MANCHESTER, UK, 2016-Apr-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — An Ammanford-based ice cream maker has seen its expansion plans boosted by scooping a contract to supply Co-op food stores across Wales.
Franks Ice Cream will supply around 120 Co-op food stores in communities across Wales in a year that sees the award winning ice cream maker mark the centenary of its founder, Francesco Dallavalle, arriving in Wales from Parma, northern Italy.
The move forms part of the Co-op’s commitment to backing local Welsh suppliers and will support Frank’s plans to create a further four permanent positions at its purpose-built manufacturing facility this year.
Giulio Dallavalle, grandson of the founder of Frank’s Ice Cream, said:
“We are very excited, it is fantastic news. This will enable our ice cream to reach new and important markets in communities across Wales. It is our largest contract with a community retailer. The Co-op will initially stock our award winning clotted cream vanilla ice cream which we are very proud of, and I am confident it will be a big success with the Co-op’s customers.
“With sales to retailers less seasonal – as ice cream is popular as a dessert all year round – the contract win and volume uplift also comes at the perfect time to support our plans for growth and expansion. We both share a passion and pride in great produce and so we are delighted to be working closely with the Co-op.”
Simon Dryell, Ranging Manager for the Co-op’s food stores in Wales, said:
“Frank’s Ice Cream is a great story of endeavour, with the legacy and traditions of Francesco Dallavalle going from strength-to-strength almost 100 years after he first started selling his ice cream in South Wales. Our convenience stores are located in the heart of Welsh communities and this is a further step in the Co-op’s commitment to offering more locally sourced produce conveniently.”
Giulio Dallavalle is the 3rd generation of ice cream maker at Frank’s. Francesco Dallavalle opened his first café in 1920 after arriving in Wales four years earlier. Almost 100 years later Frank’s still uses traditional recipes and finest Welsh ingredients combined with Italian flair. This year, Frank’s expects to increase its workforce by around 15 percent to around 30 people. For more information about Franks Ice Cream visit www.franksicecream.co.uk
Further information:
Andrew Torr
Co-op Press Office
07702 505 551
andrew.torr@co-operative.coop
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