markets and of course continuing to deliver flavour obsession to Australia and the world.