The York-based company worked with the York Gin Distillery to produce the newest addition to its sorbet range, Gin & Elderflower.
“We wanted to add some provenance to our sorbet by using a named gin, and as York Gin is made down the road from us – and is another local, growing business – we thought it made sense to use their gin,” explained Yorvale marketing chief Jessie Richmond.
“So far, we haven’t faced any challenges bringing this product to the market and everyone has been really receptive to it, especially locally. People appreciate two York brands working together.”
Special care and precise timing
Richmond said that Gin & Elderflower was made in the same way as its other sorbets – however, adding alcohol into the mix changed the freezing point, so the process required special care and precise timing.
“We hope that those local to York recognise York Gin and are keen to try it in a sorbet, but also gin enthusiasts nationally, as we are passionate about it actually tasting of a well-rounded botanical gin,” he said.
Operating from a 1,350m2 site in Acaster Malbis, Yorvale produces 40 different ice cream flavours and 13 sorbets.
It has a history of collaborating with local firms, having previously used a nearby preserves company for its Yorkshire Lemon Curd ice cream.
‘Brands local to your business’
“Personally, I’d suggest using brands local to your business, so you can focus on the provenance and there are fewer road miles,” Richmond said.
“Businesses using other businesses can be of such value, especially to a relatively small company like ours. Knowing where your ingredients come from is so important.”
York Gin has previously worked with another food firm in the city, York Cocoa Works, to produce York Gin Cocoa.
The distillery also partners with Grid Iron Meat Co from North Yorkshire, which recycles its used botanicals to flavour meats; and with PippaTeas, from which it receives a bespoke tea infusion.
“We are massively keen on supporting businesses that are local to us, and you can’t get more local than Yorvale – they are less than a mile away,” said Simon Henry, head of marketing and PR at York Gin.
“We’ve loved their products and ethos for as long as we can remember.”
