Morelli’s Ice Cream: A Century of Sweet Success and Family Tradition
Source: DairyNews.today
Founded in 1911 in Coleraine, Northern Ireland’s oldest ice cream brand, Morelli’s Ice Cream, has become a legendary name in the local and national market. Daniela Morelli, a fifth-generation member of the family business, reflects on how the family’s dedication and innovation have been the driving force behind Morelli’s enduring success.
Morelli’s Ice Cream was originally established by Daniela’s great-uncle, Peter Morelli. The first shop, located on Society Street in Coleraine, was a bustling one-stop shop, offering everything from fish and chips to sweets and even taxi services. Ice cream was only a seasonal product, hand-made using hand-cranked freezers and locally sourced milk and cream. The operation was small, with just one basic flavor derived from the rich milk and cream of local farmers.
As the business grew, Peter expanded by acquiring additional shops in Portstewart, Portrush, and Castlerock, which thrived during the busy summer months. Peter’s nephew, Angelo Morelli, joined the family business and later took over the Portstewart shop, aptly named ‘The Ice Palace,’ after purchasing it for £600 – a significant sum at the time, which he paid in installments.
World War II brought challenges when Angelo was interned on the Isle of Man, but the family’s resilience saw them reunite and continue the business. Peter and his wife Annie, who had no children, entrusted the next generation with the family legacy. Angelo’s sons, including Daniela’s father and uncles, each took charge of one of the family’s shops, ensuring the Morelli name continued to flourish.
Today, the Morelli family runs the shop in Portrush and oversees the manufacturing operations from their factory in Coleraine. The brand has expanded significantly, with 10 branded stores across Northern Ireland, including locations in Carrickfergus, Lurgan, Holywood, and West Belfast. Their products are also available in major retail chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Dunnes Stores, thanks to strategic co-branding partnerships.
Family remains at the heart of Morelli’s success. The business is an active participant in the Northern Ireland Family Business Forum, which fosters collaboration among long-standing family businesses. Daniela, along with her siblings – sister Tania, and brothers Naldo and Marino – continue to innovate, developing new flavors and exploring creative collaborations with local businesses.
One of the proudest moments for Morelli’s came in 2011, when the company celebrated its centenary with a year-long series of events. The highlight was setting a Guinness World Record for the longest chain of people licking ice cream simultaneously, with over 2,800 participants. This achievement is a testament to the brand’s enduring popularity and community spirit.
In addition to their rich history, Morelli’s has earned numerous accolades. In 2012, the company won the prestigious ‘Champion of Champions’ award for the best Vanilla Ice Cream in the UK and Ireland. They continue to be recognized with Great Taste Awards and currently hold the title of Supreme Champion at the Blas na Heireann Irish Food Awards.
Innovation is a key part of Morelli’s strategy. The family has experimented with various flavors over the years, some more successful than others. For instance, a flavor called ‘Piggy in the Middle,’ featuring bacon dipped in chocolate, didn’t catch on, but Naldo’s caramelized hazelnut creation, which earned three Great Taste Gold Stars and a Golden Fork, remains a popular choice.
The brand also values collaboration with other local businesses. Their partnerships have led to unique offerings such as Irish black butter-infused vanilla ice cream and a recent collaboration with Devil’s Churn, a local caramel sauce producer. The resulting Campfire Caramel flavor, made with smoked sea salt, has already become a summer favorite.
Looking ahead, Daniela and her family plan to continue doing what they do best: crafting delicious, award-winning ice cream that honors their heritage while embracing new ideas. As Daniela puts it, “The future? Who knows, just keep doing what we’re doing...I guess!”
For now, fans of Morelli’s can enjoy their classic flavors alongside new additions like Coke Float and Lemon Cookies, available at their store in Portrush. The Morelli family looks forward to serving their community for generations to come.
As the business grew, Peter expanded by acquiring additional shops in Portstewart, Portrush, and Castlerock, which thrived during the busy summer months. Peter’s nephew, Angelo Morelli, joined the family business and later took over the Portstewart shop, aptly named ‘The Ice Palace,’ after purchasing it for £600 – a significant sum at the time, which he paid in installments.
World War II brought challenges when Angelo was interned on the Isle of Man, but the family’s resilience saw them reunite and continue the business. Peter and his wife Annie, who had no children, entrusted the next generation with the family legacy. Angelo’s sons, including Daniela’s father and uncles, each took charge of one of the family’s shops, ensuring the Morelli name continued to flourish.
Today, the Morelli family runs the shop in Portrush and oversees the manufacturing operations from their factory in Coleraine. The brand has expanded significantly, with 10 branded stores across Northern Ireland, including locations in Carrickfergus, Lurgan, Holywood, and West Belfast. Their products are also available in major retail chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Dunnes Stores, thanks to strategic co-branding partnerships.
Family remains at the heart of Morelli’s success. The business is an active participant in the Northern Ireland Family Business Forum, which fosters collaboration among long-standing family businesses. Daniela, along with her siblings – sister Tania, and brothers Naldo and Marino – continue to innovate, developing new flavors and exploring creative collaborations with local businesses.
One of the proudest moments for Morelli’s came in 2011, when the company celebrated its centenary with a year-long series of events. The highlight was setting a Guinness World Record for the longest chain of people licking ice cream simultaneously, with over 2,800 participants. This achievement is a testament to the brand’s enduring popularity and community spirit.
In addition to their rich history, Morelli’s has earned numerous accolades. In 2012, the company won the prestigious ‘Champion of Champions’ award for the best Vanilla Ice Cream in the UK and Ireland. They continue to be recognized with Great Taste Awards and currently hold the title of Supreme Champion at the Blas na Heireann Irish Food Awards.
Innovation is a key part of Morelli’s strategy. The family has experimented with various flavors over the years, some more successful than others. For instance, a flavor called ‘Piggy in the Middle,’ featuring bacon dipped in chocolate, didn’t catch on, but Naldo’s caramelized hazelnut creation, which earned three Great Taste Gold Stars and a Golden Fork, remains a popular choice.
The brand also values collaboration with other local businesses. Their partnerships have led to unique offerings such as Irish black butter-infused vanilla ice cream and a recent collaboration with Devil’s Churn, a local caramel sauce producer. The resulting Campfire Caramel flavor, made with smoked sea salt, has already become a summer favorite.
Looking ahead, Daniela and her family plan to continue doing what they do best: crafting delicious, award-winning ice cream that honors their heritage while embracing new ideas. As Daniela puts it, “The future? Who knows, just keep doing what we’re doing...I guess!”
For now, fans of Morelli’s can enjoy their classic flavors alongside new additions like Coke Float and Lemon Cookies, available at their store in Portrush. The Morelli family looks forward to serving their community for generations to come.
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