Gifford's resumes ice cream production
Gifford’s Ice Cream started making ice cream again at its Skowhegan plant for the first time in a year.
This milestone arrives shortly after the one-year anniversary of the destructive fire that swept through the Maine-based ice cream company’s production facility, causing extensive damage and forcing it to stop production and seek help from out-of-state co-packers in order to meet customer demand.
“Nothing can prepare you for what we experienced on Feb. 2 last year,” said Gifford’s Ice Cream CEO Lindsay Skilling. “The damage was so extensive we had to take most of our factory and offices down to the studs. It has been a year of pivoting and problem-solving.”
Skilling continued, “We can say now that the path forward hasn’t always been clear. But we never questioned our commitment to coming back stronger and better than ever. We’re not at full production capacity yet, and we’ll be working hard to build our production capabilities and inventory levels over the next several months, but I can say it feels great to be making our own ice cream again in Skowhegan.”
Gifford’s Ice Cream resumed production at its Skowhegan facility with the first test batches rolling off the line in early February. To get back up and running, the family-owned ice cream company has carved out a smaller production area—roughly 30% of what its actual production area will be once the factory is fully restored—and has two lines running to produce quarts and bulk flavors for its wholesale customers. Meanwhile, Gifford’s continues to rebuild its offices and larger production area. The production plan currently prioritizes fan favorite flavors that the co-packer partners were not able to make in 2023 like Toasted Coconut and Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Frozen Yogurt.
“In addition to making ice cream again, we have a few more surprises up our sleeves for the year, and we can’t wait to reveal those soon,” said Skilling.
“Last year was an extremely hard one for the entire Gifford’s family. While it’s something I don’t want to ever repeat, I will look back on it with gratitude. I can’t imagine getting through it without our entire Gifford’s family," she added. "Despite the challenges of the year, we’ve been able to keep our entire team employed, and I’m proud and grateful for their perseverance. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our family members, partners, and our loyal customers. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, for sticking with us and for making today, this year, and the next 50 years, the next 500 years, possible.”
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