The Ice Cream & Artisan Food Show 2025 celebrates
Credit: Ice Cream Alliance
The Ice Cream & Artisan Food Show 2025 celebrated its biggest year yet at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre on 4-5 February, solidifying its reputation as the UK’s premier event for ice cream and artisan food enthusiasts, the organisers say.
The showcase attracted global buyers, leading manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, parlours, mobilers, restaurants and more all eager to explore the latest innovations in the dessert world.
Here’s the scoop on some of coolest highlights from this year’s event:
- With over 60 exhibitors, ranging from machinery, packaging, ingredients, logistics, accountancy, payment app solution, insurance and more.
- Over 5,000 attendees, including industry professionals and buyers from around the world, came together to sample the finest ice cream products and build valuable connections.
- More than 65% of attendees placed orders at the show, with an average order of £11,500, highlighting the event’s impact as a major industry marketplace.
- The famous Dubai Chocolate and olive oil-flavoured ice cream (a trend popularised by pop icon Dua Lipa) made waves, while classics such as pistachio, Nutella and Kinder Bueno remained crowd favourites
- Ice creams and lollies for pets, letting pets and pet owners share the joys of ice cream together.
- With advancements in emulsification technology, dairy-free ice creams are on the rise, offering rich and creamy textures for everyone.
- Dessert parlours are thriving, with growing consumer cravings for indulgent treats such as cookie dough and churros.
The industry seminars tackled pressing issues for businesses of all sizes, with topics such as how to manage seasonal cash flow, the ongoing card versus cash debate, and maximising social media.
Nigel Barden, BBC food and drink broadcaster, hosted interviews with finalists for prestigious awards such as Parlour of the Year and Mobiler of the Year. Attendees were also abuzz about upcoming competitions, including the National Ice Cream Competition, which recognised the nation’s best ice cream manufacturers in the UK; Parlour of the Year, honouring parlours that excel in customer experience, innovation and quality, Mobiler of the Year, which highlighted exceptional mobilers that bring joy to their communities with their outstanding service and treats. Additionally, there was the Marvin Benton Award, presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the ice cream industry through innovation, leadership and dedication, and the Guido Morelli Rising Star Award, which showcased the brightest emerging talents in the industry.
Otter Valley, the winner of Parlour of the Year in 2024, said, “Winning the prestigious Ice Cream Parlour of the Year has been the highlight of our career as ice cream producers of 15 years.
Winners will be announced at the highly anticipated ICA awards night on March 5th. With over 80 years of history, this event is a highlight of the year, known for its rigorous judging process and the recognition of the highest standards and innovations in the ice cream sector.
