G.S. Gelato Expands with State-of-the-Art Systems, Freezer Storage
Fort Walton Beach, Fla.-based G.S. Gelato & Desserts, a manufacturer of authentic Italian gelato, sorbet and frozen yogurt for retailers’ store brand programs and under the G.S. Gelato brand, announced the expansion of its facility and the installation of new state-of-the art Italian machinery to accommodate greater production requirements. Over the past few years, the company acquired numerous contracts, which propelled production by 50 percent in 2013 and is expected to increase another 50 percent by the end of 2014.
“Our level of innovation, R&D, quality, and service is what makes us unique in this industry,” said Simona Faroni, owner of G.S. Gelato & Desserts. “It is the passion and attention to detail that sets us apart, allowing us to succeed in this industry and fully support our customers.”
This state-of-the-art machinery integration system cannot be found anywhere else in the world. G.S. Gelato’s new additions use unique packaging methods to replicate authentic artisan gelato production on a mass scale. Additionally, the company is planning to expand with an additional freezer storage warehouse to accommodate demand. With these upgrades, G.S. Gelato & Desserts said it expects to quadruple production in 2014, and it forecasts that trend to continue in 2015.
“We are honored and proud to partner with national retail and foodservice clients to create, develop and offer custom solutions for flavors, formulations, packaging, equipment and training,” Faroni said. “We are just delighted to offer an authentic Italian experience throughout the entire country.”
Imbibe opens Beverage Innovation Center
Imbibe, a flavor developer and supplier of beverages for private labeling, said it opened a 40,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Beverage Innovation Center in January. Located in Niles, Ill., the new facility more than quadruples the previous facility’s space and “promises to be a game-changer” in the beverage and favor industry.
“We are privileged to work with some of the most dynamic and forward-thinking companies in the beverage industry,” said Andrew Rashkow, CEO, Imbibe. “Our customers are leaders in their respective categories, and they push us to help them solve the challenges that come from innovating while delivering a great taste experience for their consumer. Our new building is an extremely valuable resource to help us continue to meet these challenges going forward.”
The new facility boasts the largest beverage pilot plant in North America, Imbibe stated. The plant simulates real-world manufacturing conditions, allowing Imbibe’s scientists and product development team to create beverages that are using the same processing conditions as the world’s most sophisticated filling plants. This integrated lab and production approach accelerates brand owners’ ability to scale up manufacturing while providing full confidence that the finished product will perfectly represent the samples the customer approved.
“Our customers benefit from a truly collaborative development process where we work openly with their marketing and R&D folks,” said Andy Dratt, executive vice president, Imbibe. “We regularly work with brand owners so they can decide what to invest in their products, knowing that the products they approve in our labs will be the same as the one on the stores shelves. Our new private guest labs have taken this form of collaboration to another level.”