Ireland’s oldest ice cream producer has scooped the top prize at The National Ice Cream Competition 2025.
Morelli’s Ice Cream claimed the coveted Overall Champion title at the awards, which were hosted by The Ice Cream Alliance at the Belfry, near Birmingham. The National Ice Cream Competition is hosted by The Ice Cream Alliance annually to showcase the people behind the nation’s most loved ice cream flavours, as well as spotlighting innovation within the industry and the new flavours being created every year.
Morelli’s Ice Cream also returned home with first place in the Dairy Vanilla Ice Cream category, first place in the Alternative Class for its Cherry Yoghurt flavour and Best of the Best for its double cream vanilla ice cream.
Morelli’s Ice Cream was established in 1911 by Peter Morelli. Since then, the brand has flourished and expanded. The company currently has five family-run outlets and eleven branded stores in Northern Ireland as well as supplying Tesco, Dunnes Stores, Sainsbury’s, M&S and various independent retailers across the UK and Ireland.
Speaking on the company’s category-spanning wins, Daniela Morelli-Kerr from Morelli’s Ice Cream said: “Winning Overall Champion at The National Ice Cream Competition means everything to us, and we’re over-the-moon to have won in multiple other categories. Dairy Vanilla Ice Cream is one of the hardest classes to win and the standard of competition was high, so to have won in that category and received Best of the Best for the same ice cream is incredible.
“The awards ceremony was an emotional evening for us all because of that. It’s always nice to come away with something from competitions but we never expect to because the standard is so high in the industry. It was a special night, and everyone there – including our team – should be proud of themselves.”
Catherine McNeil, Director of Operations for The Ice Cream Alliance added: “With over 80 years of history, our national event is a highlight of the year for us. We pride ourselves on our rigorous judging process and the recognition of the highest standards and innovations in the ice cream sector, so I wish to congratulate The Morelli Family and the whole team from Morelli’s Ice Cream for impressing us to the point of crowning them Overall Champion.
“Through our trade association activities, passionate ice cream makers like Morelli’s Ice Cream are honoured for pushing the industry forward to a more delicious future. The Ice Cream Alliance (ICA) is the UK’s only trade association dedicated to supporting the growth and success of the ice cream industry, a £1.4 billion sector. Our primary focus is helping our members thrive through a range of resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities that empower businesses of all sizes to innovate and expand.
We also support the industry through the annual Ice Cream & Artisan Food Show. This premier event, held at the National Exhibition Centre, offers an unparalleled opportunity for industry professionals to connect, learn, and explore the latest trends in ice cream, gelato, and artisan foods. It’s a vital space for showcasing the best of the industry in a dynamic and interactive setting. At ICA, we are deeply committed to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and community within the industry. We actively encourage new talent and businesses from all backgrounds to engage and thrive. As the leading voice in the ice cream sector, ICA continues to drive the industry’s future while celebrating its rich heritage.”
