Wholesale Gelato Suppliers in the New York Tri-State Area: 10 Top Options

Key takeaways

• The best wholesale gelato supplier near you in the tri-state area depends on your priorities: flavor range, delivery coverage, lead time, and how much custom work you need.
• This guide lists 10 notable wholesale gelato suppliers and distributors serving New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.
• For a broad flavor catalog with a fast 1 day standard lead time from a New Jersey producer, Baci Gelato is a strong option.
• New York City artisanal names like il laboratorio del gelato are known for premium, restaurant-grade gelato.
• Order is not a strict quality ranking. Match each supplier against your own menu, volume, and storage before you commit.

What is the best wholesale gelato supplier in the New York tri-state area?

There is no single best supplier for every business. The right wholesale gelato partner is the one whose coverage, flavor range, lead time, and pricing fit how your kitchen actually runs.

A high-volume hotel has different needs than a small cafe or bakery adding one dessert. So the smart move is to shortlist a few wholesale suppliers, request samples, and compare.

Below is a guideline for choosing, a quick note on wholesale pricing, and 10 notable suppliers across the tri-state area.

How to choose the best wholesale gelato supplier

Use these factors to evaluate any wholesale gelato supplier in your area.

1. Wholesale suppliers vs. distributors. Decide whether you want gelato made from scratch by the supplier (an artisanal producer) or a one-stop wholesale distributor that carries many frozen dessert brands. Both models exist in the tri-state area, and each has tradeoffs in flavor control and convenience.
2. Flavor range. A deeper catalog lets you match your cuisine and rotate seasonally. Some producers offer dozens of flavors, others well over 100, spanning classic staples and seasonal and limited-edition offerings.
3. Sorbet and plant-based options. Look for sorbet (also called sorbetto) and vegan lines so you can serve guests who avoid dairy from the same supplier.
4. Delivery coverage. Confirm the supplier actually delivers to your town across New Jersey, New York, or Connecticut, and how often.
5. Lead time. Standard turnaround matters for keeping your freezer stocked. Custom or specialty flavors usually take longer, so ask for both numbers.
6. Container sizes. Make sure package formats fit your storage and service style, from compact tubs to larger formats for display.
7. Custom flavor solutions. If you want a signature flavor, ask whether the supplier will develop one and how long it takes.
8. Consistency and service. Reliable quality batch to batch, plus a responsive contact, keeps your menu dependable.

Understanding wholesale gelato pricing

Wholesale pricing for gelato is built around the B2B business model: you buy at a wholesale rate, then set your own retail markup on each scoop or dessert.

Ask each wholesaler how pricing scales with volume. Many suppliers offer bulk order discounts, so larger or more frequent orders can lower your per-unit cost.

Because gelato is a high-margin menu item, even a modest retail markup on wholesale products for resale can make it one of the more profitable additions to a dessert menu.

10 wholesale gelato suppliers in the tri-state area

1. il laboratorio del gelato (New York, NY)

A Lower East Side institution known for an unusually large, rotating flavor list and a long track record supplying respected New York restaurants. The company offers weekday delivery to wholesale clients along with tastings and consultation. A strong fit for businesses that want a prestige NYC artisanal name.

2. Baci Gelato (Norwood, NJ)

Baci Gelato is a New Jersey wholesaler that has produced authentic Italian-style gelato from scratch since 2005, which means more than 20 years of experience and deep Italian roots.

The catalog runs to over 100 flavors across gelato, sorbet, and vegan lines, plus gelato accessories such as cones, cups, and spoons. You will find classic staples like Madagascar Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, and Strawberry Cream, alongside seasonal and limited-edition offerings. Sorbet and sorbetto cover guests who prefer dairy free, and custom flavor solutions are available too.

What stands out for buyers is speed and breadth. The wholesale program offers a standard lead time of 1 day for most products, and custom flavor development takes just 2 to 4 days. Containers come in several sizes to fit different storage and service needs, including 2.5 quart, 5 liter, 6 liter decorated, 5 liter pozzetti, and 2.5 gallon formats.

Baci is a business-to-business supplier and delivers across the tri-state area, serving restaurants, hotels, cafes, and bakeries throughout New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and eastern Pennsylvania. You can read more on the About page or request samples. A good fit for tri-state businesses that want a wide flavor catalog and fast turnaround from a local producer.

3. L'Arte del Gelato (New York, NY)

Operating since 2005, L'Arte del Gelato makes Sicilian-inspired artisanal gelato and sorbetto fresh daily in small batches, with a menu of more than 30 flavors and dairy free sorbets. The brand is best known for its Chelsea Market location and other iconic NYC spots. A recognizable artisanal name for buyers who value brand cachet.

