'Total innovation, totally Lick': Northern Ireland family-owned business takes on industry giants at UK awards and launches new canned ice cream range
Newcastle’s Lick Gelato picks up the accolade for best strawberry ice cream at the Golden Scoop Awards 2026
A Northern Ireland family-owned ice cream business has been recognised among the best in the UK and Ireland after winning a top prize at a leading industry awards ceremony.
Lick Gelato picked up the accolade for best strawberry ice cream at the Golden Scoop Awards 2026, which celebrate the finest producers across the UK and Ireland.
Hosted by the Ice Cream Alliance, the awards are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the ice cream calendar, recognising excellence in quality, craftsmanship and innovation.
Founded in 2015, Lick Gelato went head-to-head with long-established producers, marking a significant achievement for the relatively young business.
The company, established by the Mournes family and based in Newcastle, produces Italian-style artisan gelato, known for its bold flavours, premium ingredients and rich taste.
Owner Simon Welby said quality has always been central to the business: “Quality has always been our main focus, producing the Best Flavours, with the Best Ingredients that have the utmost integrity which we can fully endorse.“
The company is also continuing to innovate, recently launching a new product aimed at the retail market.
He added: “We’ve just launched a new product to the retail market, which is a first for the UK & Irish markets and beyond. Canned Ice cream – which is our Artisan Ice cream in a clear transparent can… Total Innovation, Totally Lick Gelato.”
With more than 80 years of history, the Golden Scoop Awards remain one of the most respected events in the ice cream calendar. Known for its rigorous judging process, the competition celebrates the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship and innovation across the industry.