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A Newcastle, Co. Down Business Scoops Prestigious Ice Cream Award

Lick Gelato of Newscastle, Co. Down has won a Gold Medal and Trophy at the National Ice Cream Championships 2021 run by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the sector’s UK trade association. Their delicious toffee ice cream beat all comers in this, the most prestigious ice cream competition in the country which has been running for 76 years. 

“We are absolutely over the moon and back with our award,” exclaimed Lick Gelato co-founder Simon Welby. “When we were watching the presentation live it was a state of near disbelief and elation at the same time when we were announced as the winner. This award is a massive deal and achievement for us as a very young business in the ice cream world.”

Lick Gelato specialises in handcrafted artisan gelato and was founded by Simon, Jo-Ann and Seth just six years ago. They spent approximately a year developing their own, secret recipe at Loughrey College with the help of their technical team before opening their bricks and mortar shop on Central Promenade. Lick Gelato employs a total of eight hardworking and dedicated ice cream engineers who provide a memorable experience when people visit their store.

The championships are normally held at the Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show in Harrogate and hundreds of products are submitted across thirteen categories. Because of the pandemic this show was cancelled.

“The ICA decided that despite lockdowns and severe restrictions on trading we needed to show our sectors resilience by continuing with these annual awards,” commented Zelica Carr, ICA CEO. “I want to thank all those who entered and our dedicated panel of judges who tasted the entries and selected winners in a socially distanced and Covid secure procedure at our head office.”

“Congratulations to Simon and his team,” added Zelica. “There was very stiff competition in all the categories so to win gold is a big achievement.”

Ice cream parlours and ice cream vans have been hard hit in this pandemic losing a total of £289million in income in 2020*. That is just the tip of the iceberg when you add lost ice cream sales in cafes, restaurants and hotels and the economic impact to businesses along the supply chain – manufacturers, flavour houses, wholesalers and others. That is why the ICA has launched Great British Ice Cream Staycation campaign, in which Pinks Parlour is participating, to support ice cream sales in the hospitality sector.

For more information on Lick Gelato visit: www.lickgelato.com /  @LickGelatoNI

For more information on the ICA visit:  www.ice-cream.org

*The ICA surveyed members in March 2021

Snowdonia Company Makes Best Sorbet in the UK – Say Experts

Its official. Glaslyn Artisan Ice Cream & Pizza in Beddgelert, Caernarfon makes the best sorbet in the UK according to the National Ice Cream Championships 2021. The ice cream parlour and pizzeria won for its Blackcurrant Sorbet. This is the most prestigious ice cream competition in the country, run by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the sector’s UK trade association and has been going for 76 years.

“To actually win gold for the best sorbet in the UK is so special,” exclaimed owner Bonnie Rowley. “It has been a really challenging couple of years, firstly getting to grips with taking over the family business in 2019, and then steering it through the pandemic since 2020. So, to win such a prestigious award makes all the hard work worthwhile. I am so proud of our team. Our Trainee Production Manager Derwyn Roberts (holding the trophy in the photo) made the winning Blackcurrant Sorbet, along with Ryan Richards.”

Bonnie is the third generation to run this ice cream parlour, cafe and pizzeria in the beautiful village of Beddgelert in Snowdonia. They specialise in dairy free sorbets containing real fruit and are naturally stronger in flavour and lower in fat. They are also a fantastic alternative to traditional dairy ice cream for those who cannot eat dairy or follow a vegan diet. The company takes sustainability seriously and its priority over the next few years is to become carbon neutral or even negative. The business employs 20 people.

The championships are normally held at the Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show in Harrogate and hundreds of products are submitted across thirteen categories. Because of the pandemic this show was cancelled.

“The ICA decided that despite lockdowns and severe restrictions on trading we needed to show our sectors resilience by continuing with these annual awards,” commented Zelica Carr, ICA CEO. “I want to thank all those who entered and our dedicated panel of judges who tasted the entries and selected winners in a socially distanced and Covid secure procedure at our head office.”

“Congratulations to Bonnie and her team,” added Zelica. “There was very stiff competition in this category so to win gold is a big achievement.”

