Cornwall-based luxury ice cream maker Gwella Dairy has enjoyed a healthy first six-months trading after securing a £50,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank.
Located in St Martin in Meneage, on the Lizard Peninsula, Gwella Dairy produces more than 25 flavours of ice cream made from the milk of grass-fed pedigree Jersey cows. Available by the scoop or full-size tubs at the on-site farm shop, Gwella also distributes to pubs, restaurants and cafes.
With more than five years’ experience making award-winning ice cream in Devon, Katie Bray returned to her parents’ dairy farm, Tregevis Farm and founded Gwella Dairy in April 2021.
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The five-figure loan from Lloyds Bank helped to support the diversification of Tregevis Farm, which included the purchase of five pedigree Jersey cows and the development of a dedicated ice-cream shop for Gwella Dairy, along with outdoor seating and a children’s play area, open weekly to the public from Friday to Sunday.
Since launching in April 2021, Gwella has seen production levels more than double as a result of high demand for its ice cream as it plans to extend the menu for the new year.
Ms Bray said: “Since launching the business in April, we’ve had amazing support from local residents along with café and restaurant owners throughout St. Martins.
“I make all the ice cream myself and even though managing the day-to-business operations while keeping on top of the demand for our products is challenging, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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“The support from Lloyds Bank has allowed my passion for making ice cream to reach new heights. Their knowledge and experience have supported the diversification of my parents farm and the launch of the business, which has proved invaluable.”
Jeremy Weekes, agricultural relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “In recent years, there has been a growing demand for high-quality local dairy produce from across the region. The launch of Gwella Dairy epitomises this and we’re proud to have been able to support a local business with huge potential. We will remain by the side of agricultural business to help them achieve their growth ambitions.”
