May 9, 2021

Credit: Lorne Campbell/Guzelian Leeds-based ice cream brand, Northern Bloc, has become the exclusive ice cream provider to London’s prestigious Royal Opera House’s front of house spaces. A spokesman from The Royal Opera House said: “We are delighted to be working together with Northern Bloc as we prepare to re-open our doors to the public. “We know our audiences will love these amazing new flavours when they return, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with a company which shares our commitment to sustainability.” It’s not the first time Northern Bloc has supported it’s partners in the arts. Credit: Lorne Campbell/Guzelian During the pandemic, it created a new, limited edition vegan ice cream called The Show Must Go On! available exclusively in Waitrose. Proceeds from the white chocolate and honeycomb flavour are donated to Theatre Support Fund+, an organisation set up by two employees of the West End, which supports arts charities responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The business was recently awarded a six figure investment sum from private equity firm, Mobeus Equity Partners and is investing part of this capital in new machinery which will allow it to manufacture even more sustainably. Josh Lee, co-founder and director at Northern Bloc, said: “We’re passionate about sustainability. The pandemic has further highlighted the need to look after our planet and what happens when we don’t and we’ve seen the appetite for sustainable eating jump forward five years, in the space of just one. “Plant-based is no longer a dietary requirement, it’s fast becoming a way of life and Northern Bloc is proud to be at the forefront of bold, innovative, amazing tasting products which suit this revolution. “Our packaging is also integral to our sustainable offering and we’re pleased to be working on a fully recyclable alternative for our out of home customers, similar to that which we’ve been offering in retail for over a year now.” Northern Bloc was the first ice cream brand in the UK to introduce fully sustainable packaging last year on its 500ml tubs, currently available in retail, removing the plastic coating on its paper tubs to a fully recyclable, compostable alternative. The Royal Opera House is the latest in a line of prestigious arts venues which stock Northern Bloc including: The National Theatre, Alexandra Palace and The Barbican. It is also stocked in other well known out-of-home locations including Wagamama and The Science Museum Group. Previous Article