OUR FOCUS

Setting priorities

Our company adds true value when it can be financially profitable without compromising the 5 guiding values we have chosen to help us navigate the increasingly complex world. In every decision we make, we always keep in mind the “ecosystem” of our stakeholders: partners, employees, customers, suppliers, local community, NGOs, government, and regulators.



Customers

Our customers are undoubtedly our primary focus. GULATO is already a reference and a must-visit spot for those passing through Comporta. We are a brand of artisanal ice cream born in the region, with international projection, thanks to our quality and the cosmopolitan nature of Comporta. We know many of our customers by name, we know what they like, and we always try to surprise them with variety.

Events

Sometimes we are asked to brighten up private events (weddings, celebrations, birthdays, etc.) and corporate events. GULATO offers some solutions for varying budgets. We do not accept events more than 150km from Comporta. Contact us if you want to request a quote for your event.

Partners

Since our first year, we have had the privilege of working with some of the most reputable companies in our market. Almost all share the same values and philosophy as GULATO, but we highlight quality as the most common province. All our partners believe that the most reliable way to retain customers is to focus on quality. This focus often outweighs the margin. We share an unwavering mission to provide the best possible service to our customers. Flexibility, reactivity, innovation, and proximity are the main allies of GULATO quality.


Our Communities

At Gulato, gelato is a way of caring for people, the community and the environment that sustains us. With roots in Comporta, we prioritise local suppliers, fair partnerships, decent wages and responsible production to help strengthen the regional economy and culture. In addition to minimising waste and eliminating disposable plastics whenever possible, we promote a circular economy with organic waste and continuously seek more sustainable options in energy, water, and materials, so that pleasure can coexist with environmental responsibility.

As part of this commitment, Gulato pledges to donate 1% of its annual EBITDA to initiatives that protect the environment and to organisations that empower disadvantaged communities, including women, LGBTQ+ people, ethnic minorities and other traditionally disadvantaged groups. This policy reflects Gulato’s belief that a thriving business should actively contribute to a more just, inclusive and sustainable society in the Alentejo and beyond.
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Comporta, Possanco, Carrasqueira & Carvalhal

The local community and organizations that support the most vulnerable communities are a priority for us. We regularly support the day center for the elderly and the summer camp of the Kindergarten, both run by the Social Center of São Pedro da Comporta.

Sado Estuary

Ocean Alive (OA) is a Non-Governmental Organization operating in the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve. The main objective of OA is to research and protect the local estuary ecosystem containing unparalleled biodiversity and carbon sink potential in our country. OA develops various cleaning, research, and defense initiatives for the estuary that are regularly and proudly sponsored by GULATO.

Farmers

Regional fruit growers, who have become our suppliers, are our “connection to the land.” With them, we experience droughts and heavy rains, climate change, and the challenges of dealing with local authorities and political power. Farm work is often precarious and unfair, contigent to external forces over which it is impossible to exert any influence or control. We have a partnership and camaraderie with our regional farmers that we greatly value.

Culture

Finally, although we are a small team, our company reflects the social diversity that enriches our town, region, and country. We recognize that this diversity is an asset that contributes to the prosperity, well-being, and cultural and economic enrichment of our territories. In this sense, our partnership with the Queer Festival of Lisbon seemed like an idea that aligns with our core values as a company and resonates with this conviction of the positive contribution of social diversity.

Projects

4WKS

Desde 2025 que decidimos acabar com as cápsulas de plástico ou metal recicláveis e passamos a comprar um café de especialidade ao projeto 4WKS localizado na Cidade do Cabo, África do Sul. 4WKS has developed a specialty coffee capsule that is fully compostable at home in four weeks. We are committed to using compostable materials, but it was equally important to use FAIRTRADE specialty coffee that pays a fair price to coffee farmers.

COMPOSTING

In the village of Possanco, where we are located, we are leading and developing a community composting project in collaboration with Herdade da Comporta. The initiative aims to encourage a circular economy with organic waste (resulting from our operation and local agricultural activity) that will later be used as compost by the same local farmers in sweet potato cultivation.

WATER RECYCLING

The artisanal ice cream manufacturing process is a water-intensive process. Like any other hospitality activity, in addition to constant washing and care with hygiene and food safety, our main machine is water-cooled. Whenever this machine is running, we use the hot water for dishwashing and store water for garden irrigation and other cleaning tasks.

Reducing the Carbon Footprint

Our warehouse, about 120m2, and our cold storage capacity are costs that allow us to reduce the number of deliveries, supplies, and trips needed to keep our operation functional. We generally make one large purchase per year, representing about 60% of the raw materials we consume throughout the entire year. The rest of the purchases are seasonal fruits and fresh dairy products that require regular supply.