Cold Desire

What Cold Desire does

Cold Desire, legally KALTE LUST AG, is a Swiss premium artisanal gelato producer and retailer founded in 2015 and headquartered in Olten (CHE-195.070.985). The company manufactures ice cream in Olten from Bio-Jersey milk sourced at voluntarily above-market prices from Madiswil and Hofstatt farms, together with regional fruits and Swiss sugar, and offers more than 100 flavor varieties. The core technology is traditional gelateria manufacturing, with limited-edition flavors developed in recurring annual collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs including Tanja Grandits, Peter Knogl, Franck Giovannini, Dominik Hartmann, and Heiko Nieder, formalized in a public "Wall of Fame."

The company operates a multi-channel go-to-market combining owned and partner retail gelaterias (Olten flagship, Aarau opened April 1, 2026, Baden PopUp, plus Grindelwald, Engelberg, Saas-Fee, Bern, and Bürgenstock partner locations), a B2C e-commerce webshop and a B2B Gastro Shop delivering 70ml and 120ml cups and 2.5l bidons across Switzerland and Liechtenstein via Galliker Transporte AG, national retail distribution through Coop and quick-commerce via Alfies.ch, and an event-services arm comprising the Carrettino mobile ice cream cart (CHF 1,150 flat rate) and an 18-vitrine Event Container (~1,260–1,350 scoops) for private and corporate events, including custom-branded biodegradable cups (minimum 105, from CHF 3.00 per cup). Monthly limited-edition flavors run April through September as a recurring marketing engine. The business is privately held and co-founded by Florian (Managing Director), Dominique (Head of Manufacturing), and Darko (Accounting), with no disclosed external investors or M&A activity.

Name

Cold Desire

Legal name

KALTE LUST AG

Website

https://kaltelust.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KALTE LUST AG is a Swiss premium artisanal gelato producer and multi-channel retailer headquartered in Olten, serving Swiss consumers and B2B hospitality customers through owned gelaterias, Coop distribution, e-commerce, and event rentals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Artisanal Ice Cream

NAICS

Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (311520), Specialty Food Retailers (4452)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Ice Cream & Gelato Shops (THAFAGAA)

Keywords

• Artisanal ice cream
• Premium gelato
• Ice cream manufacturing
• Mobile ice cream cart
• Custom branded cups

Headquarters

HQ city

Olten

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Retail Gelateria Sales: Direct-to-consumer gelato sales at owned and partner physical locations (gelaterias in Olten, Baden, Aarau, Grindelwald, Engelberg, Saas Fee, and partner cafes/restaurants in Burgdorf, Bürgenstock, Bern). Revenue from scoop and cup sales.
2. B2C E-commerce / Online Shop: Direct-to-consumer online ordering of 120ml and 70ml ice cream cups delivered via Postversand across Switzerland and Liechtenstein. B2C prices include Swiss VAT.
3. B2B / Gastro & Retail: B2B sales to cafés, bakeries, canteens, restaurants, and retailers. Product formats include 70ml cups, 120ml cups, and 2.5l bidons. B2B shop with minimum order surcharge of CHF 75 for orders under CHF 300. B2B prices exclude VAT.
4. Event Rental Services: Rental of Carrettino (mobile ice cream cart, CHF 1,150 flat rate) and Event Container (18-vitrine container, ~1,260–1,350 scoops capacity) for private and corporate events. Professional scooping staff included. Revenue is event-based, one-time service fee.
5. Customized / Personalized Cups: Custom-branded biodegradable ice cream cups for corporate events, weddings, birthdays, and private occasions. Minimum 105 cups, starting at CHF 3.00 per cup, with 4–6 weeks lead time.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

KALTE LUST AG (Cold Desire) manufactures and sells premium artisanal gelato across Switzerland through a multi-channel model: owned and partner gelaterias, a B2C webshop, a B2B Gastro Shop for hospitality venues and retailers, retail listings at Coop and Alfies.ch, and on-site event services via Carrettino mobile cart and Event Container rentals. The portfolio spans over 100 flavors (120ml and 70ml biodegradable cups plus 2.5l bidons), with seasonal monthly limited-editions co-created with Michelin-starred Swiss chefs and custom-branded cups for corporate and private events.

