Gelatissimo
Gelatissimo is a privately held Australian gelato retail brand and franchisor founded in 2002, operating 60+ company-owned and franchised stores across Australia plus 22 international locations, producing fresh in-store gelato and serving mass-market consumers and franchise investors under the leadership of CEO Braeden Lord.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2002
- HeadquartersRydalmere, Australia
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Gelatissimo does
Gelatissimo Pty Ltd is a privately held Australian gelato retail and franchising company founded in 2002 and headquartered in Rydalmere, Sydney. The company produces fresh artisanal gelato in-store daily using traditional Italian methods, offering 40+ rotating flavours spanning dairy, dairy-free, reduced-sugar, vegan and gluten-free options, alongside gelato cakes, take-home packs, milkshakes, desserts (waffles, crepes, brookies), gelato cart hire, and physical/digital gift cards. Its flagship stores (e.g., Darling Harbour) extend to morning trade with Grinders Coffee and Sonoma Bakery pastries, and ancillary revenue is generated through an online ordering platform (order.gelatissimo.com.au) and the Club Gelato loyalty mobile app on iOS and Android.
The business operates a dual revenue model combining direct retail sales from company-owned and franchised stores with franchise fees and royalties from a partner network of more than 100 franchisees, store managers and team members (per the 2025 Franchisees Forum). Franchisees are onboarded via a structured 3-week training programme at Rydalmere HQ and supported by Plan G, Gelatissimo's bespoke AI-enabled operating system that provides daily operational guidance and reporting. The network reached 60 Australian stores in March 2026 (50th in July 2024), with an additional 22 international locations including Singapore; international expansion is being pursued via franchise recruitment including at the IFA Franchise Expo in Miami Beach.
Gelatissimo pursues a product-led and event-driven go-to-market strategy built around monthly limited-edition flavour drops, brand collaborations (Transformers ONE, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Barbie, Havaianas, Lindt, Milo/Nestlé, KITKAT, MILKYBAR), and cross-platform marketing across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, The Scoop blog and email. The brand is 100% Australian owned and led by CEO Braeden Lord, with Chief Development Officer Anthony Shina driving expansion. Recognition includes the 2024 QSR Best Brand Transformation award, gold medals at the Royal Queensland Awards, 1st place at the World Dairy Expo, and the 2025 Multi-Site Franchisees of the Year (Franchise Council of Australia).
Gelatissimo firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Gelatissimo
- Legal name
- Gelatissimo Pty Ltd
- Website
- https://gelatissimo.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2002
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Gelatissimo is a privately held Australian gelato retail brand and franchisor founded in 2002, operating 60+ company-owned and franchised stores across Australia plus 22 international locations, producing fresh in-store gelato and serving mass-market consumers and franchise investors under the leadership of CEO Braeden Lord.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Gelatissimo industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Artisan Gelato Retail
- NAICS
- Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (311520), Specialty Food Retailers (4452)
- SIC
- Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts (2024), Dairy Products (2020)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Ice Cream & Gelato Shops (THAFAGAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Gelato Manufacturing (AFAHAEAD), Plant-Based Frozen Desserts Processing (Non-Dairy Ice Cream, Gelato, Novelties) (AFAHAJAE), Mobile Dessert Vendors (Ice Cream/Dessert Trucks & Carts) (THAFAHAG)
Keywords
Where Gelatissimo is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rydalmere
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices10 records
Markets served
Gelatissimo business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Retail Gelato Sales (In-Store): Gelatissimo generates revenue primarily through direct retail sales of gelato in its stores. Customers purchase individual scoops, cones, cups, and specialty items. The brand offers over 40+ flavours with options for dairy-free, reduced sugar, and vegan-friendly diets.
- Gelato Cakes: Custom and standard gelato cakes are sold online for pickup at select stores. Orders require 48 hours advance notice; custom cakes require additional lead time and direct store consultation.
