SPECIALY ice cream makers Boozy Udders have launched a crowdfunding campaign seeking to raise £150,000 in order to capitalise on the growing demand for alcoholic ices.
Based in Eridge, and launched in 2016, the company arose from a dinner party experiment after founders Sarah and Russell Ward were seeking to create a new desert to impress their guests.
Their cocktail ice creams, which have an alcoholic content of 4.5 per cent ABV, proved so popular that it is now stocked 75 farm shops and delis. Its five ‘flagship’ flavours are listed as Margarita, Jamaican Rum Punch, Pina Colada, Chocolate Brandy Alexander and Passion Fruit Porn Star.
Mrs Ward, who works under the title of Chief Udder, said the money they hope to raise from the fundraising will go towards expanding the manufacturing base, recruiting a managing director as well as a head of sales.
The company’s crowdfunding pitch states “Boozy Udders plans to build the brand’s existing foot holding in farm shops and delis via major distributors, whilst launching nationally in UK major grocery stores, upmarket food halls and wine merchants.
“Boozy Udders aims to be seen in ‘all the right places’ to play to the brand’s unique personality and we’ll create a strong presence in entertainment venues including theatres, cinemas, restaurants and hotels. We also plan to export to key strategic markets and sell party kits direct to consumers.”
Sales at the business are expected to grow almost tenfold over the coming year, with a forecasted revenue in 2017/18 of £382,000, up from £40,000 in 2016/17. The company is offering just under 16 per cent in equity to investors – valuing it at £800,000.
The firm believe this can be achieved by further expanding into a market for luxury ice cream that is growing at a rate of 15 per cent year on year.
