The organic ice cream is being produced by R&R Ice Cream’s factory at Leeming Bar and is one of 32 new products for the 2008 season.

R&R Ice Cream is the UK’s largest volume ice cream manufacturer and the third largest in Europe. In addition to Leeming Bar, the group has sites at Crossgates in Leeds as well as three factories in Germany and one each in Poland and France.

Soil Association accreditation was awarded in February enabling production to start on two new products for the Rachels Organics brand.

Sarah Goodhew, group NPD (new product development) manager at R&R Ice Cream, said: “Obtaining Soil Association recognition is further proof of the high manufacturing standards at Leeming Bar. We now have systems in place that can trace the source of ingredients such as organic milk, eggs and fruit and guarantee complete storage segregation from other ingredients.”

The new product ranges follow a major £5.25 million investment in the warehouse and production facilities at Leeming Bar last year which included the upgrading of the original factory with two new lines installed.

“This major investment has enabled us to provide our supermarket customers with even more innovative products,” added Sarah.

“In addition, being part of the pan-European Richmond & Roncadin group is set to further boost output at Leeming Bar. We are already testing the market for ice cream rolls in Poland and further opportunities are on the horizon.”

Other new products include healthier option ice creams under its Skinny Cow brand, premium Roddas luxury ice cream ranges and a Neapolitan iced dessert for Tesco made with fresh milk and fromage frais.

Another trend identified by Sarah is the growing demand from supermarket customers for products containing exotic fruits and two new sorbet push ups are being made for Asda.