No matter what industry you are in there is a trade show associated with it. The same is true for gelato. I just got back from the biggest gelato trade show in the world. It takes place just outside of Bologna, Italy. Like most trade shows there are scantily clad women, wildly decorated booths, loud music and thousands of attendees walking around with plastic goodie bags full of hand-outs they have no intention of ever reading.

What makes a gelato trade show a little different is the free samples of gelato. I was there two days and spent about 6 hours each day walking the halls and sampling gelato after gelato. I think the total number of samples I ate would equal about two gallons of gelato. I am not kidding. I left the show each day in a lactose-induced craze, desperately seeking red meat, salt and vegetables. Good thing I was in Bologna.

The one thing that might surprise you about a gelato trade show is the amount of bad gelato out there. Just because something is made in Italy, and just because it is made by Italians, does not mean it is good. It is a common belief the all of the gelato in Italy is “authentic.” Most of the products offered at the trade show are bags of “magic” powders, cans of goo, and bottles of syrup. Yuk. Whenever you hear a gelato shop proudly attest to getting all of their ingredients from Italy it means bags of “magic” powders, cans of goo, and bottles of syrup.

At Naia we made a decision to get away from using the powders, cans of goo, and bottles of syrup. Why import a can of Italian chocolate when Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker is two miles from our store? Why would you use powdered lemons when we live in one of the citrus capitals of the world?

I didn’t buy a single thing at the trade show. I didn’t sign any contracts or bring home any free samples of goo. I am however 100% guilty of stealing some great ideas for flavors. Come into our stores and check them out.

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