Exhibiting at HOTELEX Shanghai 2025

Sammontana S.p.A. Società Benefit, headquartered in Empoli, Italy, is one of the leading producers of gelato and frozen desserts in Europe. As a family-owned business with a history dating back to 1948, the company has grown to become a major player in the global ice cream market, with a strong emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and Italian tradition.

Company Background

Founded by the Bagnoli family, Sammontana has evolved from a small artisanal gelato shop into Italy’s top domestic ice cream manufacturer and one of Europe’s fastest-growing frozen dessert exporters. The company’s transformation into a Società Benefit in recent years underlines its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices alongside profitability.

Core Business

Sammontana’s primary business is the production and distribution of industrial and artisanal-style gelato, sorbets, and frozen pastries. It operates several manufacturing plants across Italy and supplies both retail and foodservice sectors. The company’s strategic expansion includes exports to more than 20 countries, including China, where demand for premium Italian desserts is growing.

Product & Service Offerings

Gelato

• Barattolino – Italy’s best-selling take-home gelato tub
• Coppa Oro – Iconic single-serve gelato cups
• Cinque Stelle – Gourmet dessert line with indulgent inclusions
• Amando – 100% plant-based gelato line
• Gruvi – Youth-targeted fun gelato line
• Sorbettiera – Sorbets made with real fruit juice

Frozen Desserts & Pastries

• Ice cream cones and sticks
• Frozen cakes and pastries under Bindi, Tre Marie, Il Pasticcere, and La Donatella
• B2B solutions for cafés, restaurants, and hotels

All products are made with high-quality ingredients sourced through sustainable and traceable supply chains, and many are available with gluten-free, vegan, or organic certifications.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Sammontana’s USP lies in its fusion of authentic Italian gelato-making heritage with modern industrial scalability. Key competitive advantages include:

• Proprietary recipes and R&D in artisanal-style gelato
• Multiple consumer brands targeting diverse demographics
• Strong sustainability framework (carbon neutrality projects, eco-packaging)
• Diverse B2B and B2C product portfolios catering to supermarkets and hospitality

Financials

Sammontana is one of Italy’s top 3 frozen dessert companies by revenue:

• Estimated Annual Revenue (2023): €420 million+
• Export Share: Over 15% of revenue from international markets
• Investment in Sustainability (2022): Over €8 million in green packaging and emissions offsets

Growth in Asian markets, particularly China, has contributed to increased export volumes through retail partnerships and cross-border e-commerce.

Shipment Records

While specific export data to China is not public, Sammontana products are increasingly available in high-end grocery chains and foodservice platforms in Tier 1 Chinese cities:

• Main Entry Points: Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong
• Top Product Lines for China: Barattolino tubs and Cinque Stelle desserts
• Distribution Partners: Premium importers and foodservice distributors

Target Market

Sammontana targets:

• Retail chains (supermarkets, gourmet stores)
• HoReCa (hotels, restaurants, cafés)
• Airlines and cruise ships
• Premium e-commerce platforms

The brand appeals to consumers seeking authentic European desserts, plant-based indulgence, and premium gelato experiences.

Capabilities

• Five state-of-the-art production plants across Italy
• In-house innovation lab for product development
• Cold chain logistics network covering Europe and export hubs
• Multilingual packaging and regulatory compliance for Asia, including China

Certifications & Compliance

Sammontana holds extensive certifications to support its international operations:

• IFS and BRC Food Safety Certifications
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management
• ISO 9001 Quality Management
• RSPO Certification for sustainable palm oil
• VeganOK and Organic labels on selected product lines

These certifications ensure regulatory compliance and competitive access to global food retail markets.

Customer Testimonials

“Barattolino is a family favorite – the perfect blend of creamy texture and authentic flavors. Sammontana truly brings the taste of Italy home.”
— Verified Buyer, Italian Supermarket Chain

“Incorporating Sammontana desserts into our hotel menu significantly enhanced our guests’ dining experience. The quality speaks for itself.”
— Executive Chef, Luxury Hotel Group in Hong Kong

Major Achievements

• Market leader in Italy’s take-home gelato category
• Export presence in over 20 countries, with growing Asian footprint
• Introduced Italy’s first widely distributed plant-based gelato line (Amando)
• Launched full ESG strategy and adopted Società Benefit legal status
• Named among Italy’s Top Sustainable Companies (2023) by Il Sole 24 Ore

Sammontana S.p.A. continues to elevate its global brand through a passionate commitment to taste, quality, and sustainability—delivering Italy’s finest frozen delights to tables around the world.