On March 5th, The Ice Cream Alliance hosted its annual prestigious awards ceremony, a night to showcase the people behind the most loved ice cream flavours of the nation. But beyond flavour, some visionaries are pushing the boundaries of what ice cream can be.
The Artistic Class category is where ice cream transforms into art. This competition challenges makers to craft stunning, edible masterpieces. Two awards were up for grabs: Artistic Class Mini, which is themed around florals, and Artistic Class Large, which is inspired by weddings.
This year, one artist took home both awards – Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour, an independently-owned business in Moray.
At the heart of the parlour is Sheila Gray, a creative force with a passion for the food and beverage industry. Her extraordinary designs wowed the judges, excelling against Ice Cream Alliance’s rigorous standards, refined over its 80-year history.
“I am absolutely over the moon,” Sheila says. “98% of [my creations] are ice cream, so it was very challenging to make as the heat of your hand melts the ice cream. It was very stressful.”
Despite her modesty, ice cream decorating may actually be in her blood, as her mother was an ice cream decorator. “I didn’t take interest in [cake decorating] until I started my own ice cream shop. She will be delighted that I have taken her teaching on board.”
Founded in 2010, Fochabers Ice Cream Parlour is known for its inventive approach, serving everything from cakes and sundaes to coffees and sorbets. While classic flavours like chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel are always on the menu, adventurous customers can indulge in more unexpected offerings—think Red Bull, Haggis, and Cornflake Milk.
As a pillar of the dynamic ice cream industry, the Ice Cream Alliance continues to foster innovation and creativity, supporting ice cream makers like Sheila and ensuring a bright and delicious future for everyone.
