CAERPHILLY CREATED ICE CREAM CROWNED BEST IN UK
M
inolis of Machen has been crowned National Champions
combinations. They also serve superb waffles. Their new
at the ice cream ‘Oscars’, the National Ice Cream
Lemon Crunch ice cream won a Diploma of Merit at the
Competition. This former dairy farming family has won
same competition.
this, the most coveted prize in the ice cream industry
The business sells cakes from a local cake maker who
for the 4th time – and their delicious ice cream is served in their
uses whole, natural ingredients, and offer gourmet organic
adjacent Basil & Rusty’s ice cream parlour and café based on the
coffee from a small roaster just down the road. The milk and
same farm - Gellwasted Farm, Machen just outside Caerphilly.
cream used in the ice cream also comes from a small, local
“We are absolutely delighted to win this award,” said Geraint
family business. They aim to keep supply chains as local as
Richards, Chief Ice Cream Creator for Minolis, and co-owner
possible and support small producers. Basil and Rusty’s will
with his wife Emma of the adjacent Basil & Rusty’s parlour who
also start serving pizzas this summer.
made the award-winning ice cream. “Our success is all down to my late Dad, Lewis, who created this recipe that we still use
For more information on Basil and Rusty’s visit their Facebook page: @basilandrustys
today and my Mum, Sue, who with a little help from us has
The National Ice Cream Competition is the ‘Oscars’ of the ice
carried on this award-winning ice cream making business after
cream awards. It is held every year by the Ice Cream Alliance
my Dad passed away in 2017.”
(ICA), the UK trade association for the ice cream industry.
Geraint adds: “Our retail arm - Basil and Rusty’s is a family
Hundreds of products are submitted across thirteen categories
run ice cream parlour set in beautiful countryside, serving
ranging from Best Vanilla to ‘Alternative’ category products
delicious ice cream desserts and gourmet coffee in a very
which includes those free from the top 14 allergens, dairy-
relaxed friendly atmosphere. My mum is an integral part
free, low-fat, high-protein, no-sugar, and others. Submissions
of our business as well. A fair description of the business
are judged blind by ice cream experts – making the results the
dynamic is that Emma and Sue are the engine and ensure the
most prestigious in the country.
essential work is done. I make the ice cream and talk a lot. And
“Congratulations to Geraint, Emma and Sue,” commented
our kids Tess (9), Ted and Belle (both 7) are the chief tasters.”
Zelica Carr, ICA CEO. “The ice cream sector has had a
The ice cream made under the Minolis of Machen
challenging time over the last two years. This family show that
brand is only available at the Basil and Rusty’s parlour
the sector has overcome these challenges and has bounced
and café and at the annual Royal Welsh Show on
back better than ever for 2022 and the future.”
the Minolis of Machen stand under the grandstand.
The National Ice Cream Competition has been running for
The parlour sells the original seven classic flavours Minolis
77 years and bestows a badge of quality and excellence on all
created (Dairy Vanilla, Wild Strawberry, Chocolate, Mint
those that win. It was judged by 43 experts over two days at
Chocolate Chip, Dairy Toffee, Rum and Raisin, Dairy Coffee)
the Ice Cream and Artisan Food Show 2022.
but keep these up to date by creating special sundaes with high quality sauces and toppings to give different flavour 30
Fastfood Professional • June and July 2022
For more information on the Ice Cream Alliance visit: www.ice-cream.org June and July 2022 • Fastfood Professional
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