- Gift Cards (Physical and Digital): Gift cards are sold in-store and online at denominations of $10, $20, $30, $50, and $100, or custom amounts between $10 and $100. Valid for 3 years from purchase and accepted at all Gelatissimo stores in Australia.
- Take-Home Packs: Pre-packaged gelato tubs are available for customers to purchase and enjoy at home, extending the retail experience beyond the store visit.
- Franchise Fees and Royalties: Gelatissimo operates a franchise model where franchise partners pay fees to join the network and ongoing royalties in exchange for access to the brand, operating system (Plan G), training, marketing, and operational support.
- Delivery Revenue: Gelato delivery service brings products directly to customers, complementing the in-store experience.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Individual gelato scoops (in-store) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gelato shakes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Family Deal |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | $20 for 20 Days promotional deal |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | Gift cards (physical and digital) |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
Gelatissimo product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Gelatissimo produces and sells fresh artisan gelato made in-store daily, offering over 40 rotating flavours including dairy-free, reduced sugar, and vegan-friendly options. The business operates a network of over 50 stores across Australia (and select international locations) through a combination of company-owned and franchised stores, complemented by gelato cakes, desserts, take-home packs, gift cards, and a mobile loyalty program (Club Gelato). The franchise system is supported by Plan G, an AI-enabled bespoke operating system.
Product overview
Gelatissimo is an Australian gelato retail brand offering fresh artisanal gelato made in-store daily. The core product portfolio centers on gelato (40+ flavors including dairy-free sorbets) and gelato-based desserts. The business operates through two primary channels: retail stores (50+ locations across Australia) and franchising. Key products include standard gelato in cups/cones/shakes, specialty ranges (Deluxe premium flavors, Cremino Italian luxury, 95% Sugar Free, Vegan), gelato cakes (made-to-order), desserts (brookies, donuts, waffles, crepes), take-home packs, and gift cards. The company also operates Club Gelato, a loyalty program with mobile app. Gelatissimo franchises operate using Plan G, an AI-enabled operational system. Recent product innovations include collaboration flavors (Milo with Nestlé, KITKAT/MILKYBAR partnerships) and limited-edition seasonal releases.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Club Gelato: The brand’s loyalty program offering free birthday scoops and exclusive offers for members.
Products and services
- Artisan Gelato Fresh artisanal gelato made in-store daily with over 40 flavours, including dairy-free, reduced sugar, and vegan-friendly options. Served in cups, cones, or as shakes for individual consumers.
- Sorbets Fruit-based frozen desserts that are dairy-free and vegan-friendly, including Mango Sorbet, Raspberry Sorbet, Açaí Sorbet, and Lemon Sorbet.
- Milkshakes Gelato-based milkshakes blending customer-chosen gelato flavours, available as single, double, triple, or quadruple scoop shakes.
- Gelato Cakes Made-to-order gelato cakes available in standard and custom designs. Orders require 48 hours preparation time, available for pickup at stores. Includes dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free options.
- Desserts Assorted gelato-based desserts including Brookies (gelato sandwiched between brownie and cookie), Gelato Donuts, Brownies, Crepes, Waffles, and Cookies & Crumb Sandwiches.
- Take Home Packs Pre-packaged gelato tubs available for home enjoyment in various flavours including classics like Espresso.
- Gift Cards Digital and physical gift cards available in denominations of $10, $20, $30, $50, $100, or custom amounts (min $10, max $100). Valid for 3 years from purchase and accepted at all Gelatissimo stores in Australia.
- Club Gelato Loyalty Program Mobile loyalty program available via iOS and Android apps. Members earn $1 reward credit for every $10 spent, receive a free birthday scoop, and can access exclusive offers and digital gift cards.
- Franchising Franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs, offering a proven business model, a 3-week training program at Head Office, the Plan G AI-enabled operating system, and ongoing operational support for operating a Gelatissimo gelato store.
- Gelato Cart Hire Mobile gelato cart rental service for events, parties, and functions.
