Like so many small Devon producers, Surfing Cow Ice Cream was riding the crest of the wave, winning a raft of awards and legions of fans, bowled over by the rich creamy flavours, who would travel miles to while away a few hours at the farm enjoying the views of the rugged coastline and devouring ice cream.
But the devastating impact of lockdown left businesses reeling in its wake - the hospitality industry was curtailed, events were cancelled, visitor attractions were shut and Surfing Cow was left with a mountain of ice cream to sell.
Lee Glanville, wife of dairy farmer Lawrence says: “Our opening weekend for the shop was supposed to be Saturday, 28 March. The freezers were full and the team were ready but we were unable to open at the farm, and the events we were booked to attend quickly started cancelling and postponing.
“We thought, what do we do now, all our events have been cancelled, our lovely shop is shut, all the pubs and cafes are closed? We have no customers!”
Practicality is one things farmers have in abundance, and instead of chucking the ice cream out, Lee, Lawrence, chief ice cream maker Becky Trafford and their daughters Zoe who heads up the business side of things, and Pippa, furloughed from her job as a trainee chartered surveyor, remodelled the business, sold online, and let all their friends and neighbours know that they could still buy ice cream.
“We wanted to keep Zoe and Becky’s jobs going so we rang trading standards, asked if we could sell online, and they say yes and wished us luck!”
And things have been busier than ever, with deliveries going out five days a week across South Devon.
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