The Washington Inquirer EditorGeGelato, a Georgian company that offers gluten-free Italian ice cream and various pastries, has set its sights on expanding its network by opening new branches and increasing its production in the near future.
Mariam Uchaneishvili, the Founder and Director of GeGelato, told Golden Brand that the company is responding to the requests of its customers by starting to introduce soft serve ice creams at its branches.
“Additionally, we will introduce the highest quality, gluten-free, and natural bubble tea produced in Italy to our branches. Customers will be able to enjoy this delicious treat in the near future”, she said.
GeGelato was founded in 2019, and its first store was opened in 2020 on Paliashvili Street in the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi. Despite opening during the pandemic, the company was able to expand and open three more branches in different districts of Tbilisi over the next three years.
Currently GeGelato operates branches on Chavchavadze and Pekini Avenues, and in shopping centers: Tbilisi Mall and Galleria.
Read the interview below to find out about Gegelato’s offers, what makes it an outstanding brand on the market, and what led the company to win a domestic business award, the Golden Brand.
Q. What kind of desserts and drinks are available at GeGelato branches, and what sets them apart from other ice cream companies in Georgia?
A. We offer authentic Italian gelato, made using Italian technologies and machinery imported from Italy. We work closely with Italian chefs to develop new flavors and refine our techniques. Our menu includes a variety of ice creams, with approximately 25-30 different flavors available in both dairy-based and non-dairy (vegan) options. We are proud to note that all of our ice creams and toppings are gluten-free, setting us apart from other companies in Georgia.
In addition to gelato, we also offer a range of desserts – up to 30 different varieties – made with high-quality ingredients. Belgian waffles, hot and soft drinks are also available at our branches for our customers to enjoy.
Q. Can you tell us about any special flavors or offerings that customers can only taste at GeGelato, like a signature flavor?
A. Absolutely! At GeGelato, one of our stand-outs is the fact that all of our ice creams are gluten-free. While we offer basic flavors such as Super Vanilla, Chocolate, Mint, Raffaello, Salted Caramel, Oreo, Lemon, Bubble Gum and more, we also have a variety of different ice creams, that are unique to us, such as Bon Bon, Crispy Amarena, New York Cheesecake, and others. We’re always updating our assortment and introducing new and interesting flavors.
Another thing that sets us apart is that we make our own ice cream cones, ensuring that our customers always get the freshest and most delicious products.
Q. GeGelato has been awarded the Golden Brand for its dynamic brand development. Can you tell us about how your brand has grown and earned this recognition?
A. Although our company was founded in 2019, we have been attending food and hospitality exhibitions in Italy and other European countries since 2015. During these exhibitions, we have gained knowledge about high-quality food production technologies, various food products, and have made connections with successful people in this field. These connections provided us with a foundation to start our own business, creating our own local production of Italian ice cream.
At the outset, we began importing Italian ice cream-making materials and contacted Fabbri 1905, the world-famous and most successful ice cream company in Italy. We became their official representatives in Georgia. We purchased the highest quality Italian machinery and refrigerators for gelato production and sales. We frequently communicate with European partners and chefs, who share new technology, recipes, and work experiences with us.
We opened an ice cream factory and an ice cream and pastry shop in September 2020. From the beginning, our products were highly appreciated for their variety and high quality by customers. Despite the pandemic, which caused many successful companies to close, we opened three more new branches. We are also planning to open a fifth branch soon in Gori, at a new shopping center, Garden Mall.
Every year GeGelato moves to new stages of development and expands its territory and assortment.
Q. What is the significance of receiving the Golden Brand award for the GeGelato team, and how has it affected your business strategy?
A. The Golden Brand award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the GeGelato team. This recognition serves as motivation for us to continue developing our business and reach more customers, while also increasing our brand awareness. We are grateful for this opportunity and look forward to further growth and success.
Q. What are your expectations for summer?
A. During winter we do normal business in our local branches and with delivery services. We use special Italian thermal boxes to ensure the quality of our products during delivery. However, every summer, we notice a significant increase in the amount of merchandise compared to the previous season. We have high expectations for the upcoming summer season as well.
It’s worth noting that GeGelato receives corporate orders for both ice creams and cakes, and we have a varied buffet menu. Every year, more and more companies contact us to participate in various events, be it corporate parties, weddings, birthdays, and more. We also participate independently in various public events such as celebrations dedicated to May 26 and Children’s Day, ice cream festivals, New Year Village, Open Air, and others.
We have a close partnership with the Italian Embassy in Georgia and participate in various activities organized by them, such as Italy Days and Europe Days. For all of this, we have special outdoor sales refrigerators and other equipment; and we supply several high-end cafes and restaurants with GeGelato products.