Product overview

KALTE LUST is a Swiss premium ice cream company founded in Olten in 2015 (operating as KALTE LUST AG, CHE-195.070.985). The company operates a dual-channel model: (1) physical gelateria locations across Switzerland — including flagship stores in Olten and Aarau (opened April 2026), PopUp locations, partner cafes, and an event container — and (2) an online shop for both B2C consumers and B2B commercial buyers. Its product portfolio centers on over 100 varieties of premium ice cream made with regional Swiss ingredients (Jersey milk, Swiss sugar, local fruits), sold in 120ml cups (over 26 flavors, minimum 105 units) and 70ml mini cups (13 flavors, minimum 98 units). The company offers event catering through three service tiers: (1) custom-printed individual cups (minimum 105 units, from CHF 3.00), (2) the Carrettino mobile ice cream cart (CHF 1,150 flat rate, 6 flavors, includes staffing), and (3) the Event-Container with 18 flavors (1,260–1,350 scoops). Seasonal limited-edition monthly flavors (April–September) are a key marketing vehicle, frequently developed with Michelin-starred Swiss chefs (Wall of Fame). Retail distribution is handled through Coop and Alfies.ch. The online shop is complemented by a Gastro Shop for existing commercial customers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 120ml Ice Cream Cup (Becher) Compostable 120ml premium ice cream cup, the company's bestseller, available in over 26 different flavors. Sold in minimum batches of 105 units via B2C and B2B webshops. Also listed at Coop and via Alfies.ch.
• 70ml Mini Ice Cream Cup (Mini Becher) Smaller 70ml biodegradable ice cream cup suited for lighter servings or dessert pairings, available in 13 different flavors. Minimum order of 98 units via B2C and B2B webshops.
• Custom-Branded Ice Cream Cups (Individualisierte Becher) Custom-printed biodegradable ice cream cups with bespoke lid designs for trade shows, corporate events, weddings, and private celebrations. Minimum 105 cups, starting at CHF 3.00 per cup, with 4–6 weeks lead time. Pick-up in Olten or delivery via logistics partner.
• Carrettino Mobile Ice Cream Cart Rental Mobile ice cream cart rental for private and corporate events. Flat rate CHF 1,150 (excl. VAT). Includes 6 flavors x 5 liters of ice cream, cups, cones, spoons, napkins, and professional scooping staff; remaining ice cream retained by customer. Yields approximately 330 scoops; requires a 240V / 1500W power outlet.
• Event Container Rental Larger event container with integrated 18-vitrine display case holding 18 different ice cream flavors in 5-liter bins. Yields approximately 1,260–1,350 scoops per event. Available with or without KALTE LUST staff. Quote-based pricing.
• Gelateria Retail Locations (Scoop and Cup Sales)

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 100 ice cream varieties produced since founding in 2017.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Galliker Transporte AGcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 April 2026Logistics partner for B2B deliveries. KALTE LUST shares delivery details (company name, contact person, address, phone number, order, delivery notes) with Galliker for transport purposes only. Galliker may not copy or reproduce personal data without prior written consent except as necessary for service delivery.
• CoopcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor Swiss retail chain. Three popular 500ml KALTE LUST varieties available at Coop. Selected Coop branches also carry 120ml cups. Also available via Coop online (coop.ch) for nationwide home delivery.
• Alfies.chminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSwiss online supermarket in the Zurich area offering 60-minute delivery of KALTE LUST ice cream for rapid home delivery.
• KamblyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for May 2026 monthly limited-edition flavor 'Mandelcaramel Guetzli': KALTE LUST ice cream combined with Kambly's Mandelcaramel Biscuit (caramelized almond pieces dipped in Swiss chocolate). Both brands are Swiss, emphasizing honest ingredients and clean craftsmanship.
• Good Hope (Tanzania)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial impact partnership for May 2024. Content creator Loris Zimmerli co-created a coffee ice cream with Stracciatella of Tanzanian chocolate and hazelnut croquant. KALTE LUST donated two breakfasts to Good Hope (education for disadvantaged children/youth in Moshi, Tanzania) per ice cream sold.
• Swiss Paraplegic-Stiftung (Schweizer Paraplegiker-Stiftung)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for August 2025 limited-edition flavor 'Apfelstreuselkuchen mit Karamell'. Guido A. Zäch (founder) is the inspiration. CHF 0.50 per cup donated to the foundation, which supports people with spinal cord injuries. Also featured 50th anniversary open house event in Nottwil.
• New Roots (La Fraîche)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss vegan cheesery collaborated on July 2024 monthly flavor 'Matcha mit Himbeere' (vegan). La Fraîche (vegan Crème Fraîche alternative) was used to achieve a creamy texture in a plant-based ice cream.
• Original BeansminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSustainable chocolate producer sourcing from Virunga National Park in the DRC. Used for April 2023 'Schokoladentraum' flavor, combining the purchase with donations to protect the last 1,000 mountain gorillas. Featured as Original Beans 'Maker of the Month'.
• Frischpunkt & 'dem Zuckerbäcker' (Marc Döhring)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerApril 2024 monthly flavor 'Rüeblichueche' (carrot cake). Used Frischpunkt farm-fresh carrots and Marc Döhring's Rüeblichueche recipe (from 'dem Zuckerbäcker') combined with homemade Rüeblikonfitüre.
• Sunstar Hotel GrindelwaldcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHosts KALTE LUST Gelateria Chalet on hotel premises in Grindelwald. Provides physical location for retail gelateria operation in a major Swiss tourist destination.
• Raiffeisen-Stadtcafé BurgdorfminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner café with an ice cream container at Bahnhofstrasse 20, Burgdorf. Open Mon-Fri 12:00-18:30, Sat-Sun 12:00-18:00.
• Bürgenstock Resort Lake LucerneminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner resort serving KALTE LUST ice cream at the resort. Open April–September.
• Das verrückte Café zum Hoheneck (Engelberg)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner café serving KALTE LUST ice cream alongside its regular coffee offerings in Engelberg.
• 12-inch CofFee Saas-FeeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialty coffee bar partner serving KALTE LUST ice cream in Saas-Fee. Managed by Jürgen and the 12-inch team.
• Restaurant Dampfzentrale BernminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner restaurant at Marzilistrasse 47, Bern, serving KALTE LUST ice cream.
• Viola CalligarisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss footballer (defender) co-created July 2025 'High Protein Glace mit Erdnuss' flavor with 18% protein content. Partnership also promoted women's football and encouraged young women to pursue their dreams.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Gelato Italia / Gelati Giotto chain operators: Gelati Giotto is a Swiss Italian-style gelato shop chain with multiple locations in German-speaking Switzerland. Comparable to KALTE LUST as a directly competing Swiss multi-location gelato shop operator targeting similar consumer occasions with similar Italian-style premium positioning, though Gelati Giotto's brand identity is more mass-market Italian-style.
• Venchi: Venchi is an Italian premium chocolate and gelato producer with its own retail network and B2B foodservice supply. Comparable to KALTE LUST as a premium Italian-style gelato and chocolate maker with strong chef/brand collaborations, retail distribution, and European footprint — though Venchi is significantly larger and internationally distributed.
• Manu Gelateria / Manu Manu: Manu Glace (Manu Gelateria) is a Swiss artisanal gelato maker producing from regional Swiss ingredients with strong restaurant/hospitality B2B distribution. Comparable to KALTE LUST as a Swiss artisanal gelato manufacturer with restaurant B2B channel focus and high-end positioning, though Manu is positioned more as a B2B ingredient supplier than a consumer-facing gelateria brand.
• Bindi (Divisione Surgelati): Bindi is an Italian gelato and frozen desserts manufacturer specializing in single-portion cups, novelties and foodservice supply across Europe. Comparable to KALTE LUST in gelato product format (cups, portion-controlled servings), premium positioning, and B2B foodservice/retail channels, though at significantly greater scale and primarily foodservice-oriented.

