Lucciano's passes 125 outlets as it expands through franchising

Lucciano's has passed 125 company-owned and franchised outlets, with a network comprising more than 100 locations in Argentina and a further 25 abroad. The Argentine ice cream brand is driving its international growth through franchising, supported by an expansion of production capacity in Mar del Plata.

An Argentine network operating in five overseas markets

According to Just Retail, reporting on 4 November 2026, Lucciano's international outlets are spread across Chile, Uruguay, the United States, Spain and Italy. The company continues to develop its business in these markets, while Argentina remains home to most of its outlets.

Franchising is one of the routes the company has chosen to expand in its existing markets and explore new growth opportunities. The network combines franchises with company-owned outlets: the total of more than 125 locations covers both operating models, not franchises alone.

For those considering Argentina's franchise market, the business illustrates two developments: a local brand expanding overseas and investment in its domestic production base. Its commercial growth is not simply about adding locations; it also includes new product categories and additional manufacturing capacity.

Three formats, with investment depending on the outlet

Lucciano's offers three formats: kiosk, standard shop and flagship store. Published investment estimates range from €250,000 to €550,000, depending on the type of outlet.

This variety allows each project to be adapted to its location and the space available. The investment range should therefore be considered alongside the chosen format: it is neither a single price applicable to every opening nor a specific quotation for setting up an outlet in Argentina.

This distinction matters when comparing franchise opportunities. Before applying these figures to a specific project, prospective franchisees should ask the brand for a cost estimate tailored to their intended market, location and outlet format.

The key feature of the offer is the ability to operate outlets of different sizes within the same network. Each option requires its own financial assessment, rather than assuming that the figures at either end of the range are interchangeable.

Franchisee support and estimated payback period

The model includes support at various stages of the project, covering outlet design, staff training, marketing activities and product supply.

These elements go beyond the right to use the brand: they include assistance with preparing the outlet and developing its operations. For prospective franchisees, these are practical areas to examine in detail during their commercial and contractual assessment.

According to estimates supplied by the company, the investment payback period is between 24 and 30 months. This is a company projection, not a guaranteed outcome for every outlet.

When assessing this timeframe, prospective franchisees should request the underlying assumptions and compare them with the budget for their planned outlet. The investment range and estimated payback period are starting points; they do not replace an assessment of the individual project.

Mar del Plata expands chocolate production

Alongside the expansion of its ice cream shops, Lucciano's has broadened its range of alfajores — filled sandwich biscuits — conitos, cone-shaped chocolate-coated sweets, and premium chocolate specialities, made with Belgian chocolate that it imports directly. This diversification aims to create more occasions for customers to enjoy its products.

At the beginning of 2026, the company allocated around US$1 million to increasing production capacity for this category at its Mar del Plata factory. The investment funded new machinery, additional production space and a second production line to meet growing demand.

The expansion adds a manufacturing dimension to the network's growth: alongside its retail formats and franchisee support, the company is developing a product range that extends beyond ice cream.

Practical takeaway: anyone considering a Lucciano's franchise should confirm which format is available for their location, request a detailed investment breakdown and review the assumptions behind the payback estimate before making a decision.