An opportunity identified by the hospitality managers on board Spirit of Tasmania’s vessels is set to benefit a number of Tasmanian businesses across the state.
Tasmanian ice cream manufacturer Valhalla has responded to a suggestion by Spirit of Tasmania and is introducing a new product line, the Valhalla mini, a 120 ml cup of ice cream available in five flavours.
Valhalla chief executive officer Luke Atkin said the company had already sold about 14,000 of its choc tops to Spirit of Tasmania passengers.
“When the Spirit’s hospitality managers suggested to us that a mini cup of ice cream would likely prove to be popular amongst passengers, we were only too happy to accept the challenge and develop such a product,” he said.
Mr Atkin said the new product line was good news for north west coast dairy farmers who supplied Lion Dairy in Burnie as the expected cream intake to increase by about 15 per cent.
“The new product line is expected to ultimately lift Valhalla production by about 10 per cent,” he said.
“We currently employ 12 full-time staff, and we expect to be able to increase employment following a successful launch of the mini product and customer support.
TT-Line Chief Executive Officer Bernard Dwyer said the company was also keen to showcase new Tasmanian produce and products on board.
“More than 90 per cent of wine and 80 per cent of food that we serve to our passengers is sourced through Tasmanian suppliers,” he said.
“If we can go one step further and work with an existing supplier on a new product that has flow-on effects for its business and their suppliers, then we are only too happy to engage.”
“The new product line will be good for us but it will be excellent for our customers giving them more choice in an ideal recyclable size container.” Mr Atkin added.
Valhalla’s new minis – available in chocolate choc chip, salted caramel – peanut crunch, strawberry, vanilla bean and raspberry sorbet - will be available on Spirit of Tasmania’s vessels from today.
They will also be distributed to retailers across the state.
