Aleluya: The Pope-Inspired Argentinian Ice Cream

Inspired by Pope Francis, "Aleluya" is a new flavor born from an emotional meeting between the Argentinian ice cream team, AFADHYA, and the Pope at the World Artisan Ice Cream Championship in Rimini, Italy. During the meeting, the Pope was gifted a shirt naming him the "best ice cream maker in the world," prompting his request, "Make an ice cream that tastes like joy.” Thus began the journey to create this distinctive flavor across Argentina.

The crafting of "Aleluya" was a genuine collaborative effort among master ice cream makers from Argentina. Dino Paganucci, a renowned ice cream artisan, details the recipe: a chantilly cream base made with whole liquid milk, high-quality powdered milk, and cream. A traditional hazelnut paste, a staple in Italian gelato, is slowly folded in, allowing the cream to fully absorb its rich flavor. The finishing touch—a crunchy layer of handcrafted chocolate with toasted hazelnut pieces—taps into the rich, homemade tradition.

While the "Pope's seal" on "Aleluya" is not formal certification, it is a direct nod to the inspiration from the Pontiff's original request, capturing the essence of joy. This unique ice cream is now crossing borders, being produced across various artisanal ice cream shops in Europe and, naturally, available throughout Argentina.

The impact of "Aleluya" extends beyond mere taste. It has served as a unifying project for ice cream artisans throughout Argentina and is set to be one of the highlights at the upcoming 52nd anniversary of AFADHYA. This communal effort commemorates the Pope’s heartfelt request and celebrates the sector’s continuous innovation. "Aleluya" serves as a homage meant for longevity, a taste that carries fond memories and stands to enrich the tradition of artisan ice cream.

Moreover, the journey of "Aleluya" exemplifies how passion, creativity, and collaboration can transform traditional raw materials into innovative products. The successful blending of an abstract concept like "joy" into a tangible and delightful experience demonstrates the added value that artisan production and emotional connection can offer to consumers.