5 minute read
The Dream Cream Co.
Austin Fernandes is the founder of The Dream Cream Co., a fairly new enterprise that commenced operations in the year 2020. The enterprise prepares ice-creams in different flavours using natural ingredients.
In a brief conversation with ItsGoa, Austin shared details about The Dream Cream Co., the various flavours of ice cream it offers, the challenges he faces like running his enterprise, and lots more….
Give us a brief overview of The Dream Cream Co.
The Dream Cream Co. started in 2020 when I had the time and the opportunity to source ingredients locally and focus on building a gourmet icecream business. Making ice cream is my passion. The Dream Cream Co. started and continues to function out of my home kitchen in Porvorim. We deliver to almost all parts of North Goa.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about food; desserts in particular. Relishing something sweet at the end of a meal is a fixed part of my diet.
While I have been working in the hospitality industry for over a decade, it was this love for all things sweet that led me to experiment with ice cream. After trying out popular flavours like chocolate, strawberry and mango, I started combining different flavours and accompaniments that I thought would go together. I must have spent over a month and churned about a 100 batches to develop a recipe that gave me the perfect texture.
What prompted you to start this venture? What was the idea that you had in mind while starting The Dream Cream Co?
It all began when I watched an episode of MasterChef Australia that featured my favourite chef - Chef Heston Blumenthal. Other than his scientific approach to cooking, I am amazed by his wacky and out-of-this-world style of food pairing. He designed a challenge where contestants were required to create a complex dessert with ice cream as one of its main components, and I was
inspired enough to try my own spin at it. I bought an ice cream churner from the USA and started experimenting with trying to get a perfect balance of flavours using only natural ingredients.
Over the past 7 years, I have prepared tubs of freshly churned ice cream for friends and family. At that time, the flavours I tried included Strawberry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Kiwi, Guava, Chili and Tamarind and they were all a hit! I realized that Goa has people wanting to try out more complex ice cream flavours. I felt that Goa needed a local ice cream business which could provide ice creams with authentic taste and no artificial flavours, colours and preservatives.
Do you have a retail outlet or is it a deliveryonly ice cream business? Are your products sold in supermarkets in Goa?
We are currently not into retail selling of our products. Our ice creams are only made to order.
What are a few things offered by The Dream Cream Co. that makes it stand out from other competitors in the same business segment?
All the ice creams made by The Dream Cream Co. are churned in small batches with no artificial flavours, no added preservatives and no added colour. They contain only natural ingredients. I also offer sugar-free options, so that even those who suffer from illnesses like diabetes and high blood sugar can enjoy my ice creams.
Give us details about the various types of ice creams offered by The Dream Cream Co. We have a variety of flavours right from fruits to the classics and the boozy range.
Could you name a few ice cream flavours offered by The Dream Cream Co. which are very popular with customers?
Our best sellers include Soulful Serradura, Blueberry Crumble, High 5 Berry, Custard Apple (seasonal), Hazel Nutella, and Bailey’s.
What was the response from the public like when your enterprise just started off? The response has been encouraging and humbling. It has made me believe that I have something which a lot of people will love.
Who are your major clients ? ( businesses, hotels, caterers etc.)
Right now, we cater to customers directly. We are in talks with a few restaurants to include our ice creams as part of their regular menus.
What are the major challenges that you face while running this business?
The supply chain and availability of ingredients can be challenging at times. But the advantage we have is our ever-evolving menu and my focus is on seasonal and natural flavours.
What are your future plans?
In addition to restaurants, I will be entering the retail space in a couple of months. I believe that The Dream Cream Co. can reach new heights and I am optimistic about the brand and its future.
Finally, any message or words of advice that you would like to share with our readers? Follow your dream and follow your gut; the more you experiment, the better you get.
To place an order for ice-creams, call The Dream Cream Co. on +91 9850152250
Website: www.thedreamcreamcompany.com
