A West Lothian award-winning gelato business is growing from strength to strength with support from Business Gateway, as it expands its offering and launches a first-of-its-kind ‘churn at home’ gelato kit.
Villaggio Gelato, founded by Marguerite Spina, is a family-run gelato shop at the heart of Winchburgh Marina. Drawing on her Italian heritage and a commitment to quality ingredients, Marguerite produces small-batch gelato using traditional Italian machinery from her colourful beach hut, offering a variety of flavours to locals and visitors, while also supplying events and online orders. Since launching in 2022, Villaggio Gelato has sold over 15,000 cones and 1,000 tubs across its store and events, including weddings, farmers markets and corporate partnerships, with this growth also enabling the creation of two local jobs.
Marguerite began Villaggio Gelato from her home, inspired by a long‑standing ambition to run a creative, family‑focused business that she felt truly passionate about. She trained at the University of Gelato and was mentored by Edinburgh ice cream specialist Joseph Boni, to develop her own signature recipe.
What began as small sales to friends and neighbours soon gathered pace, with word spreading and customers travelling from across the central belt to try her handmade gelato. This early success gave Marguerite the confidence to open her first permanent premises at Winchburgh Marina, where Marguerite’s ambition is to create not only an outstanding product, but a feeling where visitors can connect and be part of a community.
In response to growing customer demand, Villaggio Gelato has recently launched a unique ‘churn at home’ gelato kit, allowing customers to create gelato at home. Initially inspired by a request from her brother who lived in London, the idea has evolved into a distinctive new product. The kit offers a simple way to make high-quality gelato, enabling customers to enjoy the taste of Villaggio Gelato wherever they are.
Business Gateway adviser Tahrir Waswas provided one-to-one support from the outset, helping Marguerite develop her business as it expanded into retail premises and beyond. With guidance on premises and access to funding opportunities, Marguerite successfully secured a Digital Development Grant and a Trade Development Grant, part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding enabled her to invest in a professional website and attend a trade show, helping her build industry knowledge, expand her network and raise the profile of the business.
Alongside this, Marguerite received ongoing support including advice on marketing, strategic planning and access to workshops and events. She completed the West Lothian Women in Entrepreneurship Programme, a four-week initiative delivered by Invest in West Lothian and Business Gateway, which provided valuable skills development and the opportunity to connect with other local businesswomen.
Marguerite’s gelato has already gained industry recognition, with the business awarded five bronze medals across different flavours at the Royal Highland Show Dairy Championship Awards, highlighting the quality and consistency of her products.
Marguerite Spina, owner of Villaggio Gelato, said: “Opening the beach hut was a defining moment for the business, and having Business Gateway’s support gave me the confidence to take that step and think bigger about what Villaggio Gelato could become.
“Being guided towards funding opportunities came at exactly the right time. It allowed me to invest in the business, reach new customers and keep building momentum with fresh ideas.
“The ‘churn at home’ gelato kit has been a really exciting step, inspired by customer demand, and it’s been rewarding to create a unique product that allows people to enjoy our gelato in a new way, wherever they are.”
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Tahrir Waswas, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Marguerite has shown real ambition in developing Villaggio Gelato into a business that continues to evolve and innovate. From establishing a strong retail presence to expanding into new product areas, her passion and commitment to growth has been clear throughout.
“Our role has been to support that journey with practical guidance, helping with planning, premises and access to funding, while also connecting her with relevant programmes and opportunities. It’s great to see the business thriving and gaining recognition, and we look forward to continuing to support Marguerite as she builds on this success.”
To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit https://bgateway.com.
