Retailers, ice cream distributors and ice cream makers all know that the right types of frozen desserts are essential for a successful business, but finding the appropriate treats can lead to a sticky mess. That’s why it’s important to learn the right ice cream key terms to better understand what you’re buying. These terms ensure a high quality wholesale ice cream product.

Both ice cream wholesalers and ice cream suppliers use specific terms to describe their products and the processes used to make their products. This is important information to understand the health and safety issues behind your frozen treats. Before purchasing ice cream for your business, consider the following:

1. Suppliers of ice cream offer different types of ice cream and these products have a taste and texture that varies greatly.

2. Ice cream is only one type of frozen dessert; the best ice cream producers should also have other closely related products.

3. Ice cream manufacturers have to meet certain standards of quality in order to label a product as ice cream.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the key terms for types of wholesale ice cream to choose the best product for your business

Ice cream is a complicated dessert. In fact, the USDA has set a standard for all commercially sold ice cream. It needs to contain at least 10% butter fat, which is also called milk fat. However, this product can contain different amounts of overrun. The key term, overrun refers to the amount of air churned into the ice cream during freezing. Ice cream that has higher percentages of butter fat and overrun have different names, such as premium and economy.

I recommend: Dairyforall.com is a great resource for all things ice cream. There’s even a section of the site that goes over manufacturing techniques for ice cream makers that contains more key terms. Check out Slashfood for educated opinions and definitions of ice cream and other frozen desserts.

Include basic frozen dessert, not just ice cream, key terms in your knowledge database

It's important for any ice cream retailer or ice cream distributor or maker to have knowledge of other types of frozen desserts. Customers may refer to a product as ice cream when they're really looking for ice milk or frozen yogurt. In these cases, ice milk is made with milk instead of cream and frozen yogurt is made with yogurt instead of cream.

I recommend: THE NIBBLE magazine offers a helpful glossary of ice cream and frozen desserts that includes terms and in-depth definitions. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on there, check out the International Dairy and Foods Association for more key terms and definitions. Also, visit its labeling definitions page to learn the key terms regarding the labels you’ll find on ice cream.

Educate yourself on basic ice cream key terms and label requirements

Manufacturers can't label just any product as ice cream. Ice cream has to meet certain requirements in order to obtain the name ice cream. Some of these include percentage of overrun, amount of butter fat and the fact that the product is made with cream and not another dairy product.

I recommend: Real California Milk from the California Milk Advisory Board offers a nice glossary of ice cream terms and requirements. Also, check out the websites storage suggestions for getting the best flavor from your ice cream products. RecipeTips.com is a great resource for ice cream terms associated with cooking and creating food items with ice cream.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you buy your ice cream, ask your ice cream wholesaler about their product storage conditions. Ice cream should be stored at zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Ice cream is a popular dessert option, and a variety of business owners offer this tasty, frozen concoction.

Ice cream wholesalers offer a variety of wholesale ice cream options including large quantities of traditional ice cream flavors as well as novelty ice cream items and flavors and soft serve options. Additionally, non-dairy ice cream options for individuals with diet restrictions or lactose intolerance are gaining popularity.

The following businesses can benefit from product offerings from ice cream distributors and ice cream suppliers:

1. Ice cream and candy shop owners.
2. Restaurant owners, including upscale dining establishments.
3. Coffee shops, particularly ones that offer creamy iced coffee drinks.
4. Diner owners.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order from ice cream distributors and ice cream wholesalers

If you want to supply your customers with quality ice cream, look at what the big brands offer in terms of wholesale ice cream.

I recommend: Call Giffords Ice Cream & Candy Co. for wholesale ice cream in the Washington, D.C. area. Contact The Ice Cream Club Inc. for information on national wholesale ice cream and their licensing program. Fill out a form if you want to order wholesale from Dreyer's Ice Cream. If you're in the mid-Atlantic region, Berliner Specialty Distributors is the ice cream distribution company to turn to.

Locate mobile ice cream suppliers

Not all ice cream sales occur in brick-and-mortar stores. Consider the mobile options that some ice cream suppliers offer. Keep in mind that mobile ice cream retailers have a longer season in warmer climates.

I recommend: Berliner Specialty Distributors offers mobile vending for national-brand ice cream products.

Look locally for ice cream makers

Buying from local ice cream makers gives you many advantages - you are more likely to get a better price, you will forge bonds with your community and your customers will know that you support local farmers and small businesses.

I recommend: The Food Routes Network has information on ordering from local suppliers. Go to FarmFresh.org for a list of U.S. farms that produce or are partnered with other companies to make ice cream.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ice cream is still a dessert option if you own an upscale dining establishment. Just choose your flavors carefully. Opt for coffee-flavored or pistachio-flavored ice cream.
• •  Expand your menu by offering dairy-free options for vegans and individuals with lactose intolerance. Soy ice cream, rice ice cream, and sorbet are great choices for both health-conscious individuals and those with dietary restrictions.
• •  If you're solely an ice cream store owner, join the National Ice Cream Retailers Association to stay informed about industry news and events. They have an annual convention and offer multiple publications as well.
• •  Pay particular attention to any information you receive from your ice cream supplier or ice cream wholesaler. Store ice cream at the appropriate temperature.
• •  Apply for the appropriate permits if you're a mobile ice cream retailer. Regulations and restrictions vary by state and region.

