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BRAND SPOTLIGHT

NORTHERN BL°C

In this brand spotlight we take a deep dive into Northern BL°C. 

CATEGORY: FROZEN

Northern Bloc

📖 BRAND OVERVIEW

Northern BL°C is an ice cream brand that has been creating exceptional ice cream since 2014. They believe in making ice cream an indulgent treat for everyone, anytime. 

  • Innovative flavours – for retail and food service
  • Commitment to – perfecting their plant-based range
  • Fresh, natural ingredients – with a chef’s touch to redefine ice cream

🔍  LET’S GIVE SOME CONTEXT

  • A pioneering player in the ice cream sector,  Northern BL°C introduced innovative flavour profiles to the UK market, including an ice cream for dogs! 

 

  • They disrupted the category, challenging established ice cream brands. Northern BL°C began developing plant-based ice cream in 2021. 

 

  • Achieved a milestone by introducing biodegradable packaging into major retail in 2020.

 

  • You can find Northern BL°C products in popular stores like Waitrose, Coop, Ocado, and Booths, as well as various independent retailers, venues, and restaurants throughout the UK. 

  • Their strong presence in the food service industry has garnered them a solid reputation among professional chefs.

🏢  BEHIND THE SCENES

  • Headquarters: Leeds, UK
  • Year founded: 2014
  • Employee count: 30
  • Investors: Private
  • Purchasing options: Retail + Direct to Consumer (via 3rd parties), Foodservice.

👉 PRODUCT AND AUDIENCE SNAPSHOP

  • Products: Consumer: 
      • Plant Based Tubs, Classic Tubs, Little Bloc Tubs, Ice Cream for Dogs.
      • Foodservice: 25 flavours including Dairy/Plant based in 5L & 2.5L.
  • Innovation: Introducing biodegradable packaging into major retail
  • Target Audience: Ice cream enthusiasts, foodies, health-conscious, families, chefs, and those seeking a premium unique and sustainable dessert experience.
  • Brand positioning:  Premium. Offering innovative, high-quality, and sustainable ice cream experiences

🧡 THIS GETS US EXCITED

  • Diversified retail and food service: Servicing multiple/mass retailers, independent hospitality/over the counter retail, and professional hospitality, earning themselves a strong reputation amongst professional chefs.

  • Plant-based trend: Northern BL°C is moving with the plant-based trend, having recently launched a new plant-based range.

  • Kids Range: Lower sugar ice cream tubs that kids will love, with fun and engaging packaging in two popular flavours – strawberry & chocolate.

  • Strong branding: Northern BL°C has strong branding that has evolved over time.

  • Acquisitions and new manufacturing facility: Acquired two heritage ice cream manufacturers to increase distribution points across the UK. Also built a new purpose-built manufacturing facility that is supported by sustainable tech and provides a 40% energy saving.

  • Collaborations with innovative partner brands: Such as Mighty, to develop the UK’s first ever NOT MILK ice cream.

🤔 POTENTIAL BRAND CHALLENGES

  • Healthier alternatives: While Northern BL°C’s innovative plant-based offerings align with the trend toward healthier alternatives, there’s a potential for traditional ice cream to suffer.

  • Wallet share: The luxury ice cream tub market has become highly competitive, with various brands vying for consumer attention and retail shelf space.

🏁 SOME OF THEIR COMPETITION

🛒 WHERE TO FIND THEM

  • Retail – Distribution across multiple retailers such as Co-op, Booths and Quik Commerce platforms (not in the big 5 UK retailers)

 

  • Hospitality – Dedicated foodservice and independent hospitality/retail focus, including both over the counter scooping, formats for hospitality.

⏭ WHAT’S NEXT?

Northern BL°C is a well-positioned brand with a strong reputation for innovation and quality. The company has the potential to continue to grow and succeed in the competitive ice cream market.

  • Continue to innovate with new flavours and product formats. Northern BL°C is known for its innovative flavor profiles, so it’s important for the company to continue to push the boundaries and offer new and exciting products to consumers.

     

  • Expand distribution into new channels and markets. Northern BL°C is already stocked in a variety of channels, but there is still room for growth. The company could expand its distribution into new markets, such as international markets, or into new channels, such as convenience stores and vending machines.

     

  • Partner with other brands to create co-branded products. Northern BL°C has already successfully partnered with other brands, such as Mighty, to create co-branded products. The company could continue to partner with other brands to create new and innovative products that appeal to a wider range of consumers.

🧢 MEET THEIR TEAM

All data is correct at time of writing. 

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