The future of the iconic ice cream nougat is in jeopardy as the last remaining manufacturer in Scotland has reportedly halted production, leaving lovers of the treat disappointed. The renowned delicacy, a beloved choice in traditional ice cream parlours, has vanished from the menu at Colpi, a century-old ice cream shop in Milngavie. The impact of this decision on the business is substantial, according to manager Donald MacInnes, who stated, “It’s a big blow. It’s a huge loss to our business; there’s nothing that can replace it. It is by far our most popular product.”
The nougat comprises a wafer layered with marshmallow and coated in chocolate. A single nougat consists of one wafer paired with a chocolate-coated marshmallow wafer, while a double nougat includes two chocolate-coated marshmallow wafers. The sole supplier of the nougat and the cherished oyster wafer, Waverley Bakery in Glasgow, has ceased production. Crolla Ice Cream Co, a long-standing ice cream wholesaler in Scotland, typically distributes nearly half a million nougat wafers to parlours annually. Managing director Peter Crolla mentioned efforts to find an alternative supplier following the closure of Waverley Bakery.
Alternative nougats have been sourced from England, albeit with noticeable differences: they are slightly flatter, coated in a lighter chocolate, and come at a higher cost. Despite these changes, Mr. Crolla expressed hope that these replacements will satisfactorily fill the gap. Donald MacInnes, with 16 years of experience at Colpi, underscored the significance of the nougat to the traditional heritage of ice cream parlours.
Previously, multiple suppliers provided the wafers, but with Waverley Bakery’s closure, the supply source has dwindled. The final nougat was sold just before Christmas, and stocks of oyster wafers are running low. In a poignant statement, Colpi acknowledged the loss, saying, “We know how much many of our customers cherish this wee Scottish delicacy. We’re praying it isn’t goodbye forever, but for now, they’re gone for good. We’re completely sold out of nougats. A massive Colpi goodbye to the single nougat – we’ll miss you.”
In summary, the iconic ice cream nougat faces an uncertain future as the last Scottish manufacturer ceases production, leaving a notable gap in traditional ice cream parlours and prompting efforts to secure alternative suppliers. The closure of Waverley Bakery has led to the disappearance of this beloved treat from menus, with hopes for replacement options to meet customer expectations.