Transporting gelato across Europe is more than moving frozen dessert from A to B – it’s a complex cold chain dance that protects texture and taste against melting and contamination. Refrigerated gelato logistics in Europe demand strict temperature control between around –22 °C and –18 °C, robust packaging and compliance with evolving EU regulations. In 2024 the European artisanal gelato market generated nearly €11 billion and Italy, France and Spain accounted for 68 % of consumption. As demand grows and sustainability rules tighten, shippers must rethink equipment, routes and data. Dieser Leitfaden, updated in December 2025, zeigt how you can master refrigerated gelato logistics – from choosing the right temperature setpoints to leveraging AI for supply chain efficiency.
Dieser Artikel wird antworten:
Why is refrigerated gelato logistics so challenging? – discover the key risks and EU rules that govern frozen desserts.
Which temperature ranges and packaging work best? – learn how to maintain a narrow frozen band and protect each tub.
How do regulations and sustainability trends affect gelato logistics? – understand ATP rules, HACCP requirements and the 2024 F Gas phase down.
What market trends and top providers should you know in 2025? – explore the European gelato market, cold chain growth and leading logistics companies.
What practical tips can help you deliver gelato flawlessly? – get actionable advice, a real world case study and a decision checklist.
Why refrigerated gelato logistics is so demanding in Europe
Preserving delicate texture across borders
Gelato is a premium frozen dessert with less fat and more delicate air structure than industrial ice cream. Small temperature fluctuations quickly destroy its creamy mouthfeel. Industry guidance recommends keeping gelato between roughly –22 °C and –18 °C across storage, transport and retail delivery. Während der Produktion, deep freezing at around –24 °C locks in micro structure; warehousing near –25 °C prevents crystal growth; transport should stay between –25 °C and –20 °C; retail cabinets hold around –18 °C. Any deviations – such as a 5 °C spike during unloading – can cause large ice crystals or bacterial risk.
Cross border shipments face varying climates and infrastructure. A truck leaving Italy in summer may cross Alpine tunnels and northern rain. Maintaining a consistent frozen band requires ATP certified vehicles, calibrated setpoints and drivers trained to limit door openings. EU hygiene law allows only brief, controlled breaks in the cold chain and demands documented monitoring.
Complex regulatory framework
Gelato transport in Europe must comply with multiple layers of regulations:
EU -Regulierung (EC) 852/2004 on food hygiene requires that the cold chain is maintained at all stages with limited, controlled breaks and that operators implement HACCP based systems.
ATP (Abkommen über die internationale Beförderung verderblicher Lebensmittel) specifies that ice cream and similar products must be transported at or below –20 °C and defines performance classes for insulated and refrigerated vehicles. Vehicles must be certified and regularly inspected.
HACCP and national rules require operators to identify and monitor critical control points such as freezing, storage and transport temperatures.
EU climate regulations are tightening. The revised F Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 aims to reduce hydrofluorocarbon use by 80 % von 2030 and ban high GWP refrigeration products; aus 2025 commercial refrigerators and freezers using refrigerants with global warming potential (GWP) ≥ 150 are prohibited. Companies must operate at 60 % of their 2011–2013 HFC baseline from 2025, fallen zu 15 % von 2036. This shift forces logistics operators to adopt natural refrigerants like CO₂ and ammonia.
These rules mean shippers must not only maintain low temperatures but also document compliance, audit refrigeration units and invest in sustainable equipment. Fines or cargo rejection can result from non compliance.
Consumer expectations and market growth
Europeans view gelato as an affordable luxury; consumption is resilient even during economic uncertainty. In 2024 artisanal gelato sales reached €11 billion in Europe and Italy’s sector generated nearly €3 billion. Italy, France and Spain together account for 68 % of European gelato consumption. The Italian Gelatieri Association reported a 3 % sales increase in 2025 with revenue concentrated in the warmer months.
This growth means more shipments of premium gelato across borders – to tourists in France, supermarkets in Germany and e commerce customers in Denmark. Consumers expect consistent quality; a melted tub can quickly damage a brand’s reputation. As e commerce and direct to consumer models expand, logistics providers must offer micro fulfilment and rapid delivery while maintaining frozen integrity.
