A family-run ice
cream brand has launched a new flavour after consumer research found it to be
the nation's most appealing choice.
Mackie’s of Scotland will see its new ice cream
flavour, toffee fudge, hit shelves this month after it commissioned a thorough
market research campaign which surveyed new and existing flavours with
consumers.
The study was
carried out by food and drink business consultants, Levercliff, and found that
out of 26 different combinations, toffee fudge had the broadest appeal across
the UK, with 40% of people saying it was their preferred choice.
The ice cream
will be available in Scottish Tesco stores, as well as Ocado across England and
Wales. Scottish Sainsbury’s stores will also stock the flavour from mid-May.
Kirstin McNutt,
Development Director with Mackie’s oversaw the extensive market research
project and subsequent flavour creation.
She said: “When developing the
product, we gathered numerous amounts of data on trends, supplier ideas and
market gap analysis, and ended up with a host of different flavour ideas.
“We narrowed it
down to five flavour concepts, and our research found toffee fudge to be by far
the most popular. The research insights also showed consumers really enjoy the
textural experience of the ice cream.
“We want to
provide our consumers with the flavours they love the most, and with our recent
survey findings we believe our latest flavour will definitely be a crowd
pleaser.”
Produced on
Mackie’s farm in Aberdeenshire, the flavour is created by using fresh milk from
its own herd of dairy cows.
Mackie’s also
creates its toffee swirl using a new sauce making machine which has enabled the
family-run business to make even more ingredients on the farm without external
sourcing.
Kirstin said: “We
aim to create as many of our ingredients on the farm as possible and our sauce
making machine and freezing apparatus has helped to develop a deliciously
smooth product which is packed full of rich textures.”
Variations of the
recipe were trialled in Mackie’s 19.2 - the company’s ice cream parlour in
central Aberdeen. The name reflects the 19.2 miles distance to the family farm
where it has made ice cream since 1986.
Mackie’s
experiments with new flavours in the parlour and visitors can enjoy various
seasonal specials in addition to being able to try new products destined for
the retail range.
Mackie’s of
Scotland has been producing ice cream on its family farm since 1986, using
wind and sun-powered renewable energy to power its dairy production.
Mackie’s has produced luxury ice cream for generations, conducting a mullite
consumer-backed experiments with new flavours over the years.
To find out more
about Mackie’s, please visit: www.mackies.co.uk