Purbeck Ice Cream

What Purbeck Ice Cream does

Purbeck Ice Cream is a Dorset-based, family-owned producer of premium real dairy ice cream founded in 1988 by Peter and Hazel Hartle. The company operates from Lower Scoles Farm in Kingston, Wareham (Isle of Purbeck), where it performs on-site pasteurisation using 60% Purbeck whole milk and 22% Dorset cream, a formulation it states is the highest dairy content used in UK ice cream. The product range spans over 40 flavours of real dairy ice cream, a dairy-free vegan line built on pea protein, a real-fruit sorbet line using Dorset spring water, and themed products (e.g., the Jurassic Range). Adjacent businesses under the Purbeck family umbrella include Purbeck Chocolate (single-origin Ecuadorian bars), Purbeck Cider, Pawbeck (2025 dairy-free dog treats), and the distributed Dorset Rose whole-fruit lolly brand. Certifications include BRC, Halal, 5-star food hygiene, and carbon neutral status since 2021.

The business operates five revenue streams: retail ice cream sales via Dorset-based farm shops, delis and independent stores; events and catering using a fleet of up to eight mobile units (five scooping vans, two soft-whip vans branded Duke & Duchess of Swirl, and one fully electric unit called ePIC) at UK county shows, flower shows, weddings, and festivals; home delivery within BH and DT postcodes priced by phone order; B2B trade/wholesale to restaurants, pubs and scooping parlours through a password-protected trade portal; and event hire through a third-party partner network. Public pricing is unit-based (e.g., 4L tubs at £39.73 standard, £46.42 for 4L vegan, with seasonal Chrimbo Pud flavour at £50.90). Customer concentration is distributed across individual consumers, hospitality accounts (e.g., Wadworth Brewery covering 19 restaurants), retail stockists, and event hire companies, with no single dominant account disclosed. Headcount is reported at 11-50 employees; revenue is not publicly disclosed and the business has no external funding rounds, remaining entirely founder/family-owned.

Name

Purbeck Ice Cream

Legal name

Purbeck Ice Cream

Website

https://purbeckicecream.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Purbeck Ice Cream is a Dorset-based, family-owned producer of premium real dairy ice cream made from 60% Purbeck milk and 22% Dorset cream. It serves individual consumers, hospitality operators, retail stockists, and event clients across the UK through mobile vans, farm shops, home delivery, and hire partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Real dairy ice cream production and distribution

NAICS

Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (311520), Ice Cream and Frozen Dessert Manufacturing (31152)

SIC

Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts (2024), Dairy Products (2020)

akta.pro primary industry

Ice Cream, Frozen Desserts & Novelties Manufacturing (AFAKAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ice Cream & Refrigerated Desserts (CRADACAE), Reduced-Fat/Low-Fat/No-Sugar-Added Frozen Dairy Desserts Manufacturing (AFAHAEAJ), Plant-Based Frozen Desserts Processing (Non-Dairy Ice Cream, Gelato, Novelties) (AFAHAJAE), Ice Cream & Gelato Shops (THAFAGAA), Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts Wholesale (AFAIAHAC)

Keywords

• Real dairy ice cream
• Vegan ice cream
• Fruit sorbet production
• Event catering vans
• Ice cream wholesale

Headquarters

HQ city

Wareham

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Retail Ice Cream Sales: Sale of ice cream in various sizes (125ml, 500ml, 2L, 2.5L, 4L, 5L) through retail stockists including farm shops, independent stores, and attractions.
2. Events and Catering: Ice cream vending at events, county shows, weddings, and festivals using a fleet of branded ice cream vans. Catering services for weddings and events through third-party hire partners.
3. Home Delivery: Direct-to-consumer home delivery of ice cream tubs within specific UK postcodes (BH and DT).
4. Trade / Wholesale: Wholesale supply of ice cream to restaurants, pubs, and scooping parlours. The trade page offers price lists, freezer deals, and marketing materials to support stockists.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Purbeck Ice Cream manufactures and supplies a wide range of vegetarian real dairy ice cream and sorbets using 60% Purbeck whole milk and 22% Dorset cream produced on-site at Lower Scoles Farm in Dorset. The company sells its products directly through home delivery within BH and DT postcodes, at events via a fleet of eight branded ice cream vans, and through trade/wholesale accounts with farm shops, restaurants, pubs, scooping parlours, and independent retailers. The portfolio spans over 40 ice cream flavours, a vegan range, fruit sorbets, the Jurassic-themed range (Dig-a-Saurus, Skull-Diggery), and adjacent sister brands Purbeck Chocolate and Pawbeck iced dog treats.