Ice cream parlours and ice cream vans have been hard hit in this pandemic losing a total of £289million in income in 2020*. That is just the tip of the iceberg when you add lost ice cream sales in cafes, restaurants and hotels and the economic impact to businesses along the supply chain – manufacturers, flavour houses, wholesalers and others. That is why the ICA has launched Great British Ice Cream Staycation campaign, in which Pinks Parlour is participating, to support ice cream sales in the hospitality sector.

Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour – Chocolate Champions Again

Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour in the High Street has been crowned chocolate champion at the National Ice Cream Championships 2021 run by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the sector’s UK trade association. This is the most prestigious ice cream competition in the country and has been running for 76 years. 

“We are so excited to have won – especially during these tough times,” exclaimed Sheila Gray, owner of Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour. “We’ve been closed for four months this year and we were shut for four months last year too. But this gives us a massive boost and its good for the staff – I have a great team – and good for the village.”

This award-winning ice cream establishment has been going for 11 years and employs eight people. It is renowned for its multi-award winning Chocolate Ice Cream (they have won this Gold Medal four times!). Sheila added: “I’ve never made this much chocolate ice cream ever before!”

The championships are normally held at the Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show in Harrogate and hundreds of products are submitted across thirteen categories. Because of the pandemic this show was cancelled.

“The ICA decided that despite lockdowns and severe restrictions on trading we needed to show our sectors resilience by continuing with these annual awards,” commented Zelica Carr, ICA CEO. “I want to thank all those who entered and our dedicated panel of judges who tasted the entries and selected winners in a socially distanced and Covid secure procedure at our head office.”

“Congratulations to Sheila and her team,” added Zelica. “There was very stiff competition in this category so to win Gold is a big achievement – and to have won this award four times is unheard of.”

Ice cream parlours and ice cream vans have been hard hit in this pandemic losing a total of £289million in income in 2020*. That is just the tip of the iceberg when you add lost ice cream sales in cafes, restaurants and hotels and the economic impact to businesses along the supply chain – manufacturers, flavour houses, wholesalers and others. That is why the ICA has launched Great British Ice Cream Staycation campaign, in which Pinks Parlour is participating, to support ice cream sales in the hospitality sector.

For more information on Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour: www.fochabersicecream.co.uk

For more information on the ICA visit:  www.ice-cream.org

*The ICA surveyed members in March 2021

Harrogate Ice Cream Van Man Wins Gold

John Taylor from ice cream van business C and M Ices in Harrogate has won a Gold Medal for his fantastic Mr Whippy ice cream at the National Ice Cream Championships 2021 run by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the sector’s UK trade association. This is the most prestigious ice cream competition in the country which has been running for 76 years. 

“Winning this award, especially given the unusual situation we all find ourselves in, was a massive surprise,” exclaimed John. “I am not often lost for words but the moment it was announced I was literally speechless. As an ice cream van operator you can’t get a much more prestigious award, and it proves to everyone we put quality products as a core part of our trading.”

C and M Ices was established in 1889 and remains a family business. John is the 4th generation and has been working in ice cream vans since he left school (over 25 years ago). John can be found in one of his vans pitched outside the Victoria Shopping Centre in Harrogate most days, weather permitting. He also has a van in the Coach Street car park in Skipton on market days. John and his team also cater for events and weddings.

The championships are normally held at the Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show in Harrogate and hundreds of products are submitted across thirteen categories. Because of the pandemic this show was cancelled.

“The ICA decided that despite lockdowns and severe restrictions on trading we needed to show our sectors resilience by continuing with these annual awards,” commented Zelica Carr, ICA CEO. “I want to thank all those who entered and our dedicated panel of judges who tasted the entries and selected winners in a socially distanced and Covid secure procedure at our head office.”

“Congratulations to John,” added Zelica. “There was very stiff competition in all the categories so to win gold is a very big achievement.”

Ice cream parlours and ice cream vans have been hard hit in this pandemic losing a total of £289million in income in 2020*. That is just the tip of the iceberg when you add lost ice cream sales in cafes, restaurants and hotels and the economic impact to businesses along the supply chain – manufacturers, flavour houses, wholesalers and others. That is why the ICA has launched Great British Ice Cream Staycation campaign, in which Pinks Parlour is participating, to support ice cream sales in the hospitality sector.

