Snowflake Luxury Gelato

What Snowflake Luxury Gelato does

Snowflake Luxury Gelato is a UK-based artisan gelato producer, wholesaler and retailer founded in 2012 by Asad and gelato chef Paolo. The company handcrafts Italian-style gelato and sorbetto in small batches using organic Jersey milk from a Somerset family farm and premium ingredients including Sicilian pistachios, Piedmont hazelnuts, and Madagascar vanilla. Its product portfolio spans over 40 gelato and sorbetto flavours, the viral Snow Collection of fruit-shaped gelato sticks with crackable chocolate shells, signature desserts (sundaes, waffles, crepes), matcha and coffee beverages, hot chocolate, and bespoke gelato cakes. The company holds 26 Great Taste Gold Stars and the 2014 Great Taste Supreme Champion award for Raspberry Sorbetto, giving it third-party-validated credibility in the premium UK food category.

The business operates a multi-channel go-to-market model. Its owned retail footprint comprises 15 UK boutiques concentrated in premium locations including Soho, South Kensington, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford, The O2, Manchester (Trafford Centre, Arndale), Sheffield Meadowhall, Oxford Westgate, Gateshead Metrocentre, Birmingham Bullring, Lakeside, and Braehead Glasgow, plus an established concession in the Selfridges Food Hall. International expansion is executed through a BFA-accredited franchise programme, with operating franchise locations at Jeddah and Doha international airports and a pipeline of planned UK openings. B2B wholesale supplies gelato in 4–5 litre pans, branded display freezers, and retail tubs to restaurants, delis, cafes, takeaways, theatres, and cinemas, with named partners including Jamie Oliver's Italian, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Bicester Village, P&O Cruises, Rococo Chocolates, and corporate catering clients such as Facebook. Order delivery is enabled through Deliveroo and UberEats, and customer retention is supported by the Club Snowflake loyalty programme. The reported system-wide revenue figure is £4 million in 2022, with £677,713 raised via Crowdcube equity crowdfunding in February 2023 to fund international expansion and marketing.

Name

Snowflake Luxury Gelato

Legal name

Snowflake Luxury Gelato

Website

https://snowflakegelato.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Snowflake Luxury Gelato is a UK-based artisan gelato producer, wholesaler, and retailer founded in 2012, operating 15 domestic boutiques plus international franchises in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. It serves premium consumers, hospitality and retail partners, and franchisees with handcrafted Italian-style gelato.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Artisan Gelato and Frozen Desserts

NAICS

Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (311520)

SIC

Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts (2024), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Ice Cream & Gelato Shops (THAFAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ice Cream & Refrigerated Desserts (CRADACAE), Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Wholesale (AFAIAHAC)

Keywords

• Artisan gelato production
• Luxury frozen desserts
• Gelato wholesale supply
• Retail gelato boutiques
• Gelato franchise program

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices16 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Retail Boutique Sales: Direct-to-consumer sales through owned retail boutiques across UK locations including Soho, South Kensington, Westfield, The O2, and Manchester. Customers purchase gelato, sorbetto, Snow Collection sticks, waffles, crepes, shakes, iced matcha and coffee.
2. Wholesale/B2B: Supply of gelato and sorbetto to restaurants, delis, cafes, theatres, cinemas and other businesses. Products supplied in 4 or 5 litre pans, with branded display freezers and dry goods (cones, tubs, spoons). UK-wide delivery.
3. Franchise Fees: Franchise partnership fees from operators opening Snowflake branded locations. Franchise investment typically between £150,000 and £250,000 per store for fit-out.
4. Delivery/Online Orders: Orders placed through Deliveroo and UberEats for home or office delivery.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Snowflake Luxury Gelato produces, retails and wholesales handcrafted Italian-style gelato and sorbetto under its own brand. The company sells its products through owned UK boutiques, BFA-accredited franchised outlets, B2B wholesale supply to hospitality businesses, and third-party delivery platforms (Deliveroo, UberEats). Its range includes 40+ gelato flavours, dairy-free sorbetto, the viral Snow Collection of fruit-shaped gelato sticks, beverages (matcha, mojito, coffee, hot chocolate), and signature desserts.

