Scoopfuls profit

A global leader in cryogenic dessert manufacturing, Mini Melts endeavours to make a positive impact around the world through its unique range of ice creams. In an interview, Tom Mosey, CEO and President, Mini Melts Ice cream shares the journey of his company.

Ramanjit Kaur (RK): Could you please shed some light on the origin, growth and success of Mini Melts Ice cream?

Tom Mosey (TM): Way back in 1995, a college friend approached me with the idea to start an ice cream business in 1995 when I was concentrating on my property business, Tom Mosey Properties a commercial real estate holdings in Texas and Connecticut. This is how we conceptualised and established Mini Melts Ice cream Inc. in 1995. Later, we worked on setting up the Mini Melts factories around the world. Today, we have expanded our operations to over 20 countries and the company has been listed in Inc. Magazine, twice as one of the fastest growing companies in the USA.

RK: What is Mini Melts Ice cream all about?

TM: Mini Melts ice cream is a beautiful and delicious product. We are able to make a great product using leading edge technology and the best ingredients. Mini Melts makes delicious gourmet frozen desserts. We use only the purest flavours and colours to enhance the richness of the ice cream and frozen dessert mixes. We only deliver fresh and consistent products, which are unique in the world of ice cream.

RK: What inspired Mini Melts Ice cream to take the franchise route to expand the brand across the globe?

TM: Since, its inception, we have concentrated on its international expansion and franchising was the best mode to do so. We have grown rapidly across the globe through franchising. We have designed our factories in anticipation with the growing market in order to maintain and supply the global quality standards of our ice cream. We opened our first Asian factory in Seoul, South Korea and then a second factory in the Philippines. Our expansion continued in 2000 with our factories in Hong Kong and Florida. We have recently completed two and a half year project in China to open our biggest Mini Melts factory with an area of 150,000 plus sq. ft. The massive growth potential of Mini Melts has led to the rapid increase in the number of distribution channels across the globe. In India, Mini Melts is located in Himachal Pradesh, which is the latest addition to the global list of Mini Melts manufacturing and distribution centres.

RK: What is the USP of Mini Melts Ice cream? How it is different from other players in the sector?

TM: I have been awarded United States patent for a method of rapidly producing cryogenically frozen dessert particles. Besides this, Mini Melts are delicious kernels of ice cream frozen at extremely cold temperatures. Our special manufacturing process allows us to lock in the entire flavour and taste that one will never find in regular ice cream. We have sourced out and tried hundreds of different ingredients before finally arriving at the perfect recipe for Mini Melts.

RK: What are the eligibility criteria for selecting the franchisees of your company?

TM: The Mini Melts offers a rewarding business opportunity with an unbelievable low investment and fantastic ROI, which allows the aspirant to literally enjoy profits from day one of operation. There is no particular background required to secure our franchise. However, to start a Mini Melts Ice cream kiosk, a franchisee must have an ideal location and area with high human traffic. The location can be standalone in a mall or within an existing fast moving business such as a supermarket/ hyper-mart, convenience store, café, amusement arcade, or any suitable venue. The franchisee must be capable to afford the investment till the franchise achieves ROI.

RK: What kind of training and support does a franchisee get after partnering with your company?

TM: We are driven to administer assistance in issues such as advertising, technical support, research and development, and quality control management. Our objective is to assure that our franchisees achieve high volume sales with excellent profits. We achieve this by constantly striving for perfection and ensuring that our operations are at the forefront of technology.

RK: Please brief us about the current operation of Mini Melts globally?

TM: We presently have operations in over 20 different countries including United Kingdom, United States, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, The U.A.E., Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, China and India.