Introduce yourself.

We are Alexander and Julia, founders of NICE Ice Cream in Castlerea. NICE Ice Cream is a family-run business producing premium ice cream under our Noble brand.

What inspired you to join the natural health sector?

Alexander has always loved desserts, especially ice cream, and has been a devoted sweet-lover since childhood. When we had children, our desire to give them the best quality products inspired us to focus on ice cream made without artificial additives, colours, or flavours. Our goal became creating a product that families could enjoy without compromise.

Where did you get the idea for your brand?

For many years, Alexander struggled to find ice cream on store shelves that was truly authentic and free from cheap fillers. What started as a personal quest evolved into a family hobby, and then into a business. Our idea was born from the desire to make ice cream that we ourselves would be proud to serve our children and that customers would trust and enjoy.

What makes your brand unique?

Our ice cream is made the traditional way from carefully selected natural ingredients. Every ingredient is weighed and measured with precision, and we control the entire process from start to finish. Unlike other gelaterias that rely on pre-made flavour pastes and additives, our ice cream is prepared from scratch, allowing for proper maturation and a full, authentic taste. We never use flavour pastes or ultra-processed ingredients.

What are your company’s core values?

We value quality, honesty, and care for our customers. Every batch of ice cream is created with the end consumer in mind. We aim to provide a product that is true to its ingredients and transparent in its production, without misleading claims or hidden additives.

How do you support your community?

We support our community by creating ice cream that families and locals can enjoy, using as many local and organic ingredients as possible, including mint from nearby gardens, certified organic sugar, milk, and organic food fibres as natural stabilisers. Our work helps maintain a sustainable connection between local producers and consumers.

What has been the most rewarding part of your brand’s journey?

The most rewarding moments are the genuine reactions of our customers. Many people tell us that it’s the best ice cream they’ve ever tasted, sometimes their first experience of truly exceptional ice cream. We are also grateful for recognition from food professionals: just a few months after launching, all our submitted products reached the finals of several national Food Awards in Ireland. These moments validate the challenges of being a small producer and inspire us to keep improving.

What in your opinion makes Irish brands unique?

Irish brands thrive on strong local connections. Communities support local producers, creating a close-knit ecosystem where both producers and consumers benefit. This sense of mutual reliance and trust is unique and strengthens the quality and authenticity of Irish products.

What is your favourite product from your brand?

It is difficult to pick just one because every flavour is carefully created to meet our own high standards and delight our customers. Each batch reflects our attention to detail and love for the craft.

Tell us about something that has shaped your brand.

We teach our children to think critically about what they consume. Not everything sold as food truly benefits the body. This mindset shapes our brand: we focus on creating products that are honest, high-quality, and crafted with integrity.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future?

We hope to continue growing our family-run business while maintaining the artisan quality of our ice cream. We aim to introduce more people to the pleasure of real, traditionally-made ice cream and to inspire a greater appreciation for natural, minimally processed products.

NICE Ice Cream by Noble is available in the following Evergreen Healthfoods stores:

• Galway Shopping Centre, Headford Road
• Mainguard Street
• Gateway Retail Park, Knocknacarra
  
• Westside Shopping Centre
• Barna