Artisanal gelato sector grows through local agricultural integration

The artisanal gelato sector in Italy is seeing a rise in 'agrigelaterie'—gelaterias that utilize direct agricultural products to create short supply chains. According to Coldiretti, this trend focuses on seasonality and local biodiversity, using ingredients such as donkey, goat, and sheep milk, as well as seasonal fruits, honey, and extra virgin olive oil.

In the Basilicata region, Confartigianato reports that there are 48 artisanal gelaterias, accounting for 78.3% of the sector's activities in the area. Family spending on gelato in Basilicata is estimated at approximately 17 million euros annually. Nationally, Italian family spending on gelato reached 1.776 billion euros in 2024, highlighting the sector's importance to the 'Made in Italy' brand despite rising raw material costs.