Whether dripping off a cone or nestled in a cool cup, ice cream is a treat enjoyed by millions of people each day. As a business owner, you know how much your customers love a cold, creamy treat. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date with the current news and trends in the ice cream industry.

To keep current with the industry’s news start with establishing great communication with ice cream distributors and ice cream wholesalers. Beyond those outlets, it’s also essential to read and research a few other resources. When completing research on ice cream news and trends, remember the following:

1. Magazines and other publications are a great source for news and trends with ice cream suppliers and retailers.

2. Don’t overlook blogs; they offer tidbits and opinions about wholesale ice cream that you won’t find in any other sources.

3. Associations can also be reliable resources for information about the ice cream industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gather industry-specific publications to find ice cream information, news and trends

As a business owner, chances are you already read a handful of ice cream related publications, but there are a few key magazines that are essential to read in order to stay up to date with the current news with ice cream producers and ice cream distribution.

I recommend: The National Dipper magazine is a special publication just for ice cream retailers. It’s the perfect source for news for ice cream makers and retailers. Check out Desserts Magazine for current news and trends in the world of sweets and ice cream.

Compile a list of ice cream focused blogs for the latest ice cream news and trends

Whether you purchase wholesale ice cream or simply supplies to make your own brand, blogs offer news and educated opinions that you can't find anywhere else. In modern day society, there are millions of blogs and bloggers. It's important to find the best blogs with great information and news concerning the ice cream industry specifically.

I recommend: For ice cream reviews and news check out A Daily Scoop. It is a great resource for ice cream makers and ice cream suppliers alike. All Things Ice Cream is another ideal source for information and news for ice cream manufactures and retailers.

Find ice cream news and trends through industry associations

Ice cream and dairy foods associations are one of the best resources for ice cream industry news and trends. Suppliers of ice cream, ice cream distributors and retailers can all access these Internet sites for news and information. However, it may not be possible to be a member of certain associations unless your business meets association requirements.

I recommend: The National Ice Cream Retailers Association is a group that’s exclusive to ice cream retailers; however, it is also a great resource for anyone seeking news about the ice cream industry. For more of a broad overview of dairy food news and trends check out the International Dairy Foods Association, with a webpage that covers ice cream and other dairy foods, you’re sure to find the information you seek.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Also check out associations and groups in your local area and state for up to date ice cream information.

Having the right ice cream supplies and equipment is essential in order to produce batches of wholesale ice cream to distribute to restaurants and stores. One way to get started is to research ice cream information, supplies, equipment and other accessories, which can be done by going online or by visiting ice cream makers and distributors for guidance and some ideas.

Buying ice cream supplies and equipment depends on workspace and how much equipment that you would like to operate. For instance, smaller ice cream businesses may start with ice cream makers and freezers ranging from tabletop to floor models, whereas all-in-one, larger units may be needed to mix, freeze and serve ice cream if you have a larger ice cream distribution business. Other ice cream supplies and equipment include soft serve machines and ice cream scoops, as well as dispensers for cones and bowls. Finally, find the right ingredients from ice cream distributors, or use your own for a homemade touch, to produce quality wholesale ice cream.

1. Take inventory of all the ice cream supplies and equipment needed.

2. Research pricing options of ice cream ingredients, supplies and equipment.

3. Connect with suppliers of ice cream for delivery or other services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine the types and quantities needed of ice cream supplies and equipment

Find models and sizes of ice cream makers, freezers, dipwells and more based on the batches you're able to produce as an ice cream distributor.

I recommend: Central Restaurant Products stocks a variety of commercial ice cream makers, freezers, dipping cabinets and concession accessories. Seek milk shake machines and batch, soft serve and display freezers at Galasource. Fun Food Depot also sells several types of ice cream vending and filling equipment.

Pick ice cream supplies and equipment at competitive rates

Choose affordable and quality ice cream supplies and equipment, as well as ingredients, that won't affect your bottom line.

I recommend: Find buyer’s guides, and discounted new and used ice cream machines at ACityDiscount. MakeIceCream and My Popcorn Machine also supply ice cream makers and accessories at competitive rates.

Work with suppliers of ice cream for ideas or customer service

Get help from ice cream wholesalers regarding delivery, installation and troubleshooting, and other issues.

I recommend: Ice cream suppliers FoodServiceWarehouse helps ice cream makers with purchasing decisions pertaining to ice cream equipment and supplies. The company also provides overviews of its product shipping and returning policies. Ideas for ice cream flavors and accessories such as posters and advertisements can be found at The Ice Cream Club. Customize your ice cream maker units and installations at Ice Cream Equipment World.