{"id":4535,"date":"2021-01-07T14:37:57","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T14:37:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cupprint.com\/case-study-banana-scoops-custom-printed-ice-cream-tubs\/"},"modified":"2025-10-17T09:55:41","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T09:55:41","slug":"case-study-banana-scoops-custom-printed-ice-cream-tubs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cupprint.com\/en\/case-study-banana-scoops-custom-printed-ice-cream-tubs\/","title":{"rendered":"Case Study – Banana Scoops"},"content":{"rendered":"

Recyclable Custom Printed Ice Cream Tubs<\/h2>\n

THE CHALLENGE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Launch a new frozen food brand, make it stand out – and comply with all the requirements of a major retailer. (From scratch, without finance<\/em>).<\/p>\n

THE OUTCOME:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eye-catching, sustainable product packaging<\/b>. Go-to-market confidence from flexible, reliable supply backed by strong customer service. Products in mainstream retail freezers!<\/p>\n

\"Jess<\/p>\n

Banana Scoops \u2013 An Inspiration to GO FOR IT!<\/h2>\n

Never let a Pandemic get in the way of a good business idea! Despite the significant uncertainties caused by Covid, Young FMCG entrepreneur Jess Salamanca had a stratospheric 2020 with the launch of her innovative dairy-free ice cream brand Banana Scoops.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Starting from the kitchen-table after leaving an \u2018unfulfilling\u2019 corporate job, Jess boldly took the plunge into the unknown in the search of a more meaningful mission.<\/em><\/p>\n

Being from a foodie background – growing up in her family\u2019s restaurant in Spain \u2013 and with a passion for healthy eating, she noticed a gap in the market after following fitness and healthy-eating Instagram posters publishing recipes for fruit-based, dairy-free ice cream.<\/p>\n

Bing!<\/h3>\n

\u2018How can I mass produce something genuinely healthy, that tastes like and feels like ice cream \u2013 made from fruit? Then it would be healthy to eat ice cream for breakfast!<\/em>\u2019 was the lightbulb moment. Needless to say, the packaging would have to be made of sustainable material too \u2026<\/p>\n

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A Good Start<\/h3>\n

So, she went for it. No external investment. Still the sole employee. Whilst starting to \u2018get out there<\/em>\u2019 at Farmer\u2019s Markets, her initial 2020 retail targets were to get onto the shelves of the likes of health-eating specialists such as As Nature Intended and Planet Organic.<\/p>\n

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Which went to plan. In fact, even better. Because who else but supermarket giant <\/strong>Ocado<\/a> then expressed interest as they looked to broaden their range and build their specialist suppliers base?<\/p>\n

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A Mountain to Climb<\/h3>\n

But, although Jess\u2019 expectations were far exceeded, the challenges also rose <\/strong>with the extra needs<\/strong> that large-scale retail demands.<\/p>\n

\u2018There were a ton of extra requirements for the likes of Ocado. Food safety, packaging hygiene standards and logistics etc., the list goes on. But they are really supportive of small brands and did everything they could to help get Banana Scoops over the line and into their frozen section\u2019<\/em>.<\/p>\n

At that time, \u2018going back to my \u201cwhy?\u201d was vital\u2019<\/em> she says. Belief in herself and her product \u2013 and why she originally wanted to develop it – was the driving force for the difficult days.<\/p>\n

\u2018Sometimes it\u2019s simply lonely. You need a support network. You need to reach out to others in a similar situation, that are launching similar products or at similar stages. That refuels you to keep on keeping on\u2019<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The Secret Sauce for Success?<\/h3>\n

So what are the most vital pieces in the puzzle to get a big player to sit up<\/strong>, take notice and buy in to a relatively untested supplier? \u2018Getting your branding on point is the biggest thing \u2013 and nothing reflects that more than your packaging\u2019<\/em><\/strong> explains Salamanca.<\/p>\n

