Local Creamery won blue ribbons for its homemade vanilla and strawberry ice cream flavors at the NAICA National Convention.
Plano’s own Local Creamery is officially one of the best ice cream makers in North America.
The family-owned shop swept two Blue Ribbon awards at this year’s North American Ice Cream Association (NAICA) National Convention, earning top honors for both its vanilla and strawberry ice creams. Even sweeter: Local Creamery’s strawberry flavor earned the highest score in the nation, beating out artisan producers from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Held annually, the NAICA convention is considered the most respected competition in the industry, according to a news release. Blue Ribbon judging is conducted by Cornell University’s Dairy Extension Team using FDA-aligned standards, evaluating each entry on flavor, texture, appearance and overall excellence.
For owner Brooke Bauer, the honor validates the team’s commitment to doing things the right way.
Photo courtesy of Local Creamery.
Photo courtesy of Local Creamery.
Photo courtesy of Local Creamery.
Photo courtesy of Local Creamery.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” Bauer said. “Our vanilla and strawberry are classic flavors that we pour a lot of love and attention into. To have them judged among the best in the nation means the world to our team.”
Co-owner Lane Bauer credits behind-the-scenes dedication.
“These ribbons are a testament not just to our recipes, but to the dedication of our entire staff,” he said. “We strive to make and provide the highest quality ice cream and are excited to share these award-winning flavors with our community.”
Local Creamery’s award-winning flavors come from an old-fashioned devotion to ingredients, the Bauers said, noting that the vanilla is made with premium cream and hand-selected vanilla for a rich, smooth, balanced profile, and the strawberry is crafted with ripe berries that give it a bright, fresh, unmistakably real fruit flavor.
Both flavors are made in-house at the shop’s small-batch kitchen near Preston Road and Spring Creek, where the team also produces rotating seasonal flavors and an extensive range of dairy-free and allergy-friendly options.
Both flavors are available daily at Local Creamery, located at 5805 Preston Road. The creamery is open Monday through Thursday from 2 to 9 p.m., Friday from 2 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 12 to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 9 p.m.