Quantifiable outcome
- 80% sales increase at Darling Quarter store and 60% at Watsons Bay following May 2022 brand transformation
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Gelatissimo
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Gelatissimo technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability1 record
Feature2 records
Gelatissimo partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Houston GroupcoreGelatissimo partnered with the Houston Group to execute a comprehensive brand transformation starting in 2022. The partnership covered the full brand overhaul including logo redesign, colour palette, store design, packaging, customer engagement strategies, and the 'Flavour Obsessed' brand narrative. The transformation delivered 80% sales increase at Darling Quarter and 60% at Watsons Bay.
- Grinders CoffeeminorEthically roasted coffee by Grinders Coffee is offered at select flagship stores including Darling Harbour (open from 7:30am) and Oran Park. Coffee is served alongside fresh Sonoma Bakery pastries for morning indulgence.
- Sonoma BakeryminorFresh Sonoma Bakery pastries are available at flagship Gelatissimo stores including Darling Harbour, offering a breakfast accompaniment to gelato and coffee.
- WanderKidsminorWanderKids and Gelatissimo partnered to offer all WanderKids members a free scoop of gelato during their birthday month. Members receive a barcode via email to redeem in-store.
- Amazon PowerminorAmazon Power açai berries are used in Gelatissimo's Açai Sorbet, described as having one of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit worldwide (5x that of blueberries).
- Waxhouse CandlesminorGelatissimo partnered with Waxhouse Candles to launch a candle range featuring three scents: Zesty Lemon, Salted Caramel Tiramisu, and Toasted Waffle Cone (back by popular demand). The candles are designed to evoke the gelateria atmosphere at home.
- Paramount Home MediaminorGelatissimo partnered with Paramount Home Media for the SpongeBob Superhero gelato flavour launch to celebrate the home media release of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water (July 2015).
- Transformers (Licensed Brand)minorGelatissimo launched a four-flavour limited-edition Transformers ONE range in September 2024 to celebrate the film's cinema release. Flavours were inspired by Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, and Elita-1. Included a competition for a Transformers ONE family holiday to the Gold Coast.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Licensed Brand)minorGelatissimo released a five-flavour Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem themed range including Mutant Madness, Donatello's Dragonfruit and Lychee, Leonardo's Lolly Wonderland, Raphael's Raspberry, and Michaelangelo's Mango to celebrate the August 2023 film release.
- HavaianasminorBrazilian summer-themed collaboration with Havaianas introducing #FlavoursofSummer flavours Pineapple Carnival and Rio de Brigadeiro, inspired by Brazilian carnival culture and the way locals eat pineapple.
- LindtcoreGelatissimo's 'Indulgence Made With Lindt' range features premium gelato flavours made with Lindt chocolate, including Choc Orange, Chocolate, and Choc Caramel Fudge. The partnership has been running since at least 2021 and expanded to include Limited Edition winter flavours.
- KitKat (Nestlé)minorMint Cookies and Cream Made With KITKAT gelato launched as part of the Cookie Cravings campaign in late 2023. Product featured in at-home recipes and promotional activations.
- Milo / NestlécoreIconic Milo Range launched in June 2024 featuring Milo Gelato, Milo Brownie gelato (with chunks from Sonoma Bakery brownies and salted caramel fudge), and Milo Affogato. Milo gelato shakes also introduced as part of the range.
- Milkybar (Nestlé)minorCookies and Cream Made With MILKYBAR gelato launched as part of the Cookie Cravings campaign in November 2023. Used in at-home recipes including the Cookies and Cream Gelato Sandwich.
- Barbie (Licensed Brand)minorGelato collaboration tied to the Barbie film release in July 2023, creating themed flavours and promotional activations.
- Flight CentreminorFlight Centre provided a travel voucher valued at $1,000 for the Around the World competition prize in 2016, enabling Gelatissimo to run a promotional competition on Instagram.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves11 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Gelatissimo competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Gelato Messina: Australia's most prominent premium gelato chain and Gelatissimo's closest direct competitor, operating 30+ stores across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond, with similar in-store production, brand collaborations, and limited-edition flavour drops.
