Pidapipo
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food and beverage |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Lisa Valmorbida |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Area served | Melbourne |
| Products | Gelato, desserts, chocolate |
Pidapipo is a Melbourne-based Australian gelateria operating four outlets, including a prominent flagship store.[1][2]
Description
The Financial Times characterizes the architectural style as 'ebullient', highlighting features such as neon lighting and pink terrazzo flooring. Signature items include a gelato with a nutella swirl, along with varieties crafted using Australian cheeses and honeys.[2][1]
At the Carlton venue, gelato is produced fresh daily on-site.[3] Meanwhile, the Fitzroy location offers an expanded selection of desserts that incorporate chocolate made in-house from cacao sourced from the Dominican Republic.[1]
Large windows at Fitzroy reveal the kitchen where chocolate is crafted within a mirrored room. The use of stainless steel surfaces, glass elements, and an electronic menu creates a unique 'lab-like atmosphere'.[1]
History
Starting as a pop-up concept, the business established a permanent Carlton store in 2013. In 2022, it unveiled its flagship store alongside a test kitchen on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. The enterprise was founded by Lisa Valmorbida, part of Melbourne's notable Valmorbida family.
Reception
Emma Breheny of The Age likened the Fitzroy outlet to "Willy Wonka's factory dropped in the middle of Fitzroy."
In 2017, the company encountered controversy after releasing two gender-specific gelato flavors. Dr. Lauren Rosewarne from the University of Melbourne criticized this initiative as unnecessary. The men's flavor combined salted caramel with milk chocolate and malt crumb, while the women's featured strawberry rose with white chocolate and raspberry dust. Due to public backlash, the brand removed its Instagram promotion of these flavors and issued an apology, reaffirming its dedication to producing gelato accessible to all.