Product overview

Snowflake Luxury Gelato is a UK-based artisan gelato and dessert brand offering handcrafted Italian-style gelato and sorbetto alongside a diverse portfolio of frozen treats, beverages, and experiential products. The core offering consists of over 40 gelato flavours made with organic Jersey milk from Somerset and seasonal British fruit, complemented by the viral Snow Collection (fruit-shaped gelato sticks with crackable shells including Snow Mango, Snow Berry, Snow Cob, Snow Peach, and Snow Lemon), signature desserts (sundaes, waffles, crepes, pancakes), and seasonal specialty drinks including Matcha Range, Mojito Range, Pistachio Spice Range, coffee drinks, and hot chocolate. The company also operates a B2B wholesale division supplying gelato to businesses, a franchise program for new boutique openings, and Club Snowflake loyalty rewards. Gelato is served in boutiques across the UK and internationally, with delivery available through Deliveroo and UberEats.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Snow Collection: Viral fruit-shaped gelato sticks including Snow Mango, Snow Berry, Snow Cob, Snow Peach, and Snow Lemon with signature crackable shells
• Club Snowflake

Products and services

• Gelato (Over 40 Flavours) Handcrafted Italian-style gelato made with organic Jersey milk from Somerset and premium ingredients. Over 40 flavours including Vanilla, Pistachio, Hazelnut, Banoffee, Date & Honey, plus vegan options made with coconut or soya milk. Sold through Snowflake boutiques across the UK and internationally.
• Sorbetto Fresh seasonal fruit sorbetto made with British raspberries and strawberries, offering dairy-free options for vegan customers. Awarded Supreme Champion at the 2014 Great Taste Awards.
• Snow Collection (Gelato Sticks) Viral handcrafted gelato sticks shaped like fruit with crackable chocolate shells, including Snow Mango (mango sorbetto in white chocolate-lemon shell), Snow Berry (strawberry gelato dipped in chocolate), Snow Cob (corn-flavoured), Snow Peach (peach gelato in white chocolate-peach shell) and Snow Lemon (lemon gelato with crystalline coating).
• Matcha Range Iced and hot matcha drinks made with organic ceremonial-grade matcha, including Classic Matcha, Blueberry Matcha, Strawberry Matcha, Watermelon Matcha, Ube Matcha, and Coconut Cloud Matcha, with cream topping options.
• Mojito Range Sorbetto-based frozen beverage with lime and mint flavours, designed for a refreshing summer experience.
• Signature Treats (Sundaes, Waffles, Crepes, Pancakes) Indulgent dessert creations including sundaes, freshly made waffles, crepes, and pancakes served with gelato and toppings.
• Coffee Drinks Specialty coffee including flat whites, cappuccinos, mochas and iced coffees made with organic Jersey milk from Ivy House Farm, plus signature Pistachio Latte.
• Hot Chocolate Range Luxury hot chocolates including Classic, Hazelnut, and Winter Spice varieties made with Jersey milk, including Hot Chocolate Experiences for sharing such as the Nutty Experience and Spice Experience.
• Afternoon Tea Snowflake's take on the British classic, featuring mini handmade gelato treats served on a 3-tiered cake stand with a drink. Available exclusively in Selfridges Food Hall.
• Customised Gelato Cakes Made-to-order gelato cakes where customers specify their favourite flavours for special occasions, ordered via contact form.
• Wholesale Gelato Supply Award-winning gelato supplied to UK businesses including restaurants, delis, cafés, takeaways, theatres, and cinemas. Includes branded display freezers, 4 & 5 litre pans, and dry goods such as cones, tubs and spoons.
• Retail Gelato Tubs Branded retail gelato tubs available in two sizes for sale through delis, local shops, cinemas and theatres, in award-winning flavours.
• Franchise Program Franchise opportunity to open Snowflake boutiques. Investment typically between £150,000 and £250,000 per store. BFA accredited with training, marketing and operational support provided.
• Gelato Cart (Events) Portable gelato cart available for hire at events, festivals, corporate functions, and special occasions.
• Billionaire Soft Serve £99 limited-edition premium gelato cone featuring luxury ingredients and gold leaf-wrapped Flake, weighing nearly 400g, created by Innovation Chef Silvia Gaetta.
• The Avalato (Vegan Avocado Gelato) Vegan avocado gelato with nut butter stone, which became the highest-grossing product in Selfridges Food Hall and remains on the menu.

