Who: PreGel
What: Created the first semi-finished paste for gelato or sorbetto
When: 1967
Where: Reggio Emilia, Italy
Why: To enhance the flavor and shelf-life of gelato
How: Passion
During an era of international wars, and economic disparity, something profound was developing in the heart of Reggio Emilia, Italy that would change the foundation of the specialty frozen dessert industry. A small, unknown company with the unique name – PreGel, meaning prepared gelato or prepared gelateria – was distributing a distinct product that was rapidly spreading among excited communities of gelato chefs across Europe. Orange Fortefrutto^®, the first semi-finished paste for gelato or sorbetto, was invented to increase product consistency, enhance the flavor of gelato, and extend its shelf-life. This innovative paste would be the first of many specialty dessert ingredient solutions presented by PreGel

The legacy of PreGel began with Dr. Luciano Rabboni—the nephew of an avid gelato maker and a chemist. Young Rabboni took notice of local gelato makers struggling to maintain a high-quality product to sell. Their products melted easily and the flavoring was inconsistent. In the small garage of his home, Dr. Rabboni painstakingly labored to invent Orange Fortefrutto^® (fruit-based paste for flavoring artisanal frozen desserts), which he, with his wife Elena, initially sold out of the trunk of their car. This show of dedication and drive resulted in great success. Half a century later, Dr. Rabboni is still the driving force behind the family-owned company that umbrellas a network of PreGel subsidiaries, International Training Centers, and distribution centers worldwide.

“Consumers are always looking for new trends, flavors and dessert ideas, but the most important element of any product in their eyes, especially gelato, is the quality.” – Dr. Luciano Rabboni