Chance to scoop out share in cool Italian experience

Gelatissimo stores make fresh gelato daily on site to a family recipe. Photo / Supplied

The Australian retail chain Gelatissimo has 20 stores operating across Australia dispensing Italy's version of icecream with another two new outlets about to open and it is now looking for its first New Zealand franchisees.

Paolo Delmonte at Affiliated Business Consultants, who has been appointed to help find the right people for Gelatissimo, said the company had gone from strength to strength since opening its first store in Sydney in September 2002.

"Gelatissimo is an award-winning business with a proven formula," Delmonte said. "There are a further dozen stores throughout Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Philippines with progressive roll-outs scheduled over the next few years.

"We are looking for people who will share in the passion and atmosphere that this brand captures."

Gelato, which means "frozen" in Italian, usually has significantly less butterfat than typical American and British icecreams. Gelato is also denser than traditional icecream because it is made by mixing cream, milk and sugar, rather than adding air. It is also served warmer than normal icecream imparting a stronger taste as it melts in the mouth.

Gelatissimo stores serve authentic Italian gelato shakes, its signature Bambino cones and Italian sundaes. Other product lines include Italian coffee, traditional Italian biscotti and light meals made locally but with an Italian emphasis. Gelatissimo is also known for its signature affogato - espresso coffee with a scoop of vanilla gelato.

"In addition to its traditional Italian gelato products, Gelatissimo's branding aims to recreate the Florentine gelato experience incorporating Italian music, imagery and a romantic Italian experience," Delmonte said.

"Gelatissimo presents a concept that embodies style and sophistication - creating the feel of all things Italian including the tradition, the romance, the people and, more recently, an enhanced product range and store aesthetic."

The capital investment required to become a Gelatissimo franchisee depends on the size of the premises, but will start from around $250,000. This includes the initial franchise fee of $50,000. Franchise royalties are fixed at only $250 per week and a marketing fee of 3 per cent of gross sales is used to fund ongoing advertising and marketing initiatives.

Suitable premises could be between 50sq m and 90sq m, or as little as 20-25sq m for a kiosk, depending on demographics, and will ideally be in high foot traffic areas.

"The cafe-gelateria concept means a variety of locations may prove to be suitable and individual tenancies will be assessed on their own merits," said Delmonte. "It is possible that existing businesses could be converted to the Gelatissimo brand and the franchisor will assist wherever possible with site selection, negotiation of lease terms and fit-out to required company specifications.

Delmonte said Gelatissimo stores were easy to run and provided excellent cash flow and high profit margins.

"Unlike traditional icecream stores, Gelatissimo has developed multiple revenue streams through its diverse yet simple menu which provides a reliable, sustainable, year-round business.

"Apart from creating a retail point of difference, Gelatissimo has an excellent gross profit margin combined with an ease of operation," said Delmonte.

Each store manufactures fresh gelato daily on site to a family recipe using premium ingredients with new flavours constantly developed.

"It is made to the highest standards using the finest natural ingredients and freshest produce," Delmonte said. "Apart from a few basic ingredients like milk and water, everything else is supplied by head office to ensure consistent quality is maintained. "All servings are portion controlled and match a single production batch. Branded packaging is also supplied from Gelatissimo."