An ice cream maker in Northumberland, who developed a love for her work from spending idyllic childhood summers helping to serve customers from her parents' ice cream van, is celebrating sweet success at the national sector awards.
Zoe Philipson, from Tyne Valley Ices in Hexham, whipped the competition to win what's described as the biggest prize in the industry - the title of Ice Cream Van of the Year. And, after years of hard work in the family business, the award "means the world" she says.
The awards, run by the Ice Cream Alliance - the UK’s ice cream industry trade association, saw the category reduced to a shortlist and Zoe in the running with two other finalists, ahead of an interview by a panel of experts. She came out on top for her exceptional customer service and dedication to both the industry and her local community.
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A delighted Zoe said: “Winning Ice Cream Van of the Year means the world to me. After many years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice, it's fantastic to be crowned the best in the country.
"It was a fantastic experience from start to finish and I can't wait to see what the future brings.” Her parents founded Tyne Valley Ices in 1974 and the business, which had just one ice cream van when Zoe joined, now has a fleet of vehicles - five vans, two trikes and a barrow - in addition to a factory, just outside Hexham, where they make ice cream and sauces for wholesale.
Zoe took over the company after joining full-time on finishing her A levels just over 10 years ago and it proved a natural next step for her to indulge her ice passion. “My childhood summers were spent with both my parents in an ice cream van, eagerly awaiting customers," she recalled.
"It was truly idyllic - a child’s dream.” Now Tyne Valley Ices has its weekly rounds; regular pop-ups at caravan parks, playgrounds and care homes and also attends corporate, charity, school, village and wedding events throughout Northumberland.
The Ice Cream Van of the Year title, known as Mobiler of the Year in the trade, has been awarded annually for more than 70 years, with entrants judged upon their customer service, product quality, local community support, food hygiene excellence and other attributes. Zelica Carr, chief executive officer of the ICA, said: “A big congratulations to Zoe and everyone at Tyne Valley Ices who have been recognised for being the best in the business.
"Ice cream vans, indeed, the whole ice cream sector, have had a challenging time over the last two years. Zoe shows that the sector has overcome these challenges and has bounced back better than ever for 2022 and the future.”
News of the win was welcomed by followers of Tyne Valley Ices Facebook page, where responses included: "Well done and congratulations, what a fantastic achievement"; "You work so hard and deserve every bit of success" and "Your hard work has paid off! I sense fame and fortune are coming your way."
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