Sammontana Italia, Italy’s leading company in the production and distribution of Italian savoir faire crafted bakery products, both sweet and savory, frozen pastries and gelato for foodservice and retail channels with brands such as Bindi, Tre Marie, La Rocca and Sammontana Gelati all’Italiana, officially launched its authentic Italian gelato brand in the United States. With almost 80 years of history and a smile at the heart of its mission, the brand is making its American debut with a series of activations that will turn New York City into a celebration of Italian summer.

Founded in 1946 in Empoli, Italy, Sammontana is more than a gelato company. Known for its creamy textures and bold flavors, it’s a symbol of joy, family and flavor that has defined generations of Italian summers.

Sammontana’s ties to the U.S. run deeper than this launch. The brand’s first steps toward production in the 1940s were made possible by equipment left behind by American troops in Genoa, Italy. And in the 1970s, its visual identity was entrusted to Milton Glaser, the creator of the “I ❤ NY” logo, whose iconic smile logo still defines the brand today. Now, that legacy comes full circle: New York gave the smile to Sammontana, and Sammontana is bringing it back to New York.

The first phase of the U.S. launch will be centered in New York City, where Sammontana will unveil a vibrant calendar of brand experiences throughout the summer, starting at Eataly Flatiron with the debut of a dedicated gelato kiosk and patio. Visitors will be able to enjoy Sammontana’s signature flavors in the heart of Manhattan, New York, surrounded by activities designed to evoke the spirit of an Italian piazza.

In addition to Eataly, Sammontana will partner with Madison Square Park Conservancy to bring joy to the neighborhood through the “Gelati All’Ombra” initiative, a visual takeover featuring custom-color umbrellas, signage and curated pop-up tastings tied to events, such as the Carnegie Hall summer concert series.

At the heart of the U.S. product rollout is the “Barattolino,” the iconic Sammontana tub that revolutionized gelato consumption in postwar Italy. Creamy, rich and deeply satisfying, this Grande Pint will be the first product to hit U.S. shelves under the unified “Sammontana” brand. American consumers will be able to enjoy a curated selection of flavors, including Chocolate, Pistachio, Wild Cherry Vanilla, Hazelnut, Almond Brittle and Salted Caramel, the brand’s best-seller in Italy. Also available will be Sammontana’s foodservice line, including the Cupola-format scoop gelato, which is developed to offer a pre-decorated and convenient solution for cafés and gelaterias.

“For generations, Sammontana has represented the joy of Italian summer, the spontaneous smile that comes with a cone on a hot day, the shared pleasure of a family dessert, the timeless ritual of gelato,” commented Alessandro Angelon, CEO of Sammontana Italia. “Today, we are proud to bring that spirit to New York. This launch is about bringing a piece of Italian life into the everyday rhythm of this city. We’re honored to share Sammontana’s story with a new audience and to begin building something truly lasting here in the U.S.”

Sammontana’s gelato makes its U.S. debut this month at all Eataly stores. This marks the first step in a broader rollout, with additional products and retail partnerships set to follow in the months ahead.

About Sammontana Italia
Sammontana Italia is the leader in the production and distribution of bakery products, both sweet and savory, frozen pastries and gelato for foodservice and retail channels in Italy. Sammontana Italia embodies the typical Italian savoir faire in the food industry and brings it to the global markets with brands such as Sammontana Gelato all’Italiana, Bindi, La Rocca and Tre Marie. Headquartered in Empoli, the group employs over 2,000 people across six production plants in Italy and two abroad (United States and France), generating a pro forma turnover of over €900 million in 2024. The group is the result of a successful Italian entrepreneurial journey, built with a forward-looking vision, including growth in international markets and a strong commitment to future generations.