Temperature management: hitting the sweet spot
Recommended temperature ranges and setpoints
The heart of refrigerated gelato logistics is maintaining a stable frozen band. Aim for –22 °C to –18 °C across the chain, with deeper temperatures early in the process. Tisch 1 summarises typical stages and recommended temperature bands.
| Bühne | Typical temperature band (°C) | Monitoring focus | Was es für Sie bedeutet |
| Hardening & Schockfrosten | ≈ −30 to −35 | Rapid pull down to lock in micro structure and overrun | Start with very low core temperatures to stabilise texture. |
| Frozen warehouse storage | ≈ −25 to −22 | Long term stability, prevent large ice crystals | Keep warehouses colder than transport to allow buffer and reduce crystal growth. |
| Long haul road or intermodal transport | ≈ −25 to −20 | Türöffnungen, setpoint drift | Use ATP certified trailers, limit door openings, monitor hot spots. |
| Retail delivery / letzte Meile | ≈ −20 to −18 | Frequent stops, urban traffic | Balance safety with practicality; ensure packaging adds thermal buffer. |
| Store display freezers | ≤ −18 | Consumer door openings | Keep legal minimums and avoid heat shock cycles. |
Why narrow bands matter: Temperature swings cause ice crystals to grow. Starting at –25 °C provides a safety cushion for short door openings; maintaining –20 °C ensures product safety at retail. Resist the temptation to set thermostats much lower; lowering setpoints too far increases energy use without quality gains.
Practical tips to maintain temperatures
Calibrate for the warmest point: Use temperature mapping to identify hot spots inside vehicles or containers, then adjust setpoints slightly lower to compensate.
Use continuous data loggers: Treat data loggers as a “black box” – they provide evidence in disputes and help identify weak links in routes.
Standardise loading patterns: A tidy, consistent loading plan reduces temperature spread more effectively than simply lowering the thermostat. Avoid blocking airflow around pallets.
Plan routes to minimise door openings: Coordinate deliveries so that high volume stops come first and goods for later deliveries remain deeper in the trailer.
Monitor refrigeration equipment: Ensure reefer units are serviced, calibrated and F Gas compliant. Aus 2025 high GWP refrigerants are banned, so plan for natural refrigerant systems.
Fall aus der realen Welt: A regional gelato brand switched from mixed frozen loads to dedicated ATP certified trailers with strict loading patterns. Within one summer season, complaints about “too soft” gelato fell by over 60 %, and retailer claims dropped markedly.
Verpackung: building a mini freezer around each tub
Packaging is the silent guardian of gelato quality. It must hold cold air, shield products from vibration and meet sustainability expectations.
Primärverpackung: cups, tubs and lids
Barrier and rigidity: Choose rigid tubs with tight fitting lids to prevent deformation during stacking and vibration on European highways. Quality lids prevent freezer burn and odours.
Headspace design: Leave enough space to protect overrun (the air whipped into gelato) and decorations without crushing; ensure lids reseal well after opening.
Tamper evidence: Use seals or bands that indicate whether a container was opened during transport.
Secondary and tertiary packaging
Insulated cartons or boxes: Use EPP/EPS boxes or insulated liners to reduce heat gain during loading and cross docking.
Pallet covers and thermal blankets: Shield from radiant heat on ramps and in mixed load cross docks.
Strapping and corner protection: Prevent carton collapse and maintain airflow.
| Packaging focus area | Example choices | Risk if ignored | Value for your gelato business |
| Primary containers | Rigid tubs with tight fitting lids | Lid pop off, Gefrierbrand, undicht | Better consumer experience and fewer retailer complaints |
| Insulated outers | EPP/EPS boxes, isolierte Liner | Rapid warming during delays | Extra buffer allows for delays and reduces melt loss |
| Pallet protection | Thermal covers, corner boards | Crush damage, Hot Spots | Higher delivered value and less rework |
Sustainability considerations
European retailers increasingly demand packaging with lower environmental impact. Many push for less virgin plastic and more recyclable or paper based materials while expecting long shelf life. Consider reusable insulated totes for city distribution or e commerce shipments that can be returned. Paper based outer cartons combined with recyclable insulation can meet sustainability goals and protect quality.
Practical user level advice
Export pallets: Use pallet covers plus insulated top sheets when external docks or rail interchanges are part of the route.
City distribution: Reusable insulated totes offer durability and support last mile delivery in hot climates.
E commerce gelato: Size gel packs or dry ice for worst case transit times, not average times. In a German case study, moving from corrugated shippers to insulated EPP boxes with phase change packs ensured 98 % of parcels arrived “spoon hard” even during a July heatwave.
Regulations shaping gelato logistics in 2025
EU food hygiene and ATP rules
As noted above, Verordnung (EC) 852/2004 requires that cold chains are maintained with only limited, controlled breaks. Operators must implement HACCP based procedures, conduct regular inspections and document temperature data. Failure to maintain the cold chain can lead to product seizures and liability claims.
