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LOCAL RESTAURANT BRAND WINS GRAND HONORS IN INTERNATIONAL RETAIL PRODUCTS COMPETITION

Updated: Jul 26

Local Boise, Idaho favorite, Fanci Freez®, wins the sofi™ Grand Honors Award for innovation in packaging for its’ debut CPG retail product offering, Strawberry Soft-Serve Milkshakes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:

Carolyn Dean

Boise, IDAHO July 1, 2024 – Fanci Freez®, a beloved local restaurant brand with locations in Boise and Meridian, Idaho, has partnered with Pivot North Consulting / PNC Specialty Foods (Arizona) to bring innovative advancements to the retail novelty ice cream category. Their debut CPG retail product, Strawberry Soft-Serve Milkshakes, has won the sofi™ Grand Honors Award for Outstanding Packaging at the 2024 Fancy Foods Show in New York City.

The patent-pending technology behind Fanci Freez® packaging was developed by Pivot North Consulting’s R&D team under the leadership of CEO Gail Kurpgeweit. Their goal was to transform the restaurant’s creamy soft-serve milkshakes—an iconic local favorite and continuous Best of Boise® award-winner—into an enjoy-at-home retail product. “It’s important when we develop CPG food products based on restaurant menu items that we stay absolutely true to the restaurant version,” said Gail. “If our retail version isn’t the same consumers will push back. It must be perfect.”

Developing a retail version was challenging, as soft-serve milkshakes are stored at 18°F to 23°F, while grocery store freezers run between -3°F and -6°F. The team developed packaging that protects the milkshake’s texture and flavor in low temperatures, returning it to soft-serve consistency within a few seconds in the microwave and a quick stir with the included agave plant-based straw.

The striking graphic design behind the innovative packaging was the work of Avidity Creative (Iowa) led by Creative Director, Adam Feller. The design features bright colors and minimal design with large text to focus on the product imagery. “With Fanci Freez packaging design, we wanted to communicate the indulgence and vibrant flavor that customers associate with milkshakes. The checker pattern on the side panels gives a retro feel and customers a sense of comfort.”

Gail agrees the packaging’s bold graphic design played a major role in achieving this landmark win. “When consumers see this product on the shelf, it grabs attention and they make that first purchase. Our sales numbers show consumers are trying it, then re-buying repeatedly. It’s that good. But the extraordinary design work by the Avidity team – that’s what gets us the all-important initial purchase, and I believe that’s what impressed the sofi™ Award judges.”

At the Specialty Foods Association Awards Gala in New York, Fanci Freez® owners, Bill and Alison Hawes, shared their excitement about the transition from local restaurant brand into retail with a growing national footprint. Bill said, “We believe we are in a unique position in the market with the only frozen soft-serve milkshake available. We wanted it to invoke nostalgia from over 75 years in business but be more ‘up-to-date.’ We wanted the [retail] version of our product to have the same nostalgia factor as the restaurant milkshakes.”

Since its launch in June 2023, Fanci Freez milkshakes have consistently been the top seller in the novelty ice cream category on all shelves where sold.

Said Broker/Distributor, Gail Kurpgeweit, “This product was designed from day one to compete with national brands and we are thrilled by the response from national retail partners and shoppers across the country. Everyone loves a creamy, real ice cream milkshake – it’s the perfect blend of comfort and sen􀆟mentality. Every time I enjoy one it brings back a flood of fond memories.”

Fanci Freez® milkshakes are positioned for nationwide distribution in 2024.

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In summary, Fanci Freez®, a popular local restaurant brand in Boise, Idaho, has won the sofi™ Grand Honors Award for Outstanding Packaging at the 2024 Fancy Foods Show in New York City for their new retail product, the innovative Strawberry Soft-Serve Milkshakes. Partnering with Pivot North Consulting / PNC Specialty Foods led by CEO Gail Kurpgeweit, they developed patent-pending packaging technology to transform their beloved milkshakes into a retail product. The striking design by Avidity Creative played a key role in this success, helping the product stand out on shelves and become a number one best seller. This international award marks a significant milestone for Fanci Freez® as it expands its presence from a local favorite to a national retail category leader.

About Fanci Freez

Fanci Freez Restaurants have been a staple in the Boise community since 1947. Consistently voted Best of Boise and Best of Meridian for their delicious, innovative burgers, milkshakes, and Fanci sodas, Fanci Freez® is now emerging as a leader in the CPG food products retail industry as well. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Fanci Freez® continues to push the boundaries of the restaurant and retail industries.

About Pivot North Consulting / PNC Specialty Foods

Pivot North Consulting and its Brokerage/Distribution division, PNC Specialty Foods, is dedicated to helping restaurant brands build a profitable, parallel revenue stream by incorporating a retail strategy for their most popular menu items. Its proprietary Menu to Market® system continues to bring the restaurant experience to consumer homes across the U.S. through product development, manufacturing, distribution, and by growing its strategic partnerships with national retailers.

About Avidity Creative

Avidity Creative is an award-winning Midwest branding agency specializing in brand strategy and creative design for emerging CPG food and beverage brands. For the past seven years, founder and industry veteran Adam Feller and his team have been supporting brands looking to challenge their category and master their shelf presence.



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