Chapman’s scooped significant accolades at this year’s International Ice Cream Consortium conference (IICC), securing titles such as Ice Cream Maker of the Year, Best Technical Solution, and Most Innovative Ice Cream. This esteemed recognition from the global ice cream community underscores Chapman’s prominent role in the industry.
Last week, the largest independent ice cream companies from around the world convened in Thessaloniki, Greece, to showcase their finest products and innovations. With representatives from 14 countries and over 100 delegates in attendance, the Canadian team faced formidable competition.
Ice Cream Maker of The Year
The recipient of this most prestigious award within the IICC is determined by an overall performance score accumulated during the conference, which considers various factors such as contributions, participation, and rankings in different categories.
This accolade places Chapman’s among the elite ice cream producers globally, following previous honorees like Seville from the United Arab Emirates (2022-2024), Sia Glass from Sweden (2019), and TipTop from New Zealand (2018).
“Every company within the IICC is a true master of their trade. Knowing how strong other ice cream makers are and how amazing their products are, I am especially proud of this recognition from the international ice cream community,” said Ashley Chapman, COO of Chapman’s Ice Cream.
Most Innovative Ice Cream
Chapman’s has introduced Sweetgrass ice cream in the Most Innovative Ice Cream category, a distinctive creation in partnership with Indigenous Chef Zach Keeshig. Originally crafted for the Runway of Reziliance, an Indigenous fashion event, this product has been attracting large crowds at different events organized by Zach and Chapman’s.
Made with locally sourced, fresh sweetgrass and sweetened with Canadian maple syrup, this ice cream certainly made an impression, taking first place within the category. Chef Zach Keeshig, who also attended the event, accepted the award together with the Chapman’s team.
“This international recognition means that Indigenous food and culture are being recognized on a worldwide platform now,” noted Chef Zack Keeshig, the owner of Nagaan, a restaurant in Owen Sound, Ontario, featuring Aboriginal cuisine.
Blind Tasting: Vanilla Ice Cream
In celebration of Vanilla as the flavour of the year, various companies presented their finest vanilla ice cream products for a blind tasting competition. Participants evaluated the entries based on criteria such as overall flavour, creaminess, uniqueness, and visual appeal.
Chapman’s Vanilla Trilogy Super Premium Plus ice cream secured second place, tying with Norway’s Diplom-Is.
The top honour in the Best Vanilla Ice Cream category was awarded to Sia Glass from Sweden. Notably, Vanilla Trilogy features a pioneering combination of premium vanilla beans sourced from Madagascar, Tahiti, and Papua New Guinea.
Among other awards received by Chapman’s at IICC Greece was a third place win in the Best Ice Cream category for their Peach Melba flavour, which draws inspiration from a classic French dessert. Additionally, they were honoured with the Best Technical Solution award for their innovative training program focused on continuous freezers.
Furthermore, Chapman’s secured second place in the Best Commercial Solution category for their creative approach to navigating tariffs and their active participation in the “Support Canadian” movement.
The International Ice Cream Consortium (IICC) is a global organization that represents independent ice cream manufacturers, established in 1986. This association serves as a platform for collaboration and innovation, fostering a sense of community within the ice cream industry. Since 2013, Chapman’s has proudly held membership in the IICC, actively participating in initiatives that promote quality and creativity in ice cream production worldwide.
Chapman’s is a Canadian family owned and operated ice cream maker located in Markdale, Ontario. Established in 1973, this award-winning brand has grown to offer over 200 products, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, water ice, and a diverse range of single-serve novelties.
Their products are available exclusively across Canada, reaching every province and territory from coast to coast. The company is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, providing frozen treats that cater to various dietary needs, such as lower calorie, gluten free, lactose free, peanut free, nut free, egg free, and no sugar added options. For further details, please visit chapmans.ca.