Quantifiable outcome

• System-wide revenues of £4 million in 2022
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Jamie's ItaliancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 June 2017Supplying luxury gelato and sorbetto to Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurants throughout the UK. Partnership based on shared ethos of high quality food from best natural ingredients.
• P&O CruisescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupplying artisan gelato to guests on board P&O Cruises' newest and greenest-ever ship, Iona, during her maiden voyage. Gelato served at sea.
• Michael KorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with fashion brand Michael Kors for brand collaboration and marketing activations.
• Elizabeth ArdenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with beauty brand Elizabeth Arden for brand collaboration and marketing activations.
• Acqua Di ParmaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with luxury fragrance brand Acqua Di Parma for brand collaboration and marketing activations.
• John LewisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with John Lewis for VIP area presence at OnBlackheath Festival and retail/wholesale relationships.
• Rococo ChocolatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership creating exclusive gelato flavours based on Rococo's famous chocolates, supplied to three Rococo London shops.
• TeapigsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership using Teapigs' Matcha Tea to create vegan Matcha & Coconut gelato flavour. Collaboration on product development.
• Pip & NutminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to launch peanut butter gelato flavour using Pip & Nut peanut butter products.
• Joe & Seph'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint giveaway collaboration with gourmet popcorn brand Joe & Seph's, offering gift bundles and Snowflake gift cards.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Caffè Nero: UK-founded Italian-style coffee chain with premium high-street and travel-hub locations. Comparable to Snowflake on Italian heritage positioning, café format in transport hubs and shopping centres, and UK-wide retail footprint.
• Hotel Chocolat: UK premium chocolate brand with owned retail stores, café format, and product extensions into adjacent categories. Comparable to Snowflake as a UK-based premium food brand building a retail-plus-product hybrid model with strong direct-to-consumer loyalty.
• Fortnum & Mason: Iconic UK luxury food retailer with concessions and hampers, including in-store dessert and patisserie offers. Comparable to Snowflake in luxury retail gifting, premium-positioned British dessert, and presence in flagship department-store food halls.
• Häagen-Dazs: Global premium ice cream brand with UK café boutiques, cafe-style dessert menu and 5-litre pan wholesale to foodservice. Comparable to Snowflake on premium positioning, cafe format, and B2B retail tub distribution, but at vastly greater scale and broader grocery footprint.

Direct peers

• Grom: Italian premium gelato chain founded in Turin, with owned boutiques across Italy and international markets. Direct competitor to Snowflake on traditional Italian technique, premium retail positioning, and small-batch gelato menu in tourist and high-street locations.
• Venchi: Italian premium chocolate and gelato brand with its own boutique-café network and 5-litre pan B2B gelato supply. Comparable to Snowflake in artisanal gelato production, premium ingredient story, retail + wholesale hybrid model, and international expansion ambitions.
• Joe Delucci's: UK Italian gelato brand operating scoop shops and concession counters. Comparable to Snowflake as a domestic Italian-style gelato retailer targeting the same UK premium dessert consumer.
• Amorino: International luxury Italian gelato chain with boutique storefronts in premium shopping districts across Europe, the UK, the US and Asia. Closest comparable to Snowflake on premium positioning, flower-shaped artisan presentation, multi-country franchise model, and tourism-anchored store locations.

Emerging players

• Prezzo: UK casual dining chain that has used gelato-led dessert menus and partnerships with artisan producers to differentiate. Less premium than Snowflake but a relevant foodservice peer for the B2B wholesale channel into restaurants.

Others

• Sourced Market: UK premium food retail/wholesale operator stocking branded Snowflake retail tubs. Relevant as a distribution channel peer that touches the same premium UK food consumer at travel and urban locations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/snowflakegelato
• TikToktiktok.com/@snowflakeluxurygelato
• Xx.com/snowflakegelato
• Facebookfacebook.com/snowflakegelato
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/snowflake-luxury-gelato

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Snowflake Luxury Gelato