The ATP agreement classifies refrigerated vehicles and trailers, specifying performance tests and temperature requirements. Vehicles carrying gelato must be ATP certified, labelled and periodically inspected. If you hire third party carriers, verify their certificates.
Neu 2024/2025 refrigeration rules
The EU’s climate agenda is reshaping cold chain equipment:
F Gas phase down (Verordnung 2024/573): Effective March 2024, this regulation aims to cut HFC use by 80 % von 2030 and ban high GWP refrigeration products. Beginn 2025, companies may only operate at 60 % of their historical HFC baseline, decreasing to 15 % von 2036. Commercial refrigerators and freezers using refrigerants with GWP ≥ 150 are banned from 2025.
Product specific bans: Aus 2025, high GWP refrigerants in commercial refrigerators and freezers are prohibited; von 2026 the ban extends to domestic units.
Recovery and leak prevention rules: F gases must be recovered at end of life, recycled or destroyed. New leak detection mandates inspections for equipment above 5 t CO₂ eq.
For gelato shippers, these rules mean investing in natural refrigerant systems (Co₂, Ammoniak), training technicians and auditing equipment. While capital intensive, natural refrigerants reduce energy use and align with corporate sustainability goals. Plan equipment upgrades during fleet renewal cycles and seek support through green financing.
CSRD and sustainability reporting
Der Richtlinie zur Nachhaltigkeitsberichterstattung von Unternehmen (CSRD) requires large companies to publish ESG reports using European Sustainability Reporting Standards. Logistics operators are expected to disclose energy use, emissions and climate risks. Beginn 2025, many listed companies are filing their first CSRD aligned reports. This transparency will push gelato logistics providers to adopt energy efficient warehouses, renewable power and low emission vehicles.
Market trends and leading providers in 2025
Gelato market outlook
Artisanal gelato has enjoyed steady growth. According to market data, Europe’s artisanal gelato sales reached €11 billion in 2024, Anbau 1 % Jahr für Jahr, while Italy’s sector alone generated nearly €3 billion. The destagionalisation of consumption – gelato being enjoyed outside summer – and consumer preference for high quality, locally made desserts drive this success. In der Zwischenzeit, Italy, France and Spain account for 68 % of consumption, with Italian sales rising 3 % Im Sommer 2025. The Italian Gelatieri Association notes that central and southern regions posted growth of +5 % Und +4 % despite heavy rains in the north.
Cold chain logistics market size
Der Europe Food Cold Chain Logistics Market boomt, with size estimated at USD 74.70 Milliarden in 2025 und voraussichtlich erreichen USD 114.78 Milliarden von 2030 bei a CAGR von 8.97 %. This growth reflects a region wide overhaul of grocery fulfilment that places temperature controlled capacity closer to urban shoppers. Key factors include:
Wechseln Sie zu natürlichen Kältemitteln: EU Green Deal targets push operators to adopt low GWP refrigerants, raising capital needs but lowering lifecycle emissions.
Brexit related customs checks: Persistent checks create demand for cross docking hubs at ports like Calais and Rotterdam.
E commerce and micro fulfilment: Rising online orders compress delivery windows and favour small urban hubs with multi temperature zones.
Consolidation and investment: Private equity funds network expansions, but driver shortages and energy price volatility inflate costs.
By service type, refrigerated transportation held 53 % des Umsatzes in 2024, while value added services (Z.B., Verpackung, Beschriftung) recorded the fastest growth. The frozen category accounted for 60.5 % des Marktes; Germany remained the primary hub, with Poland posting strong growth. Driver shortages are severe: Europe faces 745 000 unfilled truck driver positions by 2028, pushing wages up and increasing spot rates for refrigerated lanes.
Leading cold chain providers for gelato
While many logistics providers serve multiple sectors, certain companies stand out for gelato and frozen dessert transport:
Abstammungslogistik – a global leader with hundreds of temperature controlled facilities in Europe. Its advanced automation and energy efficient warehouses support gelato storage and distribution.
NeuKalt – operates high bay automated cold stores across the Netherlands, France and Germany, offering deep frozen storage and integrated transport.
Kloosterboer – Dutch company specialising in cold storage, distribution and processing for the food industry, with facilities near major ports.
STEF – a French logistics group focusing on food and temperature controlled supply chains across Europe; known for multi temperature networks and last mile services.
Raben Fresh Logistics – provides frozen transport and warehousing across Central and Eastern Europe, emphasising quality and data monitoring.
DB Schenker and DHL – global logistics giants with dedicated cold chain services and cross border networks. Their e commerce fulfilment centres and digital platforms support direct to consumer gelato shipments.
