Inspiring Conversations with Mario Cimmino of Cimmino LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario Cimmino

Mario, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all began in a small town in Southern Italy called Torre Del Greco where entrepreneur and gelato aficionado Mario grew up.

Mario has always been a frequent traveler and has enjoyed the great food and deserts the world over. In fact, Mario met his wife Branka in Spain and then married in Italy where they started a family of their own. After time in Europe, the couple moved to the United States, and now call Scottsdale, Arizona home. In search of a way to bring his new adopted country some of the joys of Italy from his youth, Mario began to think of ways to introduce Italian gelato to his adopted hometown and his new friends.

Described as the harshest gelato critic ever, Mario’s decision to bring gelato to the States has been a labor of love. Utilizing his skills and an entrepreneur and business owner, Mario has devoted himself to uncompromising quality. Making many trips back and forth to Italy each year, Mario has learned what to look for in great gelato–the taste, the texture, the richness, the freshness. For example, gelato in the United States uses pasteurized milk but the gelato that Mario grew up with is unpasteurized, creamy, and thick. The full flavor is impossible to match without the right ingredients! And over time, Mario was able to narrow down his search and discovered what he believes is the best gelato on the planet–a family recipe handed down from one generation to the next and never before available outside of Southern Italy.

Gelato from Italy to America

Mario’s dream was to bring the very best gelato from Italy to American families so they too can enjoy the delicious, refreshing treat for generations to come. It took the kind of dedication and ingenuity that only he could bring. But finally, Mario’s dream and all of the ingredients have come together. But it isn’t just the gelato, it is the whole experience. In the Gelato Cimmino, store your gelato will be made in front of you! Watch the exquisite dessert come together and then enjoy it served to you in a fresh, tasty, homemade cone.
In addition to fruits, citrus, and other favorites, unique Italian flavors such as Caffe’ Affogato, (gelato with coffee poured over the top) will be available in the stores.

Gelato Cimmino the true taste of Italy!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been importing our gelato to the USA. Since we make it in Italy, using only the best ingredients from different regions, it’s not as simple as just shipping it over. We have to carefully fast-freeze the gelato and ship it in refrigerated containers to maintain its quality.

But the real struggle was navigating the complex process of getting all the necessary FDA approvals to import the gelato directly from Italy. The regulations were tough, and it took a lot of time and effort to meet all the requirements. It was a huge hurdle, but in the end, it was worth it to bring our authentic Italian gelato to the US.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a partner in a gelato production company based in Italy, with 20 stores spread throughout the Campania region. We’ve been producing gelato for over 80 years, always with the same passion, dedication, and commitment to quality. Our gelato is known for using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients from across Italy, and we take great pride in maintaining that authentic Italian taste in every scoop.

What sets us apart is not just our long history and tradition, but also our constant focus on innovation while respecting the craft of gelato-making. Our methods, from sourcing premium ingredients to the way we freeze and ship our gelato, ensure that every batch we create is as fresh and flavorful as possible.

What I’m most proud of is how we’ve maintained our commitment to quality for so many decades while expanding internationally. Our gelato has a strong following in Italy, and we’re now bringing that same level of excellence to the USA.

I moved to Arizona for a unique reason as well—I also deal in turquoise, and Arizona has the best turquoise mines in the world. This is when we decided to expand our gelato business to the U.S., to share the authentic taste of Italy while also celebrating Arizona’s precious resources. What we want our readers to know is that our brand represents a true fusion of Italian tradition and a passion for the craft, now available in the U.S. We’re excited to bring a taste of Italy, alongside the beauty of Arizona, to everyone.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, what’s worked well is surrounding myself with people who are passionate about what they do, whether it’s in the food industry or in related fields. I’ve learned that seeking out mentors who have experience in areas you might not be familiar with—like the logistics of importing, or navigating regulations—can be incredibly valuable.

When networking, I make sure to stay authentic and open to learning. Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences; there’s no substitute for face-to-face interaction, especially in the food industry, where passion and authenticity are key. I’ve also found that social media and online platforms can be great for connecting with others who share similar business interests, but it’s the in-person conversations that lead to real opportunities.

Overall, it’s about being proactive, being open to advice, and always willing to share what you know in return. Building meaningful, long-term connections can really help guide you through both the highs and lows of running a business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gelatocimmino.com
• Instagram: Gelato Cimmino
• Facebook: Gelato Cimmino