Product overview

Purbeck Ice Cream offers a portfolio of real dairy ice cream products built around a core recipe of 60% Purbeck milk and 22% Dorset cream. The main product line includes over 40 flavours of real dairy ice cream available in sizes from 125ml single-serve pots to 5 litre catering tubs. Adjacent offerings include a vegan ice cream range using pea protein, a sorbet collection made with Dorset spring water, and themed products like the Jurassic Range (with chocolate dinosaurs). The company extends its brand through sister products Purbeck Chocolate (Ecuadorian single-origin chocolate) and Pawbeck (dairy-free dog treats), plus services including event catering vans and wedding hire. Distribution channels include retail stockists, direct home delivery, and events. All products share the brand ethos of natural ingredients, no artificial additives, and allergen-free formulations (gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free). The product portfolio reflects a premium positioning anchored by the core ice cream line, with expansion into complementary food categories and pet products under the Purbeck family umbrella.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Purbeck Chocolate: Sister brand producing single origin Ecuadorian chocolate bars, grab bags, and confectionery products. Uses sustainably sourced cocoa.
• Purbeck Cider
• Pawbeck
• Dorset Rose

Products and services

• Purbeck Real Dairy Ice Cream Real dairy ice cream made with 60% Purbeck whole milk and 22% Dorset cream, available in over 40 flavours including Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel, Serious Chocolate, Honeycombe Hash, Strawberry, Clotted Cream, Mint Choc Baby Chip, Rum & Raisin, Coconut Cream, Mango & Passion Fruit. Sizes range from 125ml single-serve pots to 5L catering tubs. Sold via retail stockists, home delivery, and events.
• Vegan Ice Cream Range Dairy-free ice cream made with a pea protein base. Flavours include Vegan Vanilla Bean, Vegan Rhubarb & Rosehip, and Vegan Chocolate & Raspberry. All natural, gluten-free, egg-free, with no artificial additives. Targeted at vegans and lactose-intolerant consumers. Available in 4L and 2L sizes.
• Sorbets Real fruit sorbets made with Dorset spring water and natural fruit juices. 14+ flavours including Lemon, Pineapple, Mango, Passion Fruit, Raspberry, Blackcurrant, Lime, Quince, Blood Orange, Stem Ginger, Strawberry, Bucks Fizz, Coconut, and alcohol-infused Conker Gin & Tonic. Available in 2L tubs.
• Jurassic Range Themed ice cream range featuring Dig-a-Saurus (Vanilla Bean with milk chocolate dinosaur and trilobites) and Skull-Diggery (Chocolate with white chocolate dinosaur skulls). 5p from each tub donated to the Jurassic Coast Trust for conservation of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
• Purbeck Chocolate Sister brand from the same farm producing single-origin Ecuadorian chocolate bars in 12 flavours, grab bags with chocolate-coated honeycomb, ginger, raisins, and seasonal specials. Uses sustainably sourced cocoa.
• Pawbeck Iced Dog Treat Dairy-free iced dog treat made with strawberry puree, designed for dogs with lactose intolerance. Packaged in 100% recyclable containers with wide-neck pots suitable for brachycephalic breeds. Launched 2025 and showcased at Crufts 2025.
• Dorset Rose Lollies Whole-fruit ice lollies on a stick, made with cane sugar and no artificial ingredients, gluten free and vegan friendly. Flavours include Strawberry, Watermelon & Raspberry, Lemon & Lime, Pineapple & Coconut, Gooseberry & Elderflower, and Mango. Packaged in plant-based packaging. Purbeck Ice Cream acts as the main distributor.
• Wedding & Event Hire Branded ice cream van hire for weddings, festivals, corporate functions, and county shows. Includes Purbeck's own fleet (8 branded units including ePIC electric) and partner hire companies Caravanilla, English Vintage Summer, Elite Candy Cart Company, Treats on a Tricycle, Mid-Sussex Super Cream, The RusticCo Events, and Pizza at the Park. Events Team led by Events Director.
• Home Delivery Direct-to-consumer home delivery service for BH and DT postcodes in Dorset. Delivers 4L and 2L ice cream tubs, 4L vegan tubs, and 2L sorbet tubs. Prices range from £22.28 for 2L standard to £39.73 for 4L standard (Chrimbo Pud £50.90). Orders placed by phone.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35-40 scoops per 4-litre tub due to dense formula
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Climate PartnercoreOthers · 1 January 2021Purbeck Ice Cream partnered with Climate Partner to verify and certify their carbon neutrality. Climate Partner measured the farm's operational carbon footprint and the company compensates for emissions through investing in a renewable energy project. The partnership includes ongoing annual measurement and reduction initiatives.
• Jurassic Coast TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Purbeck Ice Cream became a Lead Partner of the Jurassic Coast Trust. The company created the Jurassic Range (Dig-a-Saurus and Skull-Diggery ice cream tubs) with 5p donated from every tub sold to the Trust for conservation, protection, and education of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
• Ndali Estate (Uganda)minorOthersPurbeck sources Fairtrade vanilla extract, organic vanilla powder, and vanilla pods from Ndali Estate in Uganda. Ndali Estate cures, mills, and extracts vanilla on the farm and exports to Purbeck. Simon Baddeley connected the companies through personal contacts in Dorset.
• British SugarminorOthersPurbeck Ice Cream uses British Sugar (British-grown sugar from sugar beet) in their ice cream and sorbets. British Sugar produces up to 1.4 million tonnes of homegrown sugar per year from around 3,000 farmers.
• Purbeck Film FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPurbeck Ice Cream has been a major sponsor of the Purbeck Film Festival for over 10 years. The festival screens films across rural Dorset including outdoor events at Corfe Castle, Durlston Country Park, and Studland.
• Diverse AbilitiesminorOthersDiverse Abilities is a charity supported by Purbeck Ice Cream. The company provided sensory ice cream play activities at The Beehive activity and therapy centre in Poole, demonstrating product use for community engagement.
• Forest Holme HospiceminorOthersForest Holme Hospice provides palliative and end-of-life care across Poole, Wimborne, and the Isle of Purbeck. Purbeck Ice Cream supported the hospice's 30th anniversary fundraising.
• Jurassic Coast TrustminorOthersPart of Purbeck's charitable giving programme. Purbeck Ice Cream supported the Jurassic Coast Trust as one of four charities for their 2022 Christmas giving initiative.
• Purbeck Youth & Community FundminorOthersPart of Purbeck's charitable giving programme. Purbeck Ice Cream supported the Purbeck Youth & Community Fund as one of four charities for their 2022 Christmas giving initiative.
• Elite Candy Cart CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRichard and Annette of the Elite Candy Cart Company exclusively serve Purbeck Ice Cream in their vintage-style ice cream van for weddings, artisan food fairs, and corporate functions north of Northampton. Food hygiene rating of 5, staff trained to Level 2 food safety certificate.
• Treats on a TricycleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTreats on a Tricycle operates Pashley ice cream tricycles and vintage van 'Little Esther' across Kent and East Sussex, serving Purbeck Ice Cream at weddings, private functions, and corporate events.
• Mid-Sussex Super CreamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMid-Sussex Super Cream operates new generation electric ice cream vans with solar panels and lithium batteries, partnering with Purbeck to bring quality ice cream to corporate events.
• CaravanillaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCaravanilla is a restored 1960s caravan available for hire in Hampshire and West Sussex for weddings and events, serving Purbeck Ice Cream. Run by husband-and-wife Mark and Kate team.
• The RusticCo EventsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe RusticCo Events specialises in rustic furniture, décor, and styling for weddings and corporate events. They proudly serve Purbeck Ice Cream to complement their event setups.
• Pizza at the ParkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPizza at the Park serves wood-fired pizzas at events and celebrations across the South of England. They also offer Purbeck Ice Cream as a dessert option for their catering.
• Pawbeck (Dorset Rose / Dog Treats)minorOthersDorset Rose is an independent business making whole-fruit, cane sugar lollies on a working farm in Dorset. Purbeck Ice Cream acts as the main distributor for Dorset Rose lollies, selling them to customers alongside their own products. Pawbeck is a related venture launched in 2025 for iced dog treats using strawberry puree.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Northern Bloc: UK ice cream brand with strong plant-based and natural-ingredient focus, comparable to Purbeck's vegan and clean-label positioning.

