Innovation is key to the ice cream industry. Retailers are constantly looking for products that promise to drive greater traffic to the frozen aisle – and, ultimately, more revenue and margin per square inch of shelf space. As a result, retail shelves are constantly reshuffled.
This recurring upheaval has given rise to fresh consumer expectations. The people buying the ice cream expect new flavors, textures, and experiences. And brands? While they must meet these demands to have a chance of remaining listed. Essentially, innovation has become THE pillar for any brand in retail.
Yet, it’s often difficult to know which trends to follow. After all, you want to create something that will attract consumers and differentiate you from the competition while producing maximum ROI.
That’s where testing, testing, and more testing comes in handy. Unfortunately, finding a suitable space to experiment with creating new products can be challenging.
Thankfully, Gram Equipment recognized this problem and decided to address it. Enter: The Ice Technology Center.
Unsurprisingly, we were very curious about this new venture – after all, we’re always looking for global solutions for the ice cream industry. So this month, we decided to interview Søren C Meyer, R&D Manager at Gram Equipment, to learn more about it. Now, we’re bringing our findings to you. Let’s get started!
Tell us more about Gram Equipment.
Gram Equipment is a global leader in providing cutting-edge solutions for ice cream production. With over a century of expertise in the field, we’re dedicated to simplifying complex technical concepts and driving innovation in the ice cream industry. Our Ice Technology Center stands as a testament to our commitment to partnership and collaboration, offering manufacturers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of ice cream production.
Why was the Ice Technology Center created?
Ice cream production is complex, and an increasing demand for innovation exists. We recognized that manufacturers needed a facility to accommodate their desire to test and develop new ice cream products efficiently. So, in 2021, we launched a solution – the Ice Technology Center.
Since launching, we've been privileged to welcome many customers and conduct more than 30 tests. These tests have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of ice cream technology. I’m pleased to say the Center is earning a reputation for facilitating innovation!
And while the Ice Technology Center exists to serve ice cream companies, it also benefits our company. We can rigorously test our equipment and ensure it meets the highest quality and performance standards.
What can manufacturers test in the Center, and how does it benefit them?
The Ice Technology Center offers a comprehensive range of testing capabilities for ice cream manufacturers:
Coating: Exploring different coatings allows manufacturers to refine their products’ surfaces to enhance flavor and texture.
Texture and Temperature: In strictly controlled environments, manufacturers can experiment with ice cream texture and temperature to ensure their product meets the desired specifications.
Large Inclusions: Manufacturers can incorporate larger inclusions, such as fruits or nuts, and ensure an even spread throughout the product.
Fillers: Testing fillers is crucial to achieving the perfect consistency in ice cream, and our Center provides the ideal environment for this.
Freezers: Manufacturers can experiment with various freezer options to optimize the freezing process for their recipes.
Wrapping: The ice cream industry is increasingly seeking recyclable packaging solutions. To sustainably meet this demand, we’ve been rigorously testing paper with a water-based barrier coating.
Why would manufacturers go to your Center instead of testing internally?
Depending on the ice cream manufacturer, there are many different reasons for using our Ice Technology Center.
The first one is our affordability. Testing at our facility is 70-80 percent cheaper than internal testing. This cost-efficiency is primarily due to avoiding production line shutdowns and costly mistakes.
The Center also houses various ice cream production equipment, which is very appealing to manufacturers. Ice cream producers can explore innovative production methods and technologies without the commitment to purchase the equipment themselves.
In addition, manufacturers have access to our experienced team. They can receive invaluable technical support throughout the testing process and help overcome challenges. Basically, you’re not doing it alone!
Finally, many manufacturers enjoy our collaborative environment. Being around other industry experts often sparks new ideas and innovations that manufacturers might not discover through internal testing alone.
How long before a launch does an ice cream brand need to contact your Center?
Timing is crucial when utilizing our Ice Technology Center. Manufacturers should reach out well in advance to coordinate with our R&D managers.
Remember that many ice cream brands have hierarchical decision-making processes and external go-to-market dates to meet. Planning is critical to ensuring a smooth testing and development process.
Finally, how does a manufacturer get access to this Center?
Because of our cost-efficiency, our Center is accessible to large and small industry players. We have no specific requirements for users to access the space. Since our primary focus is on fostering innovation and collaboration, we welcome anyone passionate about pushing the boundaries of ice cream production technology.
The Takeaway: Gram Equipment’s Ice Technology Center
Although crucial to a brand’s success, breakthrough innovation in ice cream isn’t easy. Gram Equipment’s Ice Technology Center can support manufacturers and brands in propelling their innovation process. When you combine the Center’s modern ice cream production equipment and knowledgeable industry experts, you’re bound to come up with one of your best ideas yet!
Want more information on the Ice Technology Center? Email us to get started.
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ABOUT INNODELICE
Founded by former executives in the ice cream industry, INNODELICE aims to create a worldwide ecosystem of solutions within the frozen dessert industry. Thanks to the relationships fostered by INNODELICE, manufacturers, brands, importers, distributors, and suppliers can discover, buy, and sell solutions to grow their businesses. These solutions include co-manufactured and branded products and innovative and competitive ingredients, packaging, and services. Our collaboration model generates lower costs and fewer risks for our participating partners while optimizing their time to market. To learn more about INNODELICE, contact Andrea Montreuil or visit www.innodelice.com.