Solo Gelato is a young startup company based in Israel and led by former high tech entrepreneur, and gelato expert, Barak Beth-Halachmi. Over the last five years they have been developing a NESPRESSO-style capsule system¹ that makes fresh ice cream in an instant.

Barry Callebaut’s partnership with Solo Gelato began through mutual involvement with MassChallenge - a global startup accelerator that offers up to $2m in equity-free funding for high-impact startups each year. 

Barry Callebaut joined MassChallenge as a founding member of their Swiss branch in 2016, alongside other big industry names such as Nestlé and Givaudan.

Massimo Selmo, Head of Global Sourcing, initiated Barry Callebaut’s involvement with MassChallenge:

In addition to funds, the organization supports startups by providing free office space, mentoring from industry experts and unparalleled access to corporate partners. The aim is to help high-potential young businesses define their future and maximise their impact.

Barak was attracted to MassChallenge by the prospect of meaningful partnerships with big industry players - something not always readily available to small, young businesses.

Working with the world’s largest chocolate company has been an excellent opportunity for the Solo Gelato team to develop their product and business model. The huge wealth of resources and expertise available is something Barak refers to as “startup Disneyland”.

This relationship has mutual benefits too. Solo Gelato’s product does not directly compete with any of Barry Callebaut’s offerings and opens up avenues of business that might not otherwise have been considered.

Through MassChallenge, Solo Gelato has also benefited hugely from mentorship from Nestlé and Givaudan. However, it is their partnership with Barry Callebaut that has proved the most productive.

Fabrizio Di Marzio, Barry Callebaut’s Gelato Business Development Manager, and Freek van der Knaap, Vice President Gourmet Western Europe Business Unit, have also visited Solo Gelato’s headquarters in Israel. The purpose of this visit was to test whether the recently launched Callebaut Chocogelato mixes could work in the Solo Gelato capsules. The testing was successful and produced wonderfully fresh, great tasting chocolate gelato.

Fabrizio and Freek were also able to discuss the ways that the Gourmet team in Europe might help Barak and his team to expand their business on the continent. The upcoming artisan gelato trade show in Rimini, Italy (Sigep), was identified as an important opportunity for Solo Gelato. As such, it was agreed that Barry Callebaut would showcase the Solo Gelato machine at this event.

2018 looks set to be a big year for Solo Gelato and their continued partnership with Barry Callebaut. The first half of the year will be spent planning the details of their product launch.

Following an intensive period of research and development to get their product right, Barak stresses the importance of a strong launch plan. This is where mentorship from Barry Callebaut colleagues is again invaluable with their extensive experience of bringing new products to market.

The second half of 2018 will be concerned with executing the market launch plan and introducing their product to the world.

Barak Beth-Halachmi, CEO Solo Gelato:

The 2017 MassChallenge Switzerland Program officially closed on November 17, 2017. The program had 450 applications, narrowed down to 180, and finally, 75 finalists accelerated. After pre-final judging, 12 winners were announced, and the 7 cash winners split checks worth a total of CHF 400,000. The Awards Show was held in Basel, supported by the Swiss Innovation Forum.
 
Looking ahead, if you are a start-up interested in taking part: Applications for the 2018 programme will open on January 29th, 2018.