Delivering moments that matter – A taste of summer
The cool story behind gelato and sorbet
As the sun blazes high in the sky, families gather at the beach, their laughter blending with the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore. Amidst the sandcastles and sunbathing, there’s one treat that brings pure joy to these summer days—gelato and sorbet. These frozen delights are more than just a way to cool down.
The magic of gelato and sorbet
Gelato, which translates to “frozen” from Italian, has been enchanting taste buds since the 16th century. Unlike ice cream, gelato is known for its creamy, dense texture and lower fat content. Made with more milk and less cream, and typically without egg yolks, gelato offers a unique elasticity that sets it apart. Flavours like pistachio, hazelnut, coffee, tiramisu, and stracciatella (chocolate chip) are beloved by many.
Sorbet, on the other hand, is a refreshing, fruit-based, dairy-free dessert. Served at a cooler temperature than gelato, sorbet is celebrated for its vibrant, fruity flavours such as mandorla (almond), limone (lemon), and fragola (strawberry). Often used as a palate cleanser, sorbet provides a burst of freshness that complements the heat of summer.
The journey of flavour
The journey of gelato and sorbet begins in the renowned gelaterias of Italy, where skilled artisans craft each batch with precision and care. Using the finest ingredients, they create flavours that capture the essence of summer. Once prepared, these treats are not just packaged, but carefully wrapped and sealed to preserve their freshness, and then loaded into temperature-controlled containers set at -25°C, ensuring they arrive in perfect condition.
The adventure continues as these containers are transported by truck to key ports like Genoa and Naples. Here, they are prepared for a grand sea voyage, crossing vast oceans to reach distribution centres around the world. Upon arrival, the gelato and sorbet are stored in refrigerated cells at -25 to -28°C, protected from heat and moisture.
Imagine a producer in the picturesque Parma, Italy, sending their precious cargo to a US importer in bustling New York City. The journey takes approximately 21 days, each moment ensuring the gelato remains as fresh as the day it was made. Similarly, another producer sends their cargo to a Japanese importer in vibrant Tokyo, a journey that spans around 56 days.
From these distribution centres, the gelato and sorbet embark on their final leg of the journey. They are distributed to supermarkets, restaurants, and cafés, ready to bring joy to families and friends. Each scoop, each bite, is not just a testament to the journey it has taken, but also a moment of shared happiness, arriving in perfect condition, ready to be enjoyed.
Moments of joy
Picture a hot summer day at the beach or a serene afternoon in a coastal café. You reach for a scoop of pistachio gelato or a refreshing lime and basil sorbet, savouring the vibrant flavours as they melt in your mouth. These simple pleasures, made possible by intricate logistics, bring a touch of magic to our lives.
Behind every delightful scoop is a journey of dedication and precision, ensuring each bite is perfect. So next time you enjoy a gelato or sorbet, take a moment to appreciate the journey it took to get there—bringing a taste of summer to your day, no matter where you are.
With more than 82,000 employees at almost 1,300 sites in close to 100 countries, the Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the world's leading logistics providers. Headquartered in Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel is listed in the Swiss blue-chip stock market index, the SMI. The Group is the global number one in air and sea logistics and has strong market positions in road and contract logistics. Kuehne+Nagel is the logistics partner of choice for 400,000 customers worldwide. Using its global network, logistics expertise and data-based insights, the Group provides end-to-end supply chain solutions for global companies and industries.