Jude’s Ice Cream

The background

Premium ice cream business, Jude’s Ice Cream has turned to CoolKit – the UK’s leading specialist in temperature-controlled van conversions – for over six years.

Widely recognised for its ‘delicious stripy tubs of joy,’ Jude’s Ice Cream has become a celebrated nationwide brand since launching in Hampshire in 2002. Today, its fleet of vehicles travel the roads of the UK supplying its exciting range of ice cream flavours and frozen lollies to a host of major supermarket chains, as well as scores of independent retailers, cafes and restaurants.

Given the extremely chilled nature of Jude’s produce – and the company’s commitment to its certified B Corp status – its transportation requirements are very bespoke and CoolKit has been expert at meeting these needs since 2019.

The challenge

Jude’s needed two temperature-controlled environments within it vans – a freezer for the ice cream and lollies, and an ambient temperature to ensure its cones and waffles remain fresh. Its fleet of vans are fitted with a Hubbard Zer0° fridge unit, featuring Road & 1-phase standby capabilities and running on direct (engine) drive.

The business benefits from CoolKit’s industry leading payload, achieved through the use of light, strong materials that maximise vehicle productivity.

“We choose CoolKit because they understand the unique needs of a growing ice cream company like ours. CoolKit’s expertise in temperature-controlled vans ensures that our ice cream reaches our customers in top condition. The conversions totally align with our brand’s requirements.”

Kim Elliott, Head of Logistics at Jude’s Ice Cream

The solution

CoolKit’s lightweight van conversions, which are up to 100kg lighter than competitor models, have proven to be a game-changer for businesses like Jude’s Ice Cream. This weight advantage allows companies to transport more goods per trip, reducing both operational costs and their carbon footprint.

Additional bespoke features for Jude’s fleet include a movable mid-bulkhead with straps, wheel box flaps, strip curtains, an Orbcomm Euroscan temperature recorder and printer, LoadLok® 1806 load-securing track, and a grey GRP sheet floor with an anti-slip coating.

“If a business ever needed its refrigerated delivery vans chilled to critical temperatures, it has to be an ice cream maker. We worked closely with Jude to meet their specific requirements, which included creating temperature-controlled environments capable of maintaining a precise range of +0° to -20°C whilst maximising payload capabilities.

“Every aspect of the conversion was designed to ensure their ice cream is transported in optimal condition, aligning with their high standards and operational needs.”

Mark Beaton, Sales Manager at CoolKit

The Result

CoolKit has recently delivered a Ford Custom L2 H1 Panel Van and Citroen Relay L3 H2 Panel Van.

The business is proud to be a certified B Corp that supports community and charity events with a focus on children and young people. Jude’s is also dedicated to Environmental, Social and Governance – a set of standards measuring a business’s impact on society, the environment and how transparent and accountable it is.

Jude’s has reduced its carbon intensity by 31% since 2020 which is over halfway to its 43% reduction target by 2030.

All of these values run parallel to those set out by CoolKit and over time the relationship between the two has grown stronger by the year.

“Our dealings with CoolKit have been great. The team is responsive, knowledgeable, and always goes the extra mile to ensure our needs are met.

“We are happy with our collaboration with CoolKit and appreciate the support it gives in helping us deliver our products in top condition, while increased payload means we make fewer trips.”

Kim Elliott, Head of Logistics at Jude’s Ice Cream

CoolKit continues to set the standard in the refrigerated van industry with its innovative, lightweight conversions that maximise payload capacity and boost operational efficiency.