Machinery World to offer free consultations to those wanting to enter the Ice Cream Industry
Machinery World, experts in sourcing and selling new and used dairy processing and ice cream machinery, has announced that it will offer, with immediate effect, free consultations and advice to milk farmers who are looking to expand operations and enter the world of ice cream manufacturing.
The new service is a result of the continuing ‘milk wars’ between supermarkets, milk agents and dairy farmers which, in some circumstances, has seen farmers almost forced to accept a price per litre that didn’t cover the cost of general production and, certainly didn’t take into account the rising cost of feed, pesticides and other welfare necessities.
The clearly unsustainable, almost artificial business model has given some producers no other choice but to seek alternative, or additional, means of income and the potential profitability of the ice cream manufacturing industry has already been identified as an attractive prospect by many of these.
Paul Crowter, managing director of Machinery World, commented: “The supermarkets have pushed and pushed milk farmers over the years and it’s reached a point where there is only minimal profit to be made. For the hours and investment it takes to run a successful milk farm, despite many doing it for the love of the job, there has to be a financial gain at the end of the day.
“Moving or expanding operations during an already financially uncertain time is scary enough but, if the industry knowledge isn’t there then it’s just plain frightening and could put people off the idea all together. We’ve been in the industry for many years now and feel our knowledge and experience can help others and give them the confidence make the initial steps into the ice cream industry – or at the very least give them the information required to make an educated decision whether the move is for them or not.
“Over the years we’ve helped many people set-up in the industry; some from milk farming backgrounds and others with no dairy experience at all but, each and every one of them now has their own enterprise, with several making a lot of profit and others, even more.”
The free consultations will provide an unique insight into the industry, revealing a lot that’s only really visible to those already working in it and will cover everything from beginning to end, including initial discussions about end goals and targets, defining a niche, recipe discovery, packaging, transport, marketing, expected profit, and of course the machinery required to make it a successful and worthwhile transition.
Paul continued: “We want to help as much as we can and give a real life insight in to workings of the industry. It’s a great industry full of fantastic people but that doesn’t mean to say it’s for everyone. We’ll provide support from inception to success and everything in between. We’ll even set-up a fully-working production line so those considering making the switch can see what is involved, learn, and then make a decision from there.”
Machinery World was established in 1999 with the primary aim of providing the dairy industry with access to expertly sourced and competitively priced secondhand dairy machinery of the highest quality. Today, with over ten years experience within the industry, Machinery World has bought and sold machines in over 90 countries worldwide and has built an extremely valid reputation as a respected and professional outfit.
Furthermore, contrary to a common misconception, buying secondhand machinery doesn’t mean that the standard of equipment is any less than that of a new machine. At Machinery World, every machine is meticulously tested and cleaned and, should any parts need replacing, then they are done so before the machine is re-sold. Another huge advantage is the price with it not being an uncommon occurrence for machines to sell for half the price of the new equivalent.
However, if it’s new machinery that’s sought after, Machinery World can also easily fulfil the requirement. It has long acted as the sole UK agent for a number of globally renowned manufacturers including Cattabriga, Promag and the industry’s premium brand, ROKK-Processing.
“We can’t of course guarantee success but we can certainly increase the chances of it by offering guidance on every aspect of operating within the sector.” Added Paul “With the primary ingredient on their door step, ice cream production could be seen as an almost natural progression for milk farmers, and it could be the progression that offers a fresh start and ultimately, the opportunity to change their fortunes for years to come.”
To find out more about the new free consultancy service or, to book a meeting, please call 01455 220 179 or email consultancy@machineryworld.co.uk