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The parlour’s vegan peach flavour, which was introduced in 2019, went down a treat with the judges and won gold at the National Ice Cream Awards 2020.

The company’s director and team leader, Joe Minchella also took home the Guido Morelli Rising Star Award for his achievements with the business in the last six years.

It comes after the 2019 awards saw them crowned National Ice Cream Champions for their Pistachio and best in class for the Lemon Sorbet.

Minchella & Co has scooped a national award for its peach flavour vegan ice cream.

Minchella & Co, which has parlours on Sea Road and Ocean Road, South Shields now becomes the first producer to win in the brand new category, Alternative Class.

A panel of ice cream experts judged the vegan peach flavour – which is free from dairy and animal products - the best in the business at the awards, held at the event in Harrogate earlier this month

The team launched a full vegan menu in June last year after seeing an increase in demand from their customers.

They have since introduced a range of animal free products including the chocolate flake and the Limoncello and Belgium Chocolate flavours were a welcome addition over the festive period.

Joe Minchella (right) receives the Guido Morelli Rising Star Award from president of the Ice Cream Awards, Henry Nurkowski (left) and Arnaldo Morelli.

“Initially we didn’t know how well it was going to be received. To get a panel of judges who are experts in the industry to agree is just another calibre,” said catering and production manager, Jonnie Halling.

“It’s like the Oscars for the ice cream industry, the recognition goes a long way.”

He added: “We are all so pleased for Joe winning his award, it seems apt as he was so instrumental in laying the foundations and leading the team in the development of these new concepts.”

Di Meo’s of Whitley Bay, Ciccarelli of Blyth, Lickety Split Creamery of Seaham and Spurelli of Amble also scooped some medals at the event.

Luke Minchella prepares the Minchella & Co vegan Knickerbocker glory.

Jonnie added: “Ice cream makers did consistently well across the board which helped put the North East firmly on the map as a top ice cream region.”

The team are now working on a vegan Creme Egg recipe, expected to be on the menu within weeks.

South Shields ice cream parlour Minchella & Co scoops national award for latest creation