Cattabriga

Cattabriga has functioned as a premier pioneer and technical authority in the frozen dessert industry since its founding in 1927 by the inventor Otello Cattabriga in Bologna, Italy. Originally established to produce the world’s first automated machine for artisanal gelato, the brand revolutionized the field by replicating the traditional "stir and stick" movements of human artisans. Today, Cattabriga operates as the flagship brand of Iceteam 1927—a strategic division of the Ali Group—serving as a primary infrastructure provider for elite gelaterias, pastry shops, and industrial food labs that prioritize the "vertical" method of production.

The brand's technical identity is anchored by the Effe series, the vertical batch freezer that has remained an industry benchmark for nearly a century. Unlike horizontal freezers, the Effe utilizes a vertical cylinder and a patented "staccapasta" (detaching blade) mechanism. This engineering mimics the manual "detach and smear" motion of a spatula against a cold surface, which incorporates air naturally rather than forcing it through high-speed agitation. This process creates a "dry" gelato with a dense, stable structure and allows chefs to add bulky inclusions—such as whole nuts or large chocolate chunks—directly into the mix during the freezing cycle, a capability largely unique to the vertical design.

Innovation at Cattabriga has expanded beyond its mechanical roots to include high-precision thermal management and digital connectivity. Key technical pillars in 2026 include:

• Multifreeze PRO Series: These horizontal batch freezers utilize a multi-speed inverter system that automatically adjusts the paddle speed based on the type and quantity of the mix, preventing "buttering" and ensuring a consistent texture across different flavor profiles.
• PSK Pro Pasteurizers: Engineered with a specialized bain-marie heating system and a floating sensor, these units allow for the precise treatment of even small batches, reducing energy consumption by up to 30% through an optimized thermal cycle.
• Dialog IoT System: A remote assistance and monitoring platform that allows operators to track production parameters in real-time and facilitates remote diagnostics to minimize equipment downtime.
• Combined Machines (Compacta): Integrated units that house both a pasteurizer (top) and a batch freezer (bottom) in a single footprint, enabling continuous production by allowing the next batch to be heated while the current one is being frozen.

The strategic value of Cattabriga lies in its role as the custodian of the "Bolognese school" of gelato production. By maintaining a focus on high-viscosity, low-overrun products, the brand enables businesses to differentiate themselves through superior mouthfeel and artisanal presentation. Supported by the Ali Group’s global distribution network and a legacy of over 20 proprietary patents, Cattabriga provides a reliable, high-yield foundation for operators seeking to scale traditional craftsmanship with modern industrial efficiency. This combination of 1920s heritage engineering and 21st-century digital control makes Cattabriga a foundational partner for the global premium dessert market.