Leicester's Gelato Village win Gelato Festival Challenge

Gelato Village’s Bee Happy gelato has claimed victory at the first heat in the Gelato Festival World Masters competition. Held at the headquarters of Carpigiani UK in Hereford, this was the first step on the road to global recognition.

The gelato, made using Leicestershire cow’s milk and local honey along with lemon zest and sage, went head to head with five other competitors from around the UK including Bristol and Cirencester.

A panel of experts judged the gelato for its flavour, structure, creativity and presentation. These criteria are designed to highlight the choice of ingredients and the technical skill demonstrated in the development of the recipe and the making of the fresh gelato on the day of the competition.

“Bee Happy has a special place in our hearts” said Maestro Gelatiere Antonio de Vecchi. “It showcases some of the excellent produce that comes from Leicester, such as The Bee Farmer‘s incredible honey. It’s a joy to have the quality of these ingredients and the passion that we put into our recipe development recognised by the judges.”

The competition is run by Carpigiani, the leading producer of machinery for the production of artisan gelato. Following their victory in the heat, Gelato Village will go on to the UK final in Summer 2020. Should they be successful there, they will compete at the world final in 2021, where the search for the greatest gelato chefs in the world will culminate.