Seniors Love It, Many Hate It: This Ice Cream Tops Sales at Picard!

When reminiscing about meals at your grandparents’ house, one often recalls the meticulously set table, the silverware reserved for special occasions, the ticking of the clock, and most notably, the slowly stewed blanquette. At your grandmother’s, dinner would typically start with a mixed salad, followed by a sauced meat served with either rice or mashed potatoes. Then came the cheese platter. Despite their culinary talents, not all grandmothers prepared a dessert. “We never eat pastries, your grandfather and I,” your grandmother would often repeat, slightly disappointing those who hoped to end their meal on a sweet note.

“Check the freezer; you might find something there,” she would sometimes suggest. Digging through the drawers, you’d search for a tub of vanilla or coffee ice cream. Instead, you’d find overlooked frozen vegetables, clumped together ice cubes, and some carefully preserved leftovers. Just as you were about to close the door, a half-frost covered tub of ice cream would catch your eye, reigniting your hope.

After scraping off the label, it would be revealed: rum raisin. Not exactly the flavor you were dreaming of. Yet, this choice was not uncommon. This ice cream had long been a favorite among many grandparents. Customer reviews still speak of its success today: “The best ice cream“, “Everyone loved it“, “Creamy as one could wish“. The brand confirmed to us: its rum and macerated raisin ice cream, launched in 1974, continues to rank in the top 3 best-selling tubs, trailing behind vanilla but ahead of chocolate.

While some customers complain about additives in its ingredients (indeed, it includes an emulsifier and thickeners), most praise its flavor and texture. Perhaps it’s time to overcome your biases and give this often-criticized ice cream another chance…