ICE CREAM SHOW A BIG HIT
The Ice Cream Expo in Harrogate in February was a big success according to both exhibitors and visitors. The unseasonably sunny weather attracted visitors from across the country, who enjoyed more trade exhibitors than for some years.
The exhibition was the biggest in recent times with exhibitor space some 20% up on the previous Expo and more new exhibitors than ever before.
The Expo is organised by the Ice Cream Alliance, the only trade association for the UK ice cream sector and has been running for over 70 years.
Show Events
But it wasn’t just a large range of exhibitors from around Europe and the UK that impressed visitors – but the number of events and activities organised as well.
Eddie Scott, MasterChef Champion 2022 was cooking up delights such as Keralan Banana Split and Rose and Pistachio Kulfi Baked Alaska in the Demo Kitchen. He was joined by chef Steph Moon and four times National Ice Cream Champion, Philip Mancini showcasing ‘Festival of Coronation’ - ice cream delights fit for a King and the forthcoming Coronation.
Meanwhile, Italian celebrity chef and mentor to Jaime Oliver, Gennaro Contaldo, signed copies of his brand-new book, Gennaro’s Cucina.
Seminar Programme
The free seminar programme was well-attended and featured subjects such as Getting More Energy Efficient, Ice Cream Parlour of the Year, DIY PR, the New SALSA Plus Ice Cream Certification Scheme, Financing a New Ice Cream Van Purchase and How to Improve Your Social Media.
Parlour of the Year
A brand new nationwide competition to find the best ice cream businesses - Ice Cream Parlour of the Year (sponsored by www.antonelli.co.uk)- was launched with a winner due to be announced in the summer.
National Ice Cream Competition
As usual, the National Ice Cream Competition, the ‘Oscars’ of ice cream competitions - was being judged at the Expo with industry experts blind-tasting hundreds of products across a range of types and flavours. The Expo gala dinner was also the venue for announcing the winner of the Mobiler of the Year competition, sponsored by Ice Cream Direct Ltd in Doncaster. The 2023 winner was local man John Taylor from ice cream van business C and M Ices in Harrogate.
Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show 2024
Over 90% of visitors stated that they would come to the Expo again in 2024 which means it will be popular again next year. So here are the dates for your diary – the Expo will be in Harrogate again, at the Yorkshire Event Centre on 6th to 8th February 2024. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information on the Expo, and the Ice Cream Alliance visit www.ice-cream.org