Although ice cream has been around centuries, the industry is always searching for new talent and fresh ideas.
The Ice Cream Alliance, the UK’s only and most historic trade association focused on ice cream, is honouring the next generation of ice cream artisans and creators through the Guido Morelli Rising Star Award.
Named after Guido Morelli of the ice cream empire, Morelli’s Ice Cream, who was also a former president of the Ice Cream Alliance, this award recognises young talent and industry newcomers.
Michelina Caliendo-Sear of Caliendo’s Gelato, is relatively new to the industry, but her family has a rich tradition within it. After researching her family tree, she discovered that her ancestors had been established as ice cream makers and confectioners as early as 1890 in North London, where they had emigrated from Naples. Re-establishing the business Michelina and Fiona’s joint love of traditional Italian gelato started the journey to resurrect a family tradition of producing artisanal gelato.
Michelina opened the business with her partner Fiona just before the pandemic, rather than accept defeat, lockdown galvanised the pair and their business went from strength to strength. With the pair going on to win UK Parlour of the Year in 2023.
Despite her limited experience in the industry, Michelina brings much of her former life as a commercial pilot with her, she loves a checklist and standard operating procedure! Michelina has honed her craft to become a regular competitor and winner of several fiercely contested National Ice Cream Competition classes. She has also been keen to challenge herself by stepping outside the industry in the broader food sector and is now a recognised Great Taste Producer, has won numerous Quality Food Awards and is on the judging panel and has represented UK manufacturers on a trade mission to the Netherlands.. Michelina has a passion for all things gelato and ice cream, a passion that drives her to experiment and push the boundaries with flavour combinations that can be found and is why the cabinet at Caliendo’s changes daily. Michelina is always keen to share her expertise with her peers and continues to learn by working with some of the best chefs in the industry.
On winning the award she said, “I’m not quite sure what to say. If you told me 7 years ago when we started on this journey that I would be standing here receiving an award with the Morelli name on it I would have never believed you, so this is just incredible.”
“This award also goes to my partner Fiona, without her none of this would have happened. She is my rock. She’s the glue that holds everything together.”
“All the stories from my family about how passionate they were about gelato and all they did in North London, but I never actually got to see it in action which would have made this journey all the more challenging had it not been for the help and support that being part of the ICA has enabled. We couldn’t have done what we’ve done without the people in the industry that have been so generous with their time and expertise to help guide and support us right from the beginning.”
The Morelli family are a pillar, keen to support young talent, to encourage and teach others in the industry, and sponsoring this award reflects that. The Ice Cream Alliance continues to foster innovation and creativity, ensuring a bright and delicious future for everyone.
