Frisky Cow Gelato (FCG) continues to grow, expanding production in a new Keene facility, proving the growth of consumer interest in locally produced food.
Frisky Cow Gelato (FCG), a Keene-based specialty food producer, has expanded its operation to a new 1,500 square foot production/retail facility located at Union Place (80 Krif Rd) in Keene. The company, which produces a premium small-batch gelato made from local ingredients, is currently outfitting the new space to continue production there beginning in March 2021. The business, which makes homemade gelato for wholesale distribution in NH, VT, and MA, saw its food sales increase by 65% since the pandemic struck, highlighting the rising consumer demand for local food.
“We are so excited to be able to continue on this journey of producing a premium artisan gelato made with farm-fresh local milk, cream, and other local ingredients,” says owner, Linda Rubin.
In addition to about 1,100 square feet of production space, the unit has about 400 square feet of retail space. The new space will allow for increased wholesale production and designated space for retail sales. “I never envisioned FCG having a retail gelateria—but since the pandemic, I’ve learned to “never say never,” says Rubin. The retail space will be open for limited hours for customers to stop by and pick up both specialty and signature FCG flavors. Look for hours on the FCG website soon.
FCG is committed to collaborating with local producers to ensure the highest quality products and to support other local producers. Last year, FCG partnered with Terra Nova Coffee owner, Jeff Murphy, to create a homemade coffee syrup using their organic coffee and espresso varieties. FCG’s Coffeehouse Chip flavor now carries the Terra Nova logo on all of its pint labels. “To build our local economy and our local food system, we need to continue to support each other’s businesses,” says Rubin. “In 2021, we are working with our new neighbor, The Bread Shed, to create a cookie dough gelato using their homemade dough.”
“Linda and I have been working together on this new flavor since the summer,” says Brittany Migneault, owner of the Bread Shed. “Customers love our soft-baked homemade cookies, and I’m excited to be working with FCG to expand our products to be part of a really great local gelato.”
The continued growth of FCG helps the struggling New England dairy industry while also contributing to the growth of NH’s local food system and economy. “Growing our local food system has been a driver for me for more than 25 years living and working in NH”, says Rubin. FCG plans to source pasteurized milk and cream from NH farms, including Contoocook Creamery at Bohannon Farm in Contoocook, NH.
According to the Roberston family, owners of Contoocook Creamery at Bohannon Farm, selling value-added products to partners like FCG helps to sustain their 5th generation family farm in NH. The Farm currently sells milk, cheese, beef, and eggs—both wholesale and retail—to more than 100 food businesses. “We’re looking forward to working with Frisky Cow. Their gelato is excellent, and we’re proud to be a part of its growth as a NH-based business,” says Robertson family spokesperson, Jaime Roberston.
Food Connects, an entrepreneurial non-profit located in Brattleboro, VT, delivers FCG and food from more than 90 local farms and food producers to over 135 wholesale customers in parts of NH, VT, and MA. In the past year, they have helped FCG to get on the shelves of at least 10 new area retailers. The organization makes it easier for food businesses to buy wholesale from small local food producers and farms. “Food Connects is proud to be able to increase the capacity of FCG and so many other small producers, to grow their businesses by supporting them to reach new markets,” says Executive Director and Food Connects Founder, Richard Berkfield. Building shorter, more community-based supply chains that are less reliant on national or global networks and food suppliers ensures the local food system continues to grow, according to Berkfield.
FCG saw its sales increase by 65% since the pandemic hit, and keeping up with higher demand for their local gelato required a larger and more improved infrastructure. “I realize we are very privileged to have the problems of rapid growth while so many businesses are struggling or closing,” says Rubin. “The future may still be uncertain, but we believe that everything “local” will continue to grow in importance in NH and beyond.”
Frisky Cow Gelato is a small batch, premium, artisan gelato made with local ingredients and lots of love in Keene, New Hampshire. It is available for special events (weddings, parties, etc) and for wholesale for restaurants, grocers, coops, and farm stores. It is also sold at its new retail shop at Union Place (80 Krif Rd) in Keene.
Frisky Cow Gelato is a NH Benefit Corporation and donates $.15 from the sale of every pint to local organizations that are working to build the local food system, fight food insecurity and address environmental issues.
For more information, visit www.friskycowgelato.org, email at lrubin5010@gmail.com or call 603-757-2522.