Gelatissimo plans expansion to India and Bangladesh

Gelatissimo, Australia’s largest franchised gelato chain, will open stores in India and Bangladesh next month.

The openings mark the privately owned company’s latest international expansion, joining franchises in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Gelatissimo CEO Filipe Barbosa CEO said that in both India and Bangladesh, populations are booming and the average spend per head on eating out and luxury goods is growing rapidly. Coupled with a love for desserts and all things Australian, Gelatissimo and the franchisees see a great potential for growth in both regions.

Although gelato is a newer concept to both markets, the ice-cream and premium dessert categories has expanded quickly and is forecast to increase significantly over the next five years.

“The stores will be fitted in the internationally recognisable Gelatissimo branding and serve the brand’s best-loved flavours and products,” added Indian master franchisee Sangeeta Dumpeta.

Bangladesh’s Nilesh Jamnadas added, “The stores have been adapted with localised features and will serve some new flavours, adapted for local taste buds”.

Since its launch in 2002, Gelatissimo has grown to 45 stores across Australia, with a further 17 overseas. The store launches in Bangladesh and India will take the total to 66 outlets  globally.

Gelatissimo launched in Singapore in 2005 and has been expanding its overseas footprint since then in the Philippines, China, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia -along with a failed foray into Malaysia.

The franchisees in both Bangladesh and India are expected to open at least five stores in each market over the next year.

“Bangladesh and India represent big opportunities for us and our partners and we look forward to making it a sweet success,” said Barbosa.