“The Good Stuff"
When H. Morton Perry decided to start an ice cream company (way back in 1918), his motto, “Make sure you put in enough of the good stuff,” was meant for more than making exceptional ice cream – and became a saying that would sustain the company for generations to come. It stretches beyond cow to cone directly into the communities they serve so that their “good stuff” does good, with purpose and business going hand-in-hand.
Perry’s is a Great Lakes regional brand (the 24th largest in the country) found across 12 states, including Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. In addition to the traditional manufacturing and marketing of the brand, Perry’s has a distribution system covering over 100,000 square miles and a global manufacturing segment that supplies over 35 countries. Perry’s uses fresh, local, high quality milk and cream to proudly craft and slow-cook its ice cream for an exceptionally creamy texture and taste that consumers have fallen in love with for over 100 years. Their brand consists of more than 100 flavors of ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet and sorbet, as well as novelties – a variety guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. As Perry’s broadens their expansion in Ohio (among other states), they continue a commitment to bring their “good stuff” through support, partnerships and sponsorships.
In Ohio, for example, Perry’s has partnered with the Cleveland Indians, Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Clippers, providing support for the teams’ respective charities by contributing a portion of sales (5th Line Crunch benefits the CBJ Foundation and a new co-branded flavor is in the works with the Indians in 2021). In addition to various local charities, they also support local organizations through monetary and product donations through a Team Member Giving program that provides a product donation to team members’ favorite charity or event.
"Good Stuff" at Work!
Apparently the “good stuff” is part of the Perry’s work force, too. Employees truly care about the jobs they do and taking care of the people they interact with, proven by the growth they exhibit year-to-year. In 2019, 37 new jobs were added to their team, increasing the total number of employees at Perry’s to more than 450. Family focus in a caring and passionate environment keeps team members happy, focused and positive, with average employee tenure being 9 years – more than twice the industry average. This combination of dedicated workers, a rich history and tradition of quality products, and innovation through operations, has carved a place into a challenging territory, as the Perry’s brand deepens its footprint all over Ohio. In fact, Perry’s showed an 87% sales growth in Ohio alone this year over 2019!
Remember that this is ice cream, so history, tradition and quality are great, but a certain amount of fun certainly takes it place among priorities (and success). With flavors like their signature Panda Paws® (vanilla ice cream with swirls of fudge and paw-shaped peanut butter cups), Deep Sea Treasure (caramel ice cream with salty caramel swirls and caramel sea salt truffles) and Northern Lights (sour green apple, blue raspberry and grape flavored sherbet, fun is certainly part of the recipe. In fact, Perry’s will be providing an exciting new addition to its novelties, as they introduce a caffeinated line of three Barista Bars™ (Cold Brew Coffee, Mocha Latte, and Chai Latte). These flavor innovations are part of the company-wide dedication to understanding their market and consumer.
As multiple generations consume media differently, Perry’s looks for ways to best understand and reach their varied audiences. In 2018 and 2019, they focused heavily on a traditional strategy of radio, billboards and sampling events to jump start awareness in Ohio. The past year, that strategy adjusted (in part due to COVID, but also as part of a planned strategy) to include more digital advertising and promotion as consumers spend more time online. As the company enters its second century in business, they completed a full modernization of the brand and prepare for omnichannel advertising designed to share the Perry’s unique story and delicious offerings.
All this – together with a steady flow of innovation and a dedicated team – is guaranteed to make Perry’s (and it’s good stuff) a household name.
OGA is proud to have Perry’s Ice Cream as a feature member, and encourages all of our members to follow their success (if you aren’t already) through social media and online at www.perrysicecream.com
In an effort to show appreciation to our members, the Ohio Grocers Association will feature a company every month in our Member Spotlight.
This is an opportunity to tell more about your organization, its services, or any notable happenings within your business and/or your team. The 2022 Member Spotlight will also coincide with OhioGrocer Magazine which is prepared quarterly.
How does the Member Spotlight work?
As our featured member, you will receive recognition in various ways – each designed to provide more information about your business as well as help promote it.
If you would like more information about this Program or have any questions, please contact Molly Talley, COO, by email at mollytalley@ohiogrocers.org.
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