As summer winds down, many ice cream and gelato businesses across the UK are heading into the final weeks of their peak season. This is often the point where shops begin to ease off, planning for downtime over the winter period.
Whilst you might think winter would put a halt on your business, it most certainly doesn’t have to! Because here at Antonelli, we don’t stop.
Now is the perfect moment to take stock, look ahead, and invest in the future of your business. Whether you want to sharpen your recipes, refresh your display, or even start your gelato journey from scratch, we’re here to support you. Our Gelato Academy runs throughout the autumn and winter, offering tailored courses for every level of experience.
Upcoming winter courses at Antonelli Gelato Academy
If you're serious about developing your skills or launching something new, there’s no better time to get involved. Our training courses are led by Technical Manager Antonio De Roma, and designed to be practical, supportive, and relevant to the UK market. All courses take place at our purpose-built training centre in Irlam, Manchester.
The following is a list of the courses available for you this autumn and winter:
So You Want to Make Gelato
A practical, one-day introduction to the world of artisan gelato making led by Antonio, for those looking to expand their knowledge or those starting a gelato dream from scratch.
Dates:
> September 1st 2025
> October 13th 2025
> November 3rd 2025
> December 1st 2025
Time: 10am–4pm
Venue: Antonelli Gelato Academy, Soapstone Way, Irlam, Manchester, M44 6RA
Cost: £70 + VAT (Lunch provided)
Who should attend?
> Anyone currently buying in ice cream who wants to make their own
> Those considering a career change into the gelato business
Course includes:
> Trends in the ice cream industry
> What sets artisan gelato apart
> Understanding machinery & production processes
> Selecting the right ingredients for commercial use
> Sorbet and chocolate fundamentals
> Setting up your gelato kitchen
> Equipment and cost breakdown
> Starter recipes
> Live gelato-making demonstration (2 flavours)
Build a Base
Date: Tuesday 25th November 2025
For producers ready to develop custom base recipes. Learn to write and balance your own formulas, working with both 50g and 5g bases. Involves working with semi-finished pastes and creating chocolate recipes using Martini’s finest cacao powders and pieces. Antonio, our Technical Manager, will guide you through the recipe writing process and demonstrate pasteurisation and production.
Better Sorbetto & Plant-Based
Date: Wednesday 26th November 2025
Led by Antonio, this session focuses on learning the science behind sorbets and dairy-free options. Understand sugar roles, build recipes from scratch, and spend the afternoon in hands-on production. Perfect for shops expanding their vegan or plant-based menu.
Decorations by Design
Date: Thursday 27th November 2025
A hands-on workshop for those who want to improve the look of their gelato cabinets. Led by Antonio and Jonny from our Technical Team, this practical session covers display techniques like:
> Mounding
> Cutting
> Shaping
> Cremini
> Rippling
> Use of specialist decorating tools
Why now?
Because when everyone else is slowing down, you have the opportunity to get ahead. Whether it’s refining your product, improving your skills or planning your next business step, Antonelli is ready to help.
Places are limited, so now’s the time to act. If you’re ready to grow, experiment or learn something new, get in touch and book your place today. Winter might be quieter in the cabinet, but behind the scenes it can be your most productive season yet.
