Gelatissimo’s focus on international expansion has paid off for the gelato retail chain which has been awarded the International Franchise award at the NAB FCA Excellence Awards 2012.

Not only has Gelatissimo opened three gelaterias in Kuwait, introduced the brand to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, and has two outlets planned for a pre-Christmas opening in the Philippines; this Australian business has successfully taken its product to Italy, the home of gelato.

Join CEO, Marco Lopresti, accepted the award at the gala event in Canberra.

“Underpinning Gelatissimo’s international strategy is the quality control we have been able to achieve, through an innovative gelato production kit system that allows franchisees to create Gelatissimo’s luscious artisan gelato in store daily, anywhere in the world.

“Because we use traditional family recipes that rely on fresh ingredients, ensuring our gelato was unaffected by climatic conditions or transport issues was a huge challenge when we first considered exporting.

“But our kit system allows us to send product overseas and be confident that the gelato served to customers in other countries will be of the same standard enjoyed by our Australian customers and in accordance with our original family recipes.”

The gelato business started a decade ago, and Lopresti told Franchising, “It’s fitting for our 10th anniversary. It’s a great way to commemorate it and we’re very proud.” 

“We have always seen Gelatissimo as a global brand and are so honoured to win this award because it recognises the hard work of our talented team and wonderful international master franchise network,” Lopresti said.

Read more about all the award winners at the FCA NAB Excellence in Franchising 2012 event