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6 UK Ice Cream Mavericks Making the Most of the Weather!


We Brits? We're a hardy bunch, but even the most stoic among us can't resist the siren call of a cold, creamy treat when the mercury starts to climb. And guess what? The thermometers are finally nudging upwards, just in time for that glorious sound – the collective cheer of kids (and maybe a few secretly thrilled parents) as half-term kicks off! You know what that means, right? Ice cream o'clock is officially open season!

While the supermarket giants are prepping their freezers for the inevitable rush, let's take a moment to appreciate the nimble, flavour-forward heroes of the UK ice cream scene: the small-scale artisans who are ready to make this half-term (and the warmer weeks ahead) truly delicious. Forget those predictable tubs; these six UK-based ice cream manufacturers are churning out pure joy, and they're perfectly poised to scoop up the extra demand.


Hailing from the stunning Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, Purbeck Ice Cream is a true family affair, born from a dairy farm diversifying their offerings back in '88. What makes them special is their deep connection to the local land – using fresh Purbeck milk and thick Dorset cream as the heart of their creations. This dedication to quality has earned them a cabinet full of awards. From classic Clotted Cream to more adventurous concoctions (keep an eye out for their Dorset Marmalade!), Purbeck offers a taste of the South West's finest, all naturally made without artificial nasties and even catering to gluten and egg-free needs. It's proper Dorset goodness, served by people who truly care about their ingredients and their craft.


Born from a simple request in a village shop, New Forest Ice Cream has been delighting taste buds across the UK for over four decades. What makes them special is their family-run heritage and a commitment to creating bright colours and bold flavours that bring a smile to your face. They've grown from a small operation to a nationwide favourite, all while maintaining that personal touch and a dedication to quality ingredients. From classic cones to innovative tubs, they offer a wide range of award-winning, often nut-free, ice creams and sorbets, proving that a little bit of local inspiration can go a long way in creating frozen joy for everyone.


Another Cotswold champion, Marshfield Farm takes the "farm-to-table" concept to a whole new level – "cow-to-cone"! Their own herd of happy cows provides the creamy goodness that forms the base of their award-winning ice creams. Talk about fresh! This direct connection is what makes them truly special. They're not just buying ingredients; they're nurturing them from the very beginning. And their flavour adventures are just as exciting as their farming practices, ranging from classic crowd-pleasers to more inventive concoctions. Plus, their B Corp certification shows they're serious about doing good while making great ice cream – a double scoop of awesome!


Hailing from the vibrant streets of East London since 2019, DÁPPA is rewriting the rules of soft serve. What makes them truly special is their audacious approach: crafting thick, rich, and outrageously creamy ice cream entirely from nuts – almonds and cashews to be precise! Forget everything you thought you knew about dairy-free alternatives; DÁPPA delivers an indulgent experience that even traditional ice cream aficionados rave about. Their innovative soft serve, often found popping up at markets and events, offers exciting flavour combinations and proves that plant-based can be every bit as decadent and satisfying, offering a unique twist for the increasingly conscious consumer.


Jude's might have grown a bit since their humble beginnings, but their core mission – to create "unbelievably delicious stripey tubs of joy" – remains firmly intact. What makes them special is their infectious enthusiasm for flavour innovation, constantly pushing boundaries and collaborating on exciting new combinations. But they're not just about the taste; as a certified B Corp, they're deeply committed to sustainability, actively working to tread lightly on the planet. So, every scoop of their delightful ice cream comes with a side of doing good. It's indulgence with a conscience – and those stripes just make it even more fun!


Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, just a stone's throw from the dramatic coastline, Callestick Ice Cream is a true taste of Cornish dairy tradition. The Parker family has been farming this land since 1953, and their award-winning ice cream is expertly made using fresh whole milk from their own free-range, grass-fed herd. What makes them special is that genuine connection to their farm and the quality of their milk, often blended with the renowned Cornish clotted cream for an extra layer of indulgence. With a wide array of classic and creative flavours, Callestick embodies the wholesome goodness of the Cornish countryside in every scoop, a testament to generations of farming and ice cream making expertise.


So, as the sun peeks through the clouds and the joyous shrieks of half-term freedom fill the air, the stage is set for a surge in ice cream consumption across the UK. And while the big players will undoubtedly see their sales soar, let's raise a metaphorical (and perhaps slightly melty) cone to these six UK ice cream mavericks. They're not just in the business of frozen desserts; they're crafting moments of pure, unadulterated joy, perfectly timed for a bit of sunshine and a whole lot of holiday indulgence. For anyone in the UK food and beverage industry, keep an eye on these agile innovators – they're proving that when the temperatures rise and the kids are on the loose, a little bit of artisanal magic can go a long way in capturing those crucial impulse buys and creating truly memorable treats. Get ready for a delicious couple of weeks!

 
 
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