- N2 Extreme Gelato: Australian nitrogen-frozen gelato chain with a comparable store-based direct-to-consumer model, focusing on artisanal preparation and customizable flavours. Competes for the same premium treat occasion as Gelatissimo.
- Cold Rock Ice Creamery: Australian franchise-based ice cream chain offering mix-in ice cream on a stone slab; overlaps with Gelatissimo on franchise-driven specialty dessert retail and target customers seeking indulgent treats.
Broad incumbents
- Baskin-Robbins: Global specialty ice cream franchise chain with a large Australian footprint; competes with Gelatissimo in the broader frozen dessert category but at a mass-market price tier and brand positioning.
- Ben & Jerry's: Premium scoop-shop ice cream brand from Unilever competing with Gelatissimo in the indulgent, flavour-led dessert category, including dairy-free ranges relevant to Gelatissimo's vegan/dairy-free SKUs.
- Häagen-Dazs: Premium global ice cream brand with cafe-format stores in Australia; competes for the same premium dessert occasion customer but at higher price points and through a different heritage brand narrative than Gelatissimo.
- Connoisseur Ice Cream: Premium Australian supermarket ice cream brand (Goodman Fielder/Peters), competing with Gelatissimo at home-consumption occasions and for the premium 'indulgence' positioning across grocery shelf space.
- Cold Stone Creamery: International franchise ice cream brand with Australian locations operating a mix-in, customisable dessert concept similar in spirit to Cold Rock and competing for the same experiential dessert shopper as Gelatissimo.
Emerging players
- Yo-Chi: Australian self-serve frozen yogurt chain that addresses the same impulse/treat occasion with a healthier positioning and a similarly franchise-influenced growth model; relevant for share-of-wallet in dairy-free/dessert occasions.
Regional players
- Gelato Italia: UK-headquartered gelato shop franchise operating across Europe, Asia and the Middle East; uses a similar franchise model with standardised operating procedures, comparable to Gelatissimo's expansion play in non-Australian geographies.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Gelatissimo social profiles
Digital presenceGelatissimo financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Gelatissimo leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Gelatissimo funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Gelatissimo M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Gelatissimo
What does Gelatissimo do?
Gelatissimo produces and sells fresh artisan gelato made in-store daily, offering over 40 rotating flavours including dairy-free, reduced sugar, and vegan-friendly options. The business operates a network of over 50 stores across Australia (and select international locations) through a combination of company-owned and franchised stores, complemented by gelato cakes, desserts, take-home packs, gift cards, and a mobile loyalty program (Club Gelato). The franchise system is supported by Plan G, an AI-enabled bespoke operating system.
Is Gelatissimo a public or private company?
Gelatissimo is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Gelatissimo founded?
Gelatissimo was founded in 2002. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Gelatissimo based?
Gelatissimo is headquartered in Rydalmere, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Gelatissimo make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Retail Gelato Sales (In-Store) is the primary driver. The others are gelato Cakes, gift Cards (Physical and Digital), take-Home Packs, franchise Fees and Royalties and delivery Revenue.
Who are Gelatissimo's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Gelato Messina, N2 Extreme Gelato and Cold Rock Ice Creamery. Broad incumbents are Baskin-Robbins, Ben & Jerry's, Häagen-Dazs, Connoisseur Ice Cream and Cold Stone Creamery. Yo-Chi is listed as an emerging player. Gelato Italia is listed as a regional player.
Does Gelatissimo have an API?
No public API is recorded for Gelatissimo.
What industry is Gelatissimo in?
Gelatissimo's product category is Artisan Gelato Retail. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAFAGAA, Ice Cream & Gelato Shops, with a secondary code of AFAHAEAD, Gelato Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 311520 and its SIC code is 2024.