Direct peers

• Jude's Ice Cream: UK premium ice cream brand with dairy and vegan ranges sold to retail and hospitality; directly comparable in category, positioning and channel mix.
• Marshfield Farm Ice Cream: Family farm-based UK ice cream producer using its own dairy, supplying trade and retail, closely mirroring Purbeck's provenance-led approach.
• Roskilly's of Cornwall: Cornish farm dairy producing real dairy ice cream with a strong local tourism brand and events presence, directly analogous to Purbeck.
• Winstones Ice Cream: Long-established English family ice cream manufacturer selling to retail and foodservice, competing in the same premium dairy niche.
• Salcombe Dairy: South-West England artisan dairy ice cream and sorbet maker supplying farm shops, hospitality and events; near-identical regional premium model.

Broad incumbents

• Beechdean Dairies: One of the UK's largest independent ice cream manufacturers supplying retail and foodservice; overlaps in category but operates at industrial scale.
• Mackie's of Scotland: Farm-based Scottish ice cream maker with renewable-energy credentials and national retail listings, sharing Purbeck's sustainability story at greater scale.
• Kelly's of Cornwall: Scaled Cornish clotted-cream ice cream brand with national grocery distribution; overlapping product category but much larger reach than Purbeck.

Regional players

• Yorvale: Yorkshire-based dairy ice cream manufacturer serving trade, events and tourist attractions in a different UK region with a comparable model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/purbeckicecream
• Facebookfacebook.com/purbeckicecream
• Instagraminstagram.com/purbeckicecream
• TikToktiktok.com/@purbeckicecream
• Xx.com/PurbeckIceCream

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Purbeck Ice Cream