The end of the frozen dessert season is quickly approaching! It has been a most interesting year as we all tried to recuperate from the effects of the pandemic – changes in customer behavior patterns, product shortages & outages, rising prices due to inflation, transportation, and crop issues. Even though most of your staff is returning to college and you are working tirelessly to fill their hours, now is the time to boost your business and your bank account to do as your Mother always advised you to do … “Save for a rainy day”!
Here are a few suggestions on how you can follow your Mother’s advice:
Fall Flavors RULE!
As students start returning to school and the leaves start to change, capitalize on the flavors that are in high demand during this time period. Apple Pie. Pumpkin. Churro. Toasted Marshmallow. Cinnamon. Caramel Apple. Ginger. Horchata. Get creative by incorporating some of these flavors into existing products such as Hot Chocolate Cinnamon, or Pumpkin Vanilla, or create unique menu offerings highlighting these flavor profiles. You are only limited by your imagination.
School Days & Sports
Talk to your local school districts for fund-raising opportunities, promotions and providing special event treats for their students or faculty. Sponsor a local sports team while promoting your brand and your special products. Fall sports leagues are always open to partnering. By doing so now – in the fall- you will even help your business in the spring when you officially open up for next season.
Special Events
As people start to leave their artificially cooled homes and once again venture outside to spend most of their days, create exciting events to entice them to your location. Pumpkin painting, a cornhole challenge, hayrides, trick or treat, or just collecting items for charity. No matter the weather, events plus the availability of delicious treats equals SALES and happy customers. Be an experience not just a frozen dessert store!
Know your Temps & Treats
Italian Ice sales decline as the temperature dips below the mid 80’s, while ice cream and gelato sales increase. By keeping these trends in mind and incorporating Fall flavor profiles into your menu, you can better anticipate your customer demands. The availability of Take-Home treats such as ice cream sandwiches, pops, pre-packaged cones, Ice Cream Sundae Party Kits, pints and quarts are key. Customers will not only buy something from your new Fall menu to enjoy immediately, but will want to take a few treats home to enjoy later as the weather starts to dip. Be sure to price them accordingly to cover your packaging costs.
Prune the Excess
Look at your store hours, your staffing, and your menu and adjust accordingly. Trim away those items on your menu that are not a significant portion of your business. It is also a good time to use up any leftover inventory by getting creative and coming up with a promotional flavor or item. Too many jars of Strawberry Topping? Why not develop a Strawberry-Apple variegate for your Fall ice cream flavors?
For more business tips, suggestions and frozen dessert manufacturing products, check out our website on a regular basis or subscribe to our website for special emailed promotions and new product announcements.
Gil's Ice Cream Supplies
320 W Oak Lane Glenolden PA 19036
610-237-6501 GilsWholesale.com IceCreamSupplesWholesale.com
Gil’s Wholesale Distributors/ Gil's Ice Cream Supplies is a family owned Pennsylvania based full service distributor with over 40 years of providing personalized service & product expertise for wholesale tobacco, cigars, cigarettes & tobacco related products, ice cream, Italian Ice, Gelato & frozen dessert manufacturing supplies, convenience store products, paper & plastic items, candy, concession, automotive and janitorial products.
Located 10 minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport, our delivery area is PA, NJ, and DE and we ship throughout the U.S. and abroad by common carrier, as well as offer convenient Pick Up services at our customer-friendly showroom.
With over 8,000 SKU’s, we stock Ice Cream Mix, Italian Ice Flavors & Bases, Gelato ingredients, Variegates, Toppings, Syrups, Cones, Candy, janitorial supplies, and concession items such as popcorn and snow cone supplies. We also carry paper & plastic items such as cups, utensils, straws, napkins and containers for serving, manufacturing, Take-Out and packaging to simplify your ordering.
FREE Customer Parking.
One Stop Shopping for all of your business or organization needs.
No membership required. Call us today!