Ice cream is a popular dessert option, and a variety of business owners offer this tasty, frozen concoction.
Ice cream wholesalers offer a variety of wholesale ice cream options including large quantities of traditional ice cream flavors as well as novelty ice cream items and flavors and soft serve options. Additionally, non-dairy ice cream options for individuals with diet restrictions or lactose intolerance are gaining popularity.
The following businesses can benefit from product offerings from ice cream distributors and ice cream suppliers:
- Ice cream and candy shop owners.
- Restaurant owners, including upscale dining establishments.
- Coffee shops, particularly ones that offer creamy iced coffee drinks.
- Diner owners.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Order from ice cream distributors and ice cream wholesalers
If you want to supply your customers with quality ice cream, look at what the big brands offer in terms of wholesale ice cream.
I recommend: Call
Giffords Ice Cream & Candy Co. for wholesale ice cream in the Washington, D.C. area. Contact
The Ice Cream Club Inc. for information on national wholesale ice cream and their licensing program. Fill out a form if you want to order wholesale from
Dreyer's Ice Cream. If you're in the mid-Atlantic region,
Berliner Specialty Distributors is the ice cream distribution company to turn to.
Locate mobile ice cream suppliers
Not all ice cream sales occur in brick-and-mortar stores. Consider the mobile options that some ice cream suppliers offer. Keep in mind that mobile ice cream retailers have a longer season in warmer climates.
I recommend: Berliner Specialty Distributors offers mobile vending for national-brand ice cream products.
Look locally for ice cream makers
Buying from local ice cream makers gives you many advantages - you are more likely to get a better price, you will forge bonds with your community and your customers will know that you support local farmers and small businesses.
I recommend: The
Food Routes Network has information on ordering from local suppliers. Go to
FarmFresh.org for a list of U.S. farms that produce or are partnered with other companies to make ice cream.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Ice cream is still a dessert option if you own an upscale dining establishment. Just choose your flavors carefully. Opt for coffee-flavored or pistachio-flavored ice cream.
- Expand your menu by offering dairy-free options for vegans and individuals with lactose intolerance. Soy ice cream, rice ice cream, and sorbet are great choices for both health-conscious individuals and those with dietary restrictions.
- If you're solely an ice cream store owner, join the National Ice Cream Retailers Association to stay informed about industry news and events. They have an annual convention and offer multiple publications as well.
- Pay particular attention to any information you receive from your ice cream supplier or ice cream wholesaler. Store ice cream at the appropriate temperature.
- Apply for the appropriate permits if you're a mobile ice cream retailer. Regulations and restrictions vary by state and region.
The official source of Ice Cream is the Ice Cream page at Business.com
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