When choosing a provider, consider ATP certification, energy efficient fleets, digital tracking capability and sustainable refrigerant adoption. Ask for references from other frozen dessert shippers, evaluate quality control procedures and request temperature mapping data.
Emerging technologies and sustainability trends
Digitalisierung und KI
Digital tools are transforming gelato logistics. Unilever’s ice cream supply chain uses AI to analyse weather data and adjust forecasts, cutting waste and boosting sales. The company operates 35 factories and an estimated 3 million freezers across 60 Länder. AI enabled freezers provide real time inventory data; data from 100 000 AI enabled freezers increased retail orders and sales by up to 30 %. Forecast accuracy in Sweden improved by 10 % and service levels increased to world class standards. For gelato shippers, adopting AI enabled demand forecasting and route optimisation can reduce spoilage and energy use.
Internet der Dinge (IoT) Sensoren embedded in vehicles and pallets provide continuous temperature monitoring and location tracking. When integrated with blockchain or secure cloud platforms, these sensors support traceability, facilitate compliance audits and help claim insurance if a cold chain breach occurs.
Automatisierung und Robotik are gaining traction in warehouses. High bay automated storage systems reduce handling times and maintain consistent temperatures. Autonome mobile Roboter (AMRs) move pallets within refrigerated facilities, lowering labour costs and reducing warm air intrusion.
Energy efficiency and renewable integration
Energy costs are a significant portion of cold chain operations. New energy efficient buildings, mandated by the Richtlinie über die Gesamtenergieeffizienz von Gebäuden (EPBD), require zero emission buildings for new non residential sites and life cycle GWP disclosure. Cold stores are installing Sonnenkollektoren to reduce grid reliance; in Spain and Portugal, solar powered refrigeration arrays cut operating costs and emissions.
Electric and hydrogen trucks are emerging for urban deliveries. The AFIR regulation sets binding targets for public recharging infrastructure for heavy duty vehicles starting in 2025. Companies that deploy zero emission vehicles may benefit from toll exemptions and tax incentives.
Sustainable refrigerants and circular packaging
As F Gas regulations tighten, operators are moving to natürliche Kältemittel (Co₂, Ammoniak) and emerging HFO blends. Although initial investment is high, natural systems offer lower energy use and avoid future bans. Some gelato shippers experiment with cryogenic cooling using liquid nitrogen for last mile delivery, which offers silent operation and low emissions but requires special handling.
Packaging sustainability is also under scrutiny. Reusable insulated totes and paper based liners helfen, Abfall zu reduzieren. Biodegradable phase change materials (PCMs) can replace petroleum based gel packs. When designing packaging, communicate recycling instructions clearly to consumers and include digital QR codes linking to product information.
Practical tips and decision checklist
Planen Sie Ihre Kühlkette: Identify all handover points from factory to consumer. Map actual temperatures at each stage and find “warmest spots.”
Select ATP certified carriers: Verify certificates and maintenance records. Ask about compliance with new F Gas rules and natural refrigerant adoption.
Standardise loading and unloading: Use training manuals and checklists to ensure products are stacked correctly, airflow is unobstructed and doors are closed quickly.
Investieren Sie in Überwachungstechnik: Verwenden Sie Datenlogger, IoT sensors and remote monitoring systems. Leverage AI to forecast demand and adjust shipments dynamically.
Plan for sustainability compliance: Audit current refrigeration assets. Develop a roadmap to phase out high GWP refrigerants. Explore renewable energy and energy storage for warehouses.
Communicate with retailers: Align on delivery windows, acceptable temperature ranges and packaging formats. Provide real time alerts when shipments depart, arrive or face delays.
Example case: A direct to consumer gelato brand in Germany upgraded from corrugated shippers to insulated EPP boxes with phase change packs sized for 48 hour transit. During a July heatwave, über 98 % of parcels arrived spoon hard, and refund rates halved. This shows how investing in better packaging and thermal buffers pays off.
2025 developments and future outlook
The regulatory landscape continues to evolve
In 2025, the EU will implement new ecodesign and energy labelling rules for professional refrigeration appliances, raising minimum efficiency thresholds and requiring digital energy consumption displays. Expect stricter enforcement of CSRD reporting and the expansion of F Gas quotas to additional sectors. Operators should monitor consultations on the 2025/33 Verordnung (temporary exemptions for certain high GWP systems) to understand transition timelines.
Market trends to watch
Growth of micro fulfilment centres: European grocers are scaling click and collect and rapid delivery models, replacing large warehouses with clusters of micro hubs near city centres. For gelato, this means more frequent, shorter transports and the need for flexible multi temperature zones.