For more information on C and M Ices visit: www.harrogateicecream.co.uk

For more information on the ICA visit:  www.ice-cream.org

*The ICA surveyed members in March 2021

Pinks Ice Cream Parlour Scoops Prestigious Ice Cream Awards

Pinks Parlour, Waterloo Square, Bognor Regis has won three awards at the National Ice Cream Championships 2021 run by the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA), the sector’s UK trade association. Their Vegan Pina Colada and Pistachio flavours beat all comers in this, the most prestigious ice cream competition in the country which has been running for 76 years.

“I’m so delighted to have won,” exclaimed Katy Alston, owner and founder. “When we first opened we could only offer ice lollies to our customers who were dairy intolerant. Now we have won an award for our Vegan Pina Colada!” Katy added: “Bognor Regis is a wonderful place full of lovely people and we’re honoured to be making our wonderful homemade gelato ice cream for them.”

Former ice cream van maestro Katy decided to expand in 2019 by opening her first parlour investing in the newest equipment to make the finest gelato ice cream they could. They learned best practice and recipes from both their colleagues in the ICA and their travels round Italy. Just two years later Katy and son Henri and the team are winning awards.

The championships are normally held at the Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show in Harrogate and hundreds of products are submitted across thirteen categories. Because of the pandemic this show was cancelled.

“The ICA decided that despite lockdowns and severe restrictions on trading we needed to show our sectors resilience by continuing with these annual awards,” commented Zelica Carr, ICA CEO. “I want to thank all those who entered and our dedicated panel of judges who tasted the entries and selected winners in a socially distanced and Covid secure procedure at our head office.”

“Congratulations to Katy and her team,” added Zelica. “There was very stiff competition in all the categories so to win three times is a big achievement.”

Ice cream parlours and ice cream vans have been hard hit in this pandemic losing a total of £289million in income in 2020*. That is just the tip of the iceberg when you add lost ice cream sales in cafes, restaurants and hotels and the economic impact to businesses along the supply chain – manufacturers, flavour houses, wholesalers and others. That is why the ICA has launched Great British Ice Cream Staycation campaign, in which Pinks Parlour is participating, to support ice cream sales in the hospitality sector.

For more information on Pinks Parlour visit: www.pinksparlour.co.uk

For more information on the ICA visit:  www.ice-cream.org

*The ICA surveyed members in March 2021

Scottish Company Scoops Best Ice Cream in UK Award

Mancini’s of Ayr has been voted the best ice cream manufacturer in the UK at the National Ice Cream Championships 2021 run by the Ice Cream Alliance, the sector’s UK trade association. Mancini’s vanilla ice cream was voted ‘best of the best’ in this, the most prestigious ice cream competition in the country which has been running for 76 years. 

“It’s a wonderful thing to win this championship. Winning the lottery can’t feel better than this,” exclaimed managing director Filippo Mancini. “We are always trying to improve our products and keep our standards the highest we can. The competition is judged by a panel of experts drawn from the industry who taste product from the best ice cream makers in the business. That makes winning even more special.”

For 106 years four generations of the Mancini family have been making and selling award winning ice-cream from the Royal Cafe in Ayr. The company also supplies events – including their famous ice cream weddings – and has just opened a new parlour, Mancini’s @ the beach on Prestwick seafront.

The championships are normally held at the Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show in Harrogate and hundreds of products are submitted across thirteen categories. Because of the pandemic this show was cancelled.

“The ICA decided that despite lockdowns and severe restrictions on trading we needed to show our sectors resilience by continuing with these annual awards,” commented Zelica Carr, ICA CEO. “I want to thank all those who entered and our dedicated panel of judges who tasted the entries and selected winners in a socially distanced and Covid secure procedure at our head office.”

“Congratulations to Filippo and his team at Mancini’s,” added Zelica. “There was very stiff competition, but Mancini’s manages to combine the very best of ingredients, with skill and tried and tested recipes – and the results speak for themselves.”

Ice cream parlours and ice cream vans have been hard hit in this pandemic losing a total of £289million in income in 2020*. That is just the tip of the iceberg when you add lost ice cream sales in cafes, restaurants and hotels and the economic impact to businesses along the supply chain – manufacturers, flavour houses, wholesalers and others. That is why the ICA has launched Great British Ice Cream Staycation campaign, in which Mancini’s of Ayr is participating, to support ice cream sales in the hospitality sector.