Sustainable packaging<\/strong> was also vital, not just for Banana Scoops\u2019 brand values<\/strong>, but for the retailer and their end-consumer\u2019s too.<\/p>\n

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Getting your branding on point is the biggest thing \u2013 and nothing reflects that more than your packaging<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u2018Packaging is complicated \u2013 but doable<\/em>\u2019 says Jess. \u2018Finding the right supplier is key.<\/em><\/p>\n

‘My fear was facing huge minimum orders \u2013 there are suppliers needing at least 50,000-pc. commitments with long, 8-12-week lead times. <\/em><\/p>\n

‘Cashflow management is critical for any business, let alone a startup. So how would I be able to know how many cartons were too much or too little to buy in? <\/em><\/p>\n

‘Would I be overstocked – or would I get caught short and miss out on opportunities?<\/em>\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d come across Cup Print when researching sustainable pots <\/strong>and tubs and our frozen food manufacturer recommended them as well due to their fast turnaround time<\/strong> and short-run, low minimum order<\/strong> entry requirements and BRCGS High Hygiene Standard. <\/em><\/p>\n

‘Dealing with Cup Print was super easy<\/strong>. You get one dedicated Account Manager<\/strong> and the service is friendly, understanding and fast<\/strong>. <\/em><\/p>\n

‘The design team<\/strong> there were incredibly helpful too, with getting colours and finishes just right and all the artwork elements placed and adjusted perfectly \u2013 nothing was too much trouble for them\u2019<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Flexibility was key<\/strong> and Jess could now sell and supply with extra confidence<\/strong> that a big piece was in place.<\/p>\n

\u2018Bad Customer Service would\u2019ve put me off even if the cashflow-easy ordering options were in place. <\/em><\/p>\n

‘Having a supplier that\u2019s responsive, patient <\/strong>and sees the big picture plays a major part in scaling up\u2019<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

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What\u2019s Next?<\/h3>\n

Further expansion is obviously on-the-cards, but many larger supermarkets are hesitant on range expansion in the current climate. However, discussions continue and it\u2019s a case of \u2018watch this space\u2019 for further news.<\/p>\n

The big the ambitions for Banana Scoops going forwards? \u2018Bananas everywhere!<\/em>\u2019 laughs Jess. Increased distribution and accessibility is the goal.<\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019d like a tub of Banana Scoops to be just 5 minutes from anyone. I\u2019m expanding the range and then of course we want to sell outside of the UK<\/em>\u2019 she states.<\/p>\n

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Valuable Advice<\/h3>\n

Aside from the belief in self and product, what advice would Jess give<\/strong> someone considering a brave new venture too? Does it simply just come down to grueling, hard work?<\/p>\n

\u2018Well, patience and focus I suppose\u2019<\/em> she offers. \u2018I know things moved very fast and we scored well early, but generally everything just takes longer than you\u2019d expect. <\/em><\/p>\n

‘Being resilient and persevering while you wait is important, to keep pushing on. I don\u2019t mean that just in terms of hours put in or grind, but returning to your supporters to keep in touch with your motives when you need to.<\/em><\/p>\n

‘Or, if you start to lose sight a little, to hear from other believers. <\/em><\/p>\n

‘But also to just work smart<\/strong>, by concentrating only on your prioritie<\/strong>s, on only what\u2019s important to moving the needle<\/em>\u2019.<\/p>\n

Well, you can always have guilt-free ice cream for breakfast so that must help!<\/p>\n

Our hat\u2019s off to a remarkable young woman who\u2019s setting a great example to others and bringing a genuine, unique product to the market with all the right brand values.<\/p>\n

What is your \u2018why?\u2019 and when will you take the leap? Cup Print are here and ready to listen and help with a flexible, supportive ear when you do. Thanks to Jess Salamanca and Banana Scoops.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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GET QUICK QUOTE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2022 MOQ Just 1000 pcs<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Ready for Delivery in 15 Days<\/p>\n

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\u2022 Recyclable Models Available<\/p>\n

Useful Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n