Carpigiani UK

Carpigiani UK: gelato and soft serve machinery from Hereford

Carpigiani UK Ltd is the direct trading subsidiary of Carpigiani Ali Spa, a group that presents itself as the world leader in the manufacture of ice cream equipment for over 70 years. The company operates in the United Kingdom with its own sales and technical service network, and coordinates its activity from its headquarters in Hereford, with additional facilities in Glasgow and Reading.

The company distributes machinery for making ice cream and gelato, as well as auxiliary equipment, and offers delivery, installation and operator training services included as standard. It also manages spare parts supply and after-sales services, and hosts the Carpigiani Gelato University, a training structure based in Hereford with a presence in Glasgow and Reading.

Equipment for soft serve, artisan gelato and pastry

The Carpigiani UK catalogue is organised into several product lines. For the soft serve segment, it markets machines such as the 161T SP, described as a compact self-pasteurising soft gelato machine capable of producing soft serve, sorbets, frozen yogurt and custom-shaped gelato. The 243T SP is presented as the most compact counter-top twin twist soft serve machine.

In the artisan gelato range, the firm offers the Maestro HE 4*, a batch freezer with intelligent technology and programmes for pastry, creams and chocolate. The company also markets gelato display cabinets from the IFI range, within its display and design line.

In addition, Carpigiani UK covers other categories: machines for drinks and shakes, equipment for pastry and catering, blast and storage freezers, and machines for frozen cocktails and slush. In 2019 it launched its 'Restaurant Range', with models such as Freeze 7 Go, Labo 6 9 XPLP, Labo 8 12 XPLP and Ready 14 20 Counter Top.

Distribution of Ice-O-Matic ice machines

The company distributes in the United Kingdom the Ice-O-Matic range of ice machines, which includes cube, flake, nugget and grande cube ice makers, as well as ice bins and the SafeIce sanitisation system. These machines are aimed at professional ice production needs.

Training and after-sales services

Carpigiani UK manages the Carpigiani Gelato University, which offers introduction to gelato courses, basic, intermediate and advanced levels, as well as discovery days and soft serve consultancy. The company also has a knowledge base and an after-sales service, and organises visits to its showroom, with the possibility of a virtual tour.

The service includes delivery, installation and operator training as part of the standard supply, as well as spare parts management and ongoing technical support.

History and group structure

The history of Carpigiani dates back to 1944, when brothers Bruto and Poerio Carlo Carpigiani created Gastecnica S.a.s and patented the 'Autogelatiera' gelato machine. In 1946 the company was renamed Carpigiani Bruto in honour of the deceased brother, inventor of the vertical batch freezer. In the 1960s the company became a global leader with the invention of the Hard-o-Matic, and in 1963 it developed pasteurising machines to guarantee food safety. In 1967 it launched soft serve machines that combined art and automation.

In 1989 Carpigiani joined Ali Group, one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of equipment for the foodservice sector. The Gelato University was established in 2003. Carpigiani UK was formed as a direct trading subsidiary in 2006. In 2010 it opened its Scottish Development Centre and in 2015 the London one. In 2016 it moved its headquarters to the Carpigiani House building in Hereford.

Customers and presence in the British market

Among the case studies the company makes public are Gelato Village, Vue Cinema, Jefferson's Ice Cream, Mango's Cafe, Fiume and Hotel Chocolat. The company has a direct sales force covering the entire United Kingdom.

Location and contact

Carpigiani House, Coldnose Road, Rotherwas, Hereford HR2 6JL · Telephone: 01432 346018