Ice Cream Supplier To The Stars Gets Mayoral Visit

A local specialist ice cream and gelato producer has been visited by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen to learn about the ground breaking ‘science’ behind their success.

The Yorkshire Gelato Company based in Redcar produces a range of bespoke gelatos and desserts for hotels and restaurants, all of which are handcrafted at the company’s facility using locally sourced products.

They also make Proteina, the UK’s first complete nutritional gelato. It is fortified with protein and 24 vitamins and minerals, and is lower than ice-cream in both fat and sugar. The product has gained massive interest from Middlesbrough Football Club which serves it as part of the strict diet of its playing squad and they also cater to the club’s hospitality guests on match days with their regular gelato and desserts.

The club’s star players will be offered the opportunity to place personal orders to eat at home and share with their families.

The Mayor met Managing Director Dave Wrigley, who still works as a chef for Middlesbrough Football Club on match days. It was there that Mr Wrigley first came up with the idea for Proteina after overhearing that the first team were looking for a high-protein ice-cream, and he incorporated all his knowledge of both gelato and nutrition to create the final product.

The company has been supported by the Tees Valley Business Compass programme and has received over £15,000 to invest in catering equipment.

They produces three variations of Proteina: regular, light, and pro – which provides athletes and sportspeople with all the nutrients they need without compromising the great gelato taste.

They are now looking to expand its range and sales outlets. They’ve just begun setting up mass production lines in order to make a variety of sized tubs for sales within supermarkets, gyms and to hotels and restaurants.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “What an incredible product – and company. It’s fantastic to see our job creators, innovators, entrepreneurs and risk takers going from strength to strength in the Tees Valley. I truly believe the more we can create the perfect business environment, the more it inspires new ventures, helps raise the profile of our area and creates job opportunities for local people. I wish David and the team the very best of luck”.