Hocking's Dairy Cream Ices scoops prestigious Gold Award for new flavour

Hocking’s Dairy Cream Ices of Appledore have won a prestigious Gold Award for their Biscotti ice cream.

Hocking’s won the Alternative Class of the National Ice Cream Competition 2023.

The class recognises products showing innovation and diversity, adapting to the changing and new markets in the ice cream industry.

Christian Hocking, great-grandson of the founder David Wood Hocking, said: “We have been a member of the ICA for 75 plus years and this is our first ever Gold Medal! We have entered our flagship flavour vanilla in the competition every year along with a few other flavours, but have not placed higher than bronze. The first sample of Biscotti was produced toward the end of March 2022. After quite a few changes, based on staff and customer feedback, the final competition winning recipe started production at the end of October 2022.”

What did the Hocking’s team think of their win? “I think the most positive affect this award will have is on staff morale”, said Christian. “Biscotti is the first of our flavours that almost every member of staff has had a part to play in perfecting.”

Hocking’s retails from its own fleet of vans at sites across North Devon, from the start of spring through to the end of autumn.

For more information on Hocking’s Dairy Cream Ices visit: www.hockingsicecream.co.uk

The National Ice Cream Competition is the ‘Oscars’ of the ice cream awards. It is held every year by the Ice Cream Alliance.

Hundreds of products are submitted across thirteen categories ranging from Best Vanilla to Alternative.

These include products free from the top 14 allergens, dairy-free, low-fat, high-protein, no-sugar, and others. Submissions are judged blind by ice cream experts – making the results the most prestigious in the country.

The competition has been running for 78 years.

“After a few decidedly difficult years for our industry, ice cream businesses are bouncing back with gusto,” commented Katy Alston, ICA President. “Hocking’s is proof of that with the quality of the product that won this prestigious award. Big congratulations to Christian and his team and here’s wishing them a super successful summer season.”

For more information on the Ice Cream Alliance visit: www.ice-cream.org