Unilever acquires premium gelato business Grom

Unilever has acquired the premium Italian gelato business Grom for an undisclosed amount.

Unilever has said that the acquisition will strengthen its ice cream portfolio and help further capitalise on the growth of the premium gelato market.

The first Grom shop was opened in Turin in 2003 and now the business has over 60 gelato shops in Italy and around the world in locations as far afield as Dubai, New York and Osaka. Grom is 100% natural. The business uses no added flavourings, colours, preservatives or chemical additives in its produce.

The acquisition builds on Unilever’s existing premium gelato portfolio. Last year, the Company acquired Minneapolis-based Talenti® Gelato & Sorbetto. Unilever ice cream brands also include Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s and Carte D’or.

Acquisition to unlock new opportunities for Grom

Commenting on the Grom acquisition, Kevin Havelock, President Refreshment Category, Unilever, said,“Unilever and Grom share the same passion for gelato and have aligned values in areas such as the sustainable sourcing of raw materials. Grom consumers will continue to enjoy the same taste and flavours they have always loved, while Unilever’s scale will give access to new markets, helping Grom to fuel growth”.

Angelo Trocchia, General Manager Unilever Italy, said, “Unilever has deep roots in Italy, we started our operations here 50 years ago and have a beautiful portfolio of well known and loved brands, as well as four factories and 3,000 employees. I am sure that such Italian heritage, together with our knowledge of the ice cream category, will help us work with Federico and Guido to unlock new opportunities for Grom.”