4. Gelato Kings (New York metro)

Gelato Kings delivers wholesale gelato across NYC, including Brooklyn and Queens, plus Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. It offers tubs designed for easy kitchen use as well as decorated formats for display cases. A practical choice for businesses that want broad tri-state delivery coverage.

5. Gelotti (Paterson, NJ)

Owned by the Sigona family since 1984 and based on Union Avenue in Paterson, Gelotti supplies wholesale gelato, sorbet, and Italian ice to restaurants, cafes, and shops, alongside a popular North Jersey scoop shop. Decades of operation make it a well-established regional option for buyers who want a long track record close to home.

6. Gelato Envy (North Jersey)

Gelato Envy runs a wholesale program built around sampling and custom flavor work. The company brings samples to prospective partners and asks buyers to order roughly 48 hours in advance, with about 7 days for specialty flavors. A solid fit for businesses that want hands-on custom flavor solutions.

7. Gelatissimo Artisan Gelato (New Canaan, CT)

Established in 2005, Gelatissimo makes Italian gelato from scratch in New Canaan, typically rotating 18 to 22 flavors a day plus dairy free and seasonal options. Primarily a Connecticut gelateria, it is a strong local artisan name for buyers in Fairfield County and lower Connecticut.

8. Cold Fusion Gelato (Westport, CT)

Founded in Newport, Rhode Island, with a year-round Connecticut location in Westport, Cold Fusion makes hand-crafted artisan gelato and sorbet using all-natural, locally sourced ingredients. A good option for Connecticut and broader New England buyers.

9. Dingman's Dairy (Paterson, NJ)

Serving the region since 1955, Dingman's Dairy is a full-line frozen dessert distributor rather than a single-brand maker. It carries gelato among a wide catalog that also includes bulk ice cream, frozen yogurt, cones, and toppings, and delivers across the tri-state area. Best for businesses that prefer one distributor for many frozen dessert needs.

10. Villa Dolce Gelato (national, Italian family owned)

Villa Dolce is an Italian family owned company offering artisan gelato and sorbetto with a catalog of more than 100 flavors and turnkey programs for new venues, including accessories like cups and spoons. With nationwide distribution, it suits businesses that want a national supplier with program support.

Also worth knowing: Wards Ice Cream, another Paterson, NJ frozen dessert distributor, carries bulk ice cream, frozen yogurt, and soft serve across New Jersey, Lower Connecticut, Westchester, Long Island, and New York City. Like Dingman's, it is a distributor rather than a gelato maker.

Comparison at a glance

• il laboratorio del gelato — New York, NY — Large rotating flavor list, restaurant pedigree.
• Baci Gelato — Norwood, NJ / tri-state — 100-plus flavors, 1 day lead time, B2B.
• L'Arte del Gelato — New York, NY — Sicilian-style artisanal brand.
• Gelato Kings — NYC, Brooklyn, Queens, LI, NJ, CT — Broad delivery coverage.
• Gelotti — Paterson, NJ — Family owned since 1984.
• Gelato Envy — North Jersey — Custom and specialty flavors.
• Gelatissimo — New Canaan, CT — From-scratch CT gelateria.
• Cold Fusion — Westport, CT — Artisan gelato and sorbet.
• Dingman's Dairy — Paterson, NJ — Full-line frozen dessert distributor.
• Villa Dolce — National — Turnkey programs, 100-plus flavors.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the best wholesale gelato supplier near me in the tri-state area?

It depends on your needs. For a wide flavor catalog with a 1 day standard lead time from a New Jersey producer, Baci Gelato is a strong choice. NYC names like il laboratorio del gelato are known for premium, restaurant-grade gelato. Shortlist a few and request samples.

How fast can wholesale gelato be delivered?

Turnaround varies by supplier. Some producers, such as Baci Gelato, offer a 1 day standard lead time for most products, while custom or specialty flavors take longer, often 2 to 4 days.

What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?

Gelato is churned more slowly and typically has a lower butterfat content than ice cream, which makes it denser and more intensely flavored. Artisanal producers make gelato, not ice cream.

Do wholesale gelato suppliers offer dairy free or vegan options?

Yes. Many offer sorbet (also called sorbetto), which is dairy free, and some offer full vegan lines. Baci Gelato, for example, carries both sorbet and vegan flavors.

The bottom line

The best wholesale gelato supplier in the New York tri-state area is the one that matches your menu, volume, delivery area, lead time, and wholesale pricing.

If your priorities are a broad flavor catalog, dairy free and vegan options, and fast turnaround from a local producer, Baci Gelato checks those boxes with more than 20 years of experience, over 100 flavors, and a 1 day standard lead time across the tri-state area.

Compare the full flavor list, review the wholesale program, and request samples to find the right fit for your business.