June 13th marks a milestone in London’s food and beverage landscape: the London Ice Cream Company is turning 30. Since opening its doors at the original Baseline Road location in 1994 under founder Alan Sargant, the Company has been churning passion and flavour into every tub.
The original location acted as a community hub, consistently having line ups to the parking lot. Three decades later, the business – now based at 3397 White Oak Road since 2022 – continues to scoop smiles across Southwestern Ontario (and far beyond) as a beloved craft creamery.
Today, the creamery boasts over 120 unique flavours, with signatures like Moose Tracks, Happy Birthday, Peanut Butter Mudpuddle and Acadian Vanilla (topped with a touch of maple syrup), found in grocery store freezers and ice cream shop menus alike. What began as a local operation has flourished into a wholesale powerhouse, supplying retailers, restaurants and shops well beyond London.
“Our pathway to success has always been rooted in staying true to our principles,” says Abbi Lezizidis, Sales & Marketing Manager at London Ice Cream Company. “We are committed to crafting real-deal ice cream—made with high-quality ingredients and authentic inclusions and ripples. No shortcuts. No substitutes. Just honest, exceptional ice cream.”
The London Ice Cream Company's original vision was simple: ice cream the way it used to be. The Company was launched with a handful of classic flavours, producing ice cream in small batches by hand.
“Innovation is at the heart of London Ice Cream. We strive to understand what Canadians want and stay one step ahead to deliver it,” says Lezizidis. “Every day, we focus on creating a great experience—whether through different package sizes or new flavour developments. A key part of our success has been steady, disciplined growth, especially in today’s challenging market conditions.”
The ice cream industry is competitive – but the London Ice Cream Company stays ahead of the trends by remaining active in industry-level trade shows and mirroring immigration trends. Many flavours have Indo-Asian influences, like red bean and green tea or coffee.
This upcoming anniversary is more than a date - it’s a celebration of ongoing craftsmanship. Since inception, the Company has been proud to employ over 30 people. Currently, there are over 70 employees. It’s these local craftspeople who keep the legacy alive and keep the food and beverage economy churning. At a time when mass production is a common theme, the Company’s “Made in London” story has earned loyalty and trust.
Beyond crafting ice cream, these jobs create meaningful economic ripple effects throughout the community. By providing stable employment to a broad range of workers, from entry-level roles to specialized positions, the company helps sustain families and boosts the local economy.
“We prioritize using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. While some ingredients simply aren’t available in Canada, we go the extra mile to ensure that anything we source elsewhere meets — and exceeds — the highest quality standards.” says Lezizidis.
This network of local partnerships not only promotes economic resilience but also reduces environmental impact through shorter transportation routes.
London Ice Cream Company’s commitment to hands-on, community-based production creates jobs that offer skill development and career opportunities. The Company’s role as a reliable local employer contributes to social stability and helps maintain the unique identity of London's business landscape.
Looking ahead, the London Ice Cream Company shows no signs of slowing down. They have a permanent storefront at 3397 White Oaks Road, updated packaging and fresh collaborations with many major partners. They’re well-positioned to seize this growth as well - the new plant located on-site is state-of-the-art and allows the Company to have flexibility in going from food service to grab and go products during pandemic.
“Every day, we receive emails from Canadians who have moved away from London asking where they can find London Ice Cream. We appreciate our fans so much,” says Lezizidis. “They get so excited when we expand to locations in Alberta or British Columbia. They absolutely love it—and we love them too. We also appreciate the support of the LEDC continuing to provide education and lead opportunities.”
The brand’s presence in local grocery stores such as Remark, Angelos, Ungers and large-scale grocery stores such as Sobeys and Metro continue to grow. You can also have London Ice Cream delivered via Uber Eats, proving its blend of artisanal roots and scale.
“We’ve brought back a few fan favourites — and one of the most requested was our Rainbow Sherbet,” says Lezizidis. “Its vibrant colours and nostalgic taste were truly missed, and we’re thrilled to have it back on the menu where it belongs. A natural wonder of colour and taste. Orange, lime and raspberry sherbet’s swirled together.”
Their next chapter includes focusing on plant-based frozen desert. They recently launched at a National Food Shows the new brand called Parlour 269. Lezizidis credits R&D magician Karen with these ongoing ideas.
“We are excited to develop all this new exciting line as the demand continues to grow year after year,” says Lezizidis. “Karen is our magician. She’s a chef, she’s such a perfectionist and she basically does it all.”
Three decades is no small feat, but the London Ice Cream Company’s heartfelt devotion to quality, community-focused spirit and a little old-fashioned charm has kept it relevant. As the anniversary countdown ends, this Friday we raise a cone to the next 30 years, one delicious scoop at a time.
