Ice Cream Alliance launches new contest
It is open to all parlors in the UK (not just ICA members), provided they have a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating or the Blue Pass Scottish equivalent.
“This award gives parlors a chance to shout about their creativity, professionalism and customer service in an industry that is growing by an amazing 20% per year,” ICA CEO Zelica Carr said.
“This competition is about promoting the very best and giving the winning parlor the accolades and the recognition, it deserves.”
Entrants will be judged on their premises; machinery; equipment and utensils; working practices; hygiene standards; allergen information; packaging type; management controls; and ice cream quality and display.
All entrants will be visited by an independent and professional mystery shopping company. The resultant report, together with an audit of the entry documents, will allow the judging panel to shortlist the entrants.
There will be 27 regional finalists selected. The regions are Scotland, Northern, North West, Yorkshire, Midlands, Wales, London Home Counties, South West and Northern Ireland.
The nine parlors will be asked to submit a short video (maximum three minutes) showcasing their business. This can be filmed on a smart phone, or any other suitable device. From this, four semi-finalists will be chosen. These parlors will be visited by an independent judging panel who will make the final decision.
Regional finalists will be announced by April 21, and the winner announced in early July.
“The publicity benefits of winning such a prestigious award could be enormous,” Carr said.
“If you are a new business it could really put you on the map. If you are an existing or longstanding parlor then this could cement your reputation for excellence – across all the stringent criteria on which you will be judged.”
Entry criteria and forms are available by clicking the banner on the ICA website, and closing date for entries is March 31, 2020.
Entry costs are £250 (ex VAT) for ICA members and £500 (ex VAT) for non-members.
