From Cow to Cone - Farming for the Best Gelato in the World with Steve & Keegan

What does world-class gelato have to do with agriculture? A whole lot, as it turns out and a world of flavour!

In this episode of Humans of Agriculture, host Oli Le Lievre sits down with Steve Arnold and Keegan Ryan from Gelato Messina, one of Australia's most iconic gelato brands. With over 30 stores across the country, Messina isn’t just about delicious scoops—it’s a vertically integrated food business, growing its own ingredients and sourcing directly from Australian farms. Steve, a former chef-turned-Director of Agriculture, shares how he transitioned from finance and property into farming. Keegan, who built his career in horticulture, talks about the innovation and experimentation happening on Messina’s farms.

From hazelnuts and mint to dairy cows and beekeeping, the team is committed to quality, sustainability, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in food production.

In this episode you will hear about:

• How Messina built a fully integrated supply chain from farm to shop
• The role of experimentation and failure in their success
• The impact of COVID-19 on their business and how they adapted
• The philosophy of trying new things (even when there’s no set plan!)
• The surprising ways farming and food retail intersect

Whether you’re a gelato lover, a farmer, or just curious about how great food is made, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!

Chapters

00:00 The Gelato Messina Journey

02:54 From Chef to Agriculture Director

06:10 Embracing Failure and Learning

09:01 Vertical Integration in Agriculture

11:50 Experimentation and Growth

15:01 Sourcing Ingredients and Local Partnerships

17:59 The Importance of Human Capital

21:00 Connecting with Consumers

24:01 The Unique Business Model of Gelato Messina

Guest Bios

💡 Steve Arnold – Director of Agriculture at Gelato Messina. Former chef and corporate executive who transitioned into farming to ensure the brand’s high-quality ingredients.

🌱 Keegan Ryan – Experienced farmer and horticulturist who helps drive innovation on Messina’s farms, growing everything from hazelnuts to fresh mint for their gelato.

Links & Resources

• Gelato Messina Website
• Follow Humans of Agriculture on Instagram & LinkedIn
• Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

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