Italian gelato continues to strengthen its growth trajectory in international markets, confirming the sector’s resilience and premium appeal.
In the first half of 2025, exports reached €372 million, marking a 19% increase compared with €313 million in the same period of 2024. According to the latest data by the Italian Foreign Affairs Ministry, Italy is the world’s fourth-largest exporter of gelato, behind Germany, France, and Belgium.
ASIA, THE LOCOMOTIVE OF GROWTH
Asia has emerged as the true engine of expansion. In the first six months of 2025, Italian gelato exports to Asia surged 72%, rising from €20 million to €34.4 million. Within East Asia alone, exports increased 28%, from €6.8 million to €8.7 million.
Overall, Asia now accounts for 9.2% of total Italian gelato exports, up 44% compared with the first half of 2024. These figures signal what industry observers describe as a structural shift in Italy’s penetration of Asian markets, driven by rising demand for premium and Western food products.
TONITTO 1939: EXPANDING FOOTPRINT ACROSS ASIA
Against this backdrop, Tonitto 1939 is sharpening its Asia strategy. For the third consecutive year, the Italian company specializing in gelato, sherbet, and ice cream will participate in Foodex Japan, scheduled from March 10 to 13 in Tokyo (West Hall, Stand W3-W07).
The company is already present in South Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan, and has outlined a clear roadmap:
- Consolidate its position in South Korea.
- Finalize commercial agreements in Japan, with the goal of launching continuous sales within 12 months.
- Develop business contacts in China, where the frozen dessert market is expanding at an estimated 6% annually.
- Strengthen its presence in Malaysia, considered a strategic hub for Southeast Asia.
Between 2024 and 2025, qualified trade contacts generated at international fairs increased by approximately 35%, with particularly strong interest from Japanese retail distributors and foodservice operators.
Tonitto’s export strategy also includes allocating 10% of its annual budget to Asia-focused marketing investments, alongside adapting packaging and product formats to local market requirements.
SHIFTING CONSUMER PREFERENCES
Market dynamics across Asia reveal distinctive consumption patterns. In several Asian countries, fruit sorbets — including mango, yuzu, and tropical fruits — account for more than 40% of the sales mix. Frozen yogurt is widely perceived as a healthier alternative, while demand is rising for:
- Single-serve formats ranging from 100 to 250 grams, tailored to convenience stores.
- Premium packaging with clearly indicated ingredients.
- Shelf life compatible with complex distribution chains.
Emerging trends include fusion flavours such as matcha and strawberry, inspired by “Tokyo-style chocolate”, particularly popular among young urban consumers. Natural ingredients, reduced additives and artificial colorants, sustainability, and raw material traceability are becoming increasingly central to purchasing decisions.