That’s Cold cooling summer heat with soursop, jackfruit ice cream
Flavour of the Month gives customers taste of exciting J’can flavours
Published:Thursday | May 27, 2021 | 12:06 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
It is said that life is like ice cream, so let’s enjoy it before it melts. Entrepreneur Shanique Bethune knew that there was no time like the present to reach for her lifelong goals, and with summer swinging into high temperatures, why not cool down with her smooth pièce de résistance, That’s Cold Ice Creamery and a sweet series dubbed ‘Flavour of the Month’ to keep ice cream lovers enticed by the frozen dessert.
With the help of her trusted sidekick – her ice cream maker, her taste testers and customers, Bethune produces authentic island flavours indigenous to ‘Jamrock’ and its people, including jackfruit, coconut drops, soursop, Jamaica mango medley, and passion fruit.
Each month, the 30-year-old business owner tests the market, seeking out customer feedback on new flavours, and the response has been overwhelming. Those whose palates are privy to the new offerings can’t get enough of the original and creative options. “The Dragon Stout ice cream became an all-time favourite for many persons, and it quickly became our number one seller. We’ve sold Dragon Stout ice cream at Gloria’s, Loshusan Supermarket, and MegaMart locations across the island. People have been demanding that flavour ever since. It’s a uniquely Jamaican taste that my customers absolutely love,” Bethune told Food. This month, she rolls out the orange blossom flavour. Next month, she is looking forward to capitalising on Dragon Stout’s popularity by introducing a strong back flavour which uses the malt as the main ingredient. This release will be done in June, in conjunction with the internationally celebrated Father’s Day.
That’s Cold has non-dairy options, too. Bethune plans to unleash a creamy sorbet in July. It will boast the bold, but fruity flavour of the Red Stripe Lemon Beer. There is also something for chocolate lovers. They are at the top of the list for August, so look out for that cocoa surprise.
‘Memorable escape’
Since its official launch, That’s Cold Ice Creamery has been steadily building a loyal fan base. According to Bethune, the brand aims to give every consumer a ‘memorable escape’. “We decided to keep That’s Cold ice cream authentic to Jamaica because we have so many varieties of fruits and fresh produce in our own country. There is so much that we have to explore and taste, so why not celebrate our very own local flavours? We do our best to come up with new flavours in the best way that we can,” she said.
Leading by example, Bethune supports local farmers, visiting areas like Bog Walk and Gordon Town just to make her fresh purchases. “After purchasing the ingredients, each of my family members would play their part whether by cutting, stewing or puréeing the fruits. All the processes are carried out with the help of my family,” she added.
The business hasn’t been going as smoothly or growing as rapidly as she desires due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, she is grateful for the traction and is determined to keep the reality sweet. The confectioner plans to expand to other parishes and make her ice cream a household name locally and overseas.
For more information on how you can get a scoop or two of this premium ice cream, follow the company on Instagram, @thatscoldja.