Episode 124: How Granny Gothards Built a Luxury Ice Cream Brand from Scratch

What makes an ice cream genuinely luxurious? In Episode 124 of The Ceres Podcast, host Stelios Theocharous sits down with Amanda Stansfield, the force behind Granny Gothards, to explore how she transformed a small artisan operation into an internationally recognised premium ice cream brand. This episode is packed with insights into craftsmanship, the changing food industry, and the importance of staying true to quality over mass production.

The Birth of a Luxury Ice Cream Brand

Granny Gothards, nestled in the heart of Devon, is not just another ice cream company. Amanda shares how she took over a struggling business, originally producing ice cream on a small scale, and turned it into a brand sought after by top chefs and international buyers. With no background in food manufacturing, Amanda’s transition from corporate accounting to artisan ice cream making is a story of passion, learning, and resilience.

She recalls how she and her business partner initially set out to sell ice cream at local fairs but quickly realised that standing in fields every weekend wasn’t the right model. Instead, they pivoted to supplying high-end restaurants, offering chefs a product that was as good as—or better than—what they could make in-house. This decision set Granny Gothards apart, establishing its reputation as an exclusive, high-quality brand.

What Makes Granny Gothards Different?

Unlike many commercial ice creams filled with artificial ingredients, Granny Gothards prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Amanda explains the lengths they go to to maintain authenticity:

• Fresh milk is delivered daily from a nearby farm.
• Every batch of ice cream is made with Clarence Court egg yolks, giving it a rich, natural colour.
• Each flavour has its own unique recipe, rather than relying on a single base mix.
• No artificial colourings or additives—mint ice cream isn’t green, and strawberry ice cream isn’t bright pink.

Stelios and Amanda discuss the industry’s reliance on adding air to ice cream to increase volume. Granny Gothards, however, refuses to compromise on density and texture, ensuring a velvety, rich experience for the consumer.

Ice Cream Without Borders: The Export Journey

One of the most remarkable aspects of Granny Gothards’ growth is its international expansion. Faced with the seasonal nature of the UK market, Amanda sought ways to make sales consistent year-round. Enter Dubai—a market where ice cream is in demand 365 days a year. Amanda’s first international deal came after she flew out to pitch her product without even bringing samples. Her sheer passion and confidence in the brand landed her a 3-ton order.

Granny Gothards is now exported to Singapore, China, and the Middle East, with its British heritage being a key selling point. The brand’s commitment to using real ingredients stands out in markets where authenticity and quality are valued. Amanda also teases plans, including the possibility of opening high-end dessert bars abroad.

The Value of Sticking to Your Principles

A recurring theme in the episode is Amanda’s refusal to compromise on quality. Despite offers to lower costs by changing ingredients, she firmly believes that luxury should never be watered down for the sake of volume. Whether dealing with top-tier chefs or supermarket buyers, she insists on keeping Granny Gothards premium.

One particularly striking moment in the conversation comes when Stelios and Amanda discuss how people often judge food by price rather than ingredients. Amanda points out that her ice cream may seem expensive compared to mass-market brands, but it simply reflects the real ingredients. “We don’t sell ice cream,” she says. “We sell indulgence.”

Why You Should Listen to This Episode

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in food craftsmanship, business growth, and the power of staying true to your values. Amanda’s journey involves reinvention, smart business decisions, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether you’re a food entrepreneur, a hospitality professional, or simply someone who appreciates excellent ice cream, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a premium brand.

Listen Now

Catch the full episode of The Ceres Podcast featuring Amanda Stansfield of Granny Gothards. Discover why luxury ice cream is more than just a treat—it’s an experience. Subscribe to The Ceres Podcast on Apple Podcasts and your favourite streaming platforms for more industry insights and inspiring business stories.