Natural refrigerant adoption accelerates: The ICCEE programme targets 118 GWh of annual primary energy savings and €64 million of investments, illustrating industry commitment.
Ultra low temperature demand rises: Plant based alternatives require –23 °C to –25 °C storage. As plant based gelatos gain popularity, logistics providers must adapt.
Driver shortage and modal shift: Mit 745 000 driver vacancies expected by 2028, wages and spot rates for refrigerated transport will rise. Companies may increase use of rail and intermodal where cold capable wagons become available.
Was es für Sie bedeutet
Over the next few years, successful gelato logistics providers will be those who invest early in sustainable refrigeration, digital intelligence and flexible distribution networks. Collaboration between producers, Logistikanbieter, packaging suppliers and retailers is critical. Align on environmental goals and share data to optimise the chain end to end.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Q1: What is the ideal temperature for transporting gelato in Europe?
Keep gelato between about –22 °C and –18 °C throughout the chain. Start colder (around –25 °C) during production and warehousing to build a safety buffer and allow slight rises during transport and delivery.
Q2: Which EU regulations affect gelato transport?
Key rules include EU Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on food hygiene (requiring cold chain maintenance and HACCP procedures), the ATP agreement (vehicles must be certified and keep products at or below –20 °C), and the F Gas Regulation 2024/573, which phases down high GWP refrigerants and bans certain equipment from 2025.
Q3: How can I reduce energy use in my gelato logistics?
Invest in energy efficient freezers and transport units using natural refrigerants, add insulation and pallet covers, optimise route planning to shorten travel time and integrate renewable energy in warehouses. Solar powered refrigeration arrays in Spain and Portugal have cut operating costs for cold chain providers.
Q4: What packaging is best for e commerce gelato shipments?
Use rigid primary containers with tight lids, insulated outer boxes (EVP/EPS), and phase change packs sized for worst case transit time. Reusable insulated totes work well for short distance deliveries, while paper based liners can reduce environmental impact.
Q5: How does AI help gelato logistics?
AI can analyse weather data and sales history to adjust production and shipping plans, Abfall reduzieren. Unilever uses AI enabled freezers and forecasting tools that improved forecast accuracy by 10 % and increased retail orders by up to 30 %.
Zusammenfassung und Empfehlungen
Refrigerated gelato logistics in Europe require balancing strict temperature control with regulatory compliance and sustainability. The ideal temperature band is –22 °C to –18 °C, with deeper freezing during production and warehousing. Packaging matters as much as refrigeration; rigid tubs, insulated boxes and pallet covers reduce heat gain and product damage. Compliance with EU hygiene law, ATP certification and the F Gas phase down is mandatory. Market trends show strong growth, with Europe’s cold chain logistics market worth USD 74.70 Milliarden in 2025 und wird voraussichtlich USD erreichen 114.78 Milliarden von 2030. Consumers increasingly demand sustainable packaging and traceable supply chains. Digitale Werkzeuge, AI forecasting and natural refrigerants are becoming essential to meet these demands and stay competitive.
Empfohlene nächste Schritte:
Überprüfen Sie Ihre Kühlkette: Map routes, measure temperatures and identify gaps. Replace high GWP refrigeration units ahead of 2025 bans.
Upgrade packaging and monitoring: Use insulated boxes with phase change materials and implement continuous data logging. Establish SOPs for loading/unloading.
Adopt digital forecasting and automation: Implement AI tools for demand prediction, route optimisation and inventory management. Integrate IoT sensors for real time tracking.
Investieren Sie in nachhaltige Infrastruktur: Übergang zu natürlichen Kältemitteln, energy efficient buildings and renewable power. Seek green financing and incentives.
Collaborate with trusted providers: Partner with logistics companies that offer ATP certified equipment, F Gas compliant refrigeration and digital visibility. Share forecasts and align on sustainability goals.
Über Tempk
Bei Tempk, we design and manufacture eco friendly cold chain packaging solutions and temperature control materials. Our expertise spans gel packs, Isoliertaschen, pallet covers and high performance boxes tailored to refrigerated gelato logistics in Europe. We combine engineering, field testing and regulatory insight to help you keep gelato within the ideal frozen band and comply with EU standards. Our reusable and recyclable products reduce waste while maintaining product integrity, and our technical team can advise on load mapping and packaging design. Kontaktieren Sie uns, um herauszufinden, wie unsere Lösungen Ihre Kühlkettenleistung verbessern können.
Aufruf zum Handeln: If you’re ready to elevate your gelato logistics, reach out to Tempk’s experts for a consultation. Together we’ll build a customised cold chain solution that safeguards your product, meets regulatory requirements and supports your sustainability goals.
