The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamian ice-cream producer says selling ice-cream in The Bahamas is a “no brainer” and the main thing is you have to be able to distinguish yourself.

Shaquile Coleby, co-owner of Pulpy Frozen Desserts, told Tribune Business that there has been a noticeable uptick in business since last year.

Ice-cream manufactures who are having difficulties selling produce in country should reconsider their location and also “consider the type of ice-cream” they are selling, said Mr Coleby.

“There’s a lot of little hole in the wall places where you can get ice cream. So if you’re competing against them, then you’re competing against a pretty large market but when you distinguish yourself and have something that’s unique, it kind of sets you apart.”

Pulpy is a recipient of the Small Business Development Centre’s (SBDC) loan funding to which Mr Coleby said has helped him a great deal.

“The funding part of the relationship is over, now it is just up to us to deliver as they have stopped holding our hands, so to speak,” he said.

Pulpy is similar to another company that received assistance from the SBDC – Shiver Premium Ice-Cream Ltd. However, Shiver went into default on its loan after finding itself in operational trouble during the COVID-19 economic fallout.

Pulpy has been able to move from its previous location on Village Road to a new site inside of Sandy Port, which was a better fit for the company, said Mr Coleby.

Another business in this sector has also seen a recent uptick in sales.

Shakira Davis, owner/operator of Celestial Treats, said she has been holding on steadily since the country reopened from the lockdown.

“When the country was closed, we were closed and once things opened back up, things picked back up for us,” she said.

“People aren’t partying as much, so they are getting smaller amounts than what they are used to. But other than that I can’t complain.”