Regional players

• Läderach (Confiserie Läderach): Läderach is a Swiss premium chocolate manufacturer and retailer with flagship boutiques and global expansion. Comparable to KALTE LUST as a Swiss-rooted premium confectionery brand with own-retail and wholesale distribution, strong brand identity, and Swiss-made premium positioning, though Läderach operates at much greater scale and is chocolate-focused.
• Confiserie Sprüngli: Sprüngli is a Swiss luxury confectionery and café operator famous for Luxemburgerli and premium chocolates. Comparable to KALTE LUST as a Swiss premium sweet brand with own-retail café locations and premium positioning; Sprüngli also operates seasonal/specialty lines, though primarily in chocolate and confectionery rather than ice cream.

Broad incumbents

• Talenti: Talenti is a premium gelato and sorbetto brand owned by Nestlé, sold in major retail. Comparable to KALTE LUST as a premium gelato brand competing for similar artisanal-leaning consumers, though at substantially greater scale and with broader U.S./global retail penetration.
• Mövenpick (Mövenpick Wein & Gastronomie / Unilever Mövenpick): Mövenpick is a Swiss heritage premium food brand with a well-known ice cream line and restaurant operations. It is comparable to KALTE LUST as a Swiss-rooted premium ice cream brand, but operates at a much larger scale and across broader categories including restaurants and hotels.
• Häagen-Dazs: Häagen-Dazs is a globally recognized premium ice cream brand operating shops, restaurants, and retail distribution. Comparable to KALTE LUST at the premium-positioning level, with overlap in gelateria/ice cream shop formats, but vastly greater scale and global footprint.

Others

• Max Felchlin / Felchlin Swiss Confectionery: Felchlin is a Swiss premium chocolate couverture manufacturer supplying B2B pastry and confectionery customers. Comparable to KALTE LUST at the premium Swiss ingredient supply level (Felchlin is a regional Swiss premium supplier) and uses a similar 'Swiss-made, premium ingredients' positioning, though it is a B2B ingredient supplier rather than a consumer ice cream brand.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCRbrWj0zwntj03ZZ-S3gaSA
• Facebookfacebook.com/KALTELUST
• Instagraminstagram.com/kalte_lust
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kalte-lust-ag

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Cold Desire