Italian gelato kings Frederico Grom and Guido Martinetti have launched Grom Hong Kong, fulfilling a dream that goes back to their first visit to Hong Kong in 2009.
“We think Hong Kong is a perfect first window for this part of Asia,” says Grom. “We are a little picky, Guido and I: we look for the best location, the best mall, the best partner.
In this case, we found the best partner, Bite Limited, and a great location in Central.
“From this first store there will be many others, not only in Hong Kong but also in China and other countries.”
There are about 80 Grom stores internationally, most of them in Italy but also in the US, Japan, Indonesia, Dubai and Paris.
In their Hong Kong outlet, the gelatos have an Asian spin with such flavours as mango, purple yam, pandan, tofu and yuzu.
Grom and Martinetti launched their gelato in 2003, dealing directly with farmers to source ingredients. “We started from scratch, using the best ingredients. We don’t use any additives. The gelato is made like it was once upon a time in Italy … going back to the 1950s, going back to the techniques of our grandmas and grandpas.”
Unilever bought Grom last year, but the two entrepreneurs say there has been no change to the product.
“I was thinking I’d work less after the acquisition, but I’m working more,” says Grom. “If you’re passionate about something, you work with pleasure. I think they trust us, so we still have the same job and responsibility as before.”