For more information on Mancini’s of Ayr visit: www.mancinisicecream.co.uk

For more information on the ICA visit:  www.ice-cream.org

ICA Working Hard to Save Our Sector

‘The Great British Ice Cream Staycation – ice cream smiles, today, tomorrow and always’

We are mobilising our members, the wider industry and other parts of the hospitality sector to promote their products to all those holidaying in the country this summer. Our campaign, The Great British Ice Cream Staycation,  is encouraging businesses of all types and sizes to get involved. A free, downloadable DIY Marketing Toolkit is available now at www.ice-cream.org/webform/great-british-ice-cream-staycation  

“Ice cream parlours and ice cream vans have been hard hit in this pandemic losing a total of £289 million in income in 2020*,” comments ICA CEO Zelica Carr. “And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when you add lost ice cream sales in cafes, restaurants and hotels and the economic impact to businesses along the supply chain – manufacturers, flavour houses, wholesalers and many others.”

The Great British Ice Cream Staycation campaign is all about reminding people what a delicious, fun, happy and affordable treat ice cream is and what iconic childhood memories it generates. Of course, it is also about supporting our members and the ice cream industry to safeguard their survival.

“This campaign is not about dictating to businesses how to market their products,” adds Zelica Carr. “It’s about harnessing everyone’s creative flair and dynamism and providing them with the tools – across digital marketing, PR, influencer marketing, POS – to maximise sales and bounce back from a truly horrid twelve months. We are providing marketing materials, guides and templates free to everyone who wants it – not just to ICA members.”

The ICA surveyed members on the effects of the pandemic on business in 2020*. It revealed that 90 ice cream parlours have closed in the last twelve months and that 800 mobilers have ceased trading over the same period.  However, the governments Furlough Scheme has been a life saver for many businesses with up to 62% of staff furloughed at some point during the pandemic.

Zelica Carr concludes: “The ICA was founded just after the Second World War to promote a fledgling sector during the post-war years. The ice cream industry successfully expanded since then but has faced its biggest threat since the war from the pandemic. We felt the ICA had to play a major role in helping our sector to recover and flourish again.”

To download the FREE Great British Ice Cream Staycation DIY Marketing Toolkit or to find out how your hospitality, tourism business or trade association can get involved, visit www.ice-cream.org/webform/great-british-ice-cream-staycation

Marvin Benton Awards – Congratulations to Tony Federici

Congratulations to Tony Federici, here we share some touching words from his Daughter. 

“We are delighted that dad has been nominated for this prestigious award. He is truly the most wonderful man and father (we know we’re biased) and he has dedicated his entire life to ice cream. It’s literally in his, and now our, blood. How wonderful that we might be able to share how great he is with the world.

As a father, dad taught us many things. Family (as well as ice cream) is his heart. He taught us good values for life and business and taught us strong work ethics. He showed us the meaning of hard work and how passion and commitment are at the centre of every decision and every single thing we do. He taught us results and success come from being consistent with working hard and passion. Through his hardwork in the ice cream business, from his years on the vans and in the factory, he showed all of us that to succeed in life we must work together, support each other and share our love and successes with each other. He is the epitome of the strength of the family bond.

He was never wasteful in his manufacturing, he showed us how to be careful whilst being innovative. He strived to forge a new way, to create our own path, to find the new thing, the latest tastes, the newest production strategies and yet never to forget when we are, who we are and what we could become. 

In his younger years, he was known for being Mr Charisma! He knew all the children on his van rounds and had nicknames for them all – though he called us all, his own children, Fred! People came to the van, not just for his ice cream, but for the banter. He always had a new joke (we would roll our eyes) but he’d always make people laugh. He still does – he’s the King of Dad Jokes! He is still well-known around the town and loved by everyone!”

Mobiler of the Year 2021

A massive congratulations to Jimmy Robinson, Mobiler of the Year 2021.

“I still remember my first day out in the van how much I loved it, being my own boss, I even remember, my takings of £76, & thinking this was great. I put my heart, soul, and drive into my ice cream business. 

Through a lot of hard work and a lot of ups and downs over the years, with fantastic family support me through them. I am very proud to have the biggest operation in N.I. I am in my thirty-fifth year selling ice cream and am still thinking about how we can make improvements to our business”.

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