Cedar Crest Ice Cream Company Profile

Background

Overview

Cedar Crest Ice Cream, established in 1976, is a family-owned and operated company based in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. The company specializes in producing a diverse range of premium ice cream products, including traditional ice cream, frozen custard, sherbet, gelato, and churned ice cream. All products are manufactured at their facility in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Mission and Vision

Cedar Crest's mission is to deliver high-quality, flavorful ice cream products that bring joy to consumers. Their vision focuses on maintaining a commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement, ensuring that each product reflects their dedication to excellence.

Primary Area of Focus

The company emphasizes small-batch production methods, allowing for greater control over quality and flavor profiles. This approach enables them to offer a wide variety of flavors and products, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

Industry Significance

Cedar Crest Ice Cream holds a significant position in the regional ice cream market, particularly in Wisconsin and surrounding areas. Their dedication to quality and innovation has earned them numerous awards and a loyal customer base.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Quality Assurance: Maintaining high standards in product quality through meticulous production processes.

Flavor Innovation: Continuously developing new and unique flavors to meet evolving consumer tastes.

Community Engagement: Fostering strong relationships with local communities and supporting local initiatives.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Small-Batch Production: Utilizing traditional methods to produce ice cream in small batches, enhancing flavor and texture.

Flavor Variety: Offering an extensive range of flavors, including unique and seasonal options.

Product Diversification: Expanding product lines to include frozen custard, sherbet, gelato, and churned ice cream.

Key Technologies Utilized

Vat Pasteurization: Employing traditional vat pasteurization methods to ensure rich flavor profiles.

Automated Production Lines: Incorporating automation to improve efficiency and consistency in production.

Primary Markets Targeted

Regional Distribution: Serving Wisconsin, northern Illinois, eastern Iowa, eastern Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Retail and Food Service: Supplying products to grocery stores, ice cream parlors, schools, and other food service establishments.

Financials and Funding

As a privately held company, Cedar Crest Ice Cream does not publicly disclose detailed financial information. However, the company has demonstrated consistent growth and profitability through strategic investments in production facilities and product development.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Seasonal Flavors: Regularly introducing limited-time flavors to attract seasonal interest.

Health-Conscious Options: Developing lower-fat and lower-calorie ice cream lines in response to consumer demand.

Stages of Product Development

Conceptualization: Identifying market trends and consumer preferences.

Development: Formulating recipes and conducting taste tests.

Production: Scaling up production for distribution.

Launch: Introducing new products to the market through various channels.

Target Conditions

Consumer Health Trends: Addressing the growing demand for healthier dessert options.

Seasonal Preferences: Catering to flavors that align with seasonal tastes and festivities.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Product Launches: Typically coincide with seasonal changes or special events.

Flavor Introductions: New flavors are often introduced annually or in response to market feedback.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Traditional Production Methods: Maintaining traditional ice cream-making techniques to preserve flavor integrity.

Significant Scientific Methods

Flavor Development: Utilizing consumer feedback and market research to guide flavor creation.

Quality Control: Implementing rigorous testing and quality assurance protocols to ensure product consistency.

Leadership Team

Ken Kohlwey: President and part-owner, overseeing overall company operations and strategic direction.

Robert Kohlwey: Vice President of Sales, responsible for managing sales strategies and customer relationships.

Bill Kohlwey: Vice President of Administration, handling administrative functions and internal processes.

Tim Kohlwey: Vice President of Distribution, managing logistics and distribution networks.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The ice cream industry is characterized by a mix of large national brands and regional producers. Consumer preferences are shifting towards premium, artisanal products with unique flavors and health-conscious options.

Competitor Analysis

Blue Bell Creameries: A major player in the Southern U.S., known for a wide range of traditional flavors.

Cold Stone Creamery: Offers customizable ice cream experiences with a focus on mix-ins.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams: Specializes in unique, artisanal flavors with a focus on quality ingredients.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Cedar Crest collaborates with local 4-H clubs to create new flavors, fostering community engagement and innovation.

Operational Insights

Cedar Crest's commitment to small-batch production and quality control differentiates it from larger competitors, allowing for unique flavor offerings and a personalized customer experience.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions