Consumers seeking plant-based, low-sugar frozen desserts have limited options that also deliver traditional gelato texture and broad retail availability.
SQUP developed packaged gelato that is 100% plant-based, free from added sugar, gluten-free, lactose-free, lower in calories, and high in fibre.
Solution Effectiveness
The company states that it validated its MVP through about 10,000 units and expanded into supermarkets across multiple Italian regions before broader national distribution.
Investment Funding
Last Funding Stage
Seed
Total Funding Amount
553.16K
Last Funding Amount
122.39K
Last Funding Date
18-04-2024
Startup Stage
Seed
Revenue
$1M to $10M
People
Founders
Emanuele Bianconi
Samuel Lonero
About
SQUP is the first plant-based packaged ice cream without added sugar in Europe. Our mission is to generate a positive impact in people’s lives by redefining the pleasure of ice cream and making it accessible to everyone. To achieve this goal, our business idea is to offer innovative, good-tasting and functional ice cream, produced with people and the environment in mind.
Products
Product
SQUP gelato in cocoa, hazelnut, and pistachio flavours, sold in PEFC-certified paper tubs.
Star Product
No-added-sugar plant-based gelato, because it combines the brand’s primary nutrition and sustainability claims.
Demo Product or Complete Product?
Commercial product; market entry occurred during 2021–2022, followed by a reformulated no-added-sugar range in 2023.
Future Plan
Market Expansion
Expanded from HoReCa and regional retail into broader Italian large-scale retail distribution; a 2024 fundraising round was intended to support national expansion.
Investment Funding
The company states that it completed three financing rounds before 2024 and opened a fourth round in March 2024 to expand national distribution.
Awards and Recognitions
Awards
SpinUp Award, Best FoodTech Startup (2022); founders named among Top 100 Under 30 Italian Innovators (2023); Forbes Italia 100 Excellence, Food category (2024).
Certifications
PEFC-certified paper packaging.
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