BEARS ICE CREAM NAMED FINALIST TWICE IN THE TASTE OF KENT AWARDS 2026

We’re incredibly excited to share that not one, but two Bears flavours have been selected as finalists for Kent Dairy Product of the Year 2026 at the Taste of Kent Awards.

Our Brown Butter & Rosemary Ice Cream with Sour Plum Swirl and Strawberry, Olive Oil & White Chocolate Ice Cream have both made the final three, meaning Bears has taken two of the three finalist places in the category.

For our small independent team, creating and making everything from our kitchen in Whitstable, it’s a brilliant moment and another lovely recognition of the creativity that sits at the heart of Bears.

TWO VERY BEARS FLAVOURS

Every Bears flavour starts with an idea. We love exploring ingredients, playing with flavour and texture, and creating combinations that feel exciting while still being beautifully balanced.

Brown Butter & Rosemary Ice Cream with Sour Plum Swirl brings together the rich, nutty flavour of brown butter with fresh, aromatic rosemary and a sharp sour plum swirl. It’s creamy, fragrant, fruity and full of contrast.

Strawberry, Olive Oil & White Chocolate Ice Cream takes sweet strawberry and pairs it with smooth white chocolate and olive oil, creating a rich, fruity scoop with layers of flavour running all the way through.

They’re two very different creations, but both are a great example of the way we approach ice cream at Bears: imaginative ingredients, thoughtful combinations and plenty of creativity.

MADE IN WHITSTABLE

Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium was founded by Vera Thordardottir and award-winning chef Philip Harrison with a vision to make ice cream a little more imaginative.

Today, our flavours are still developed and made in our Whitstable kitchen, with Phil approaching each new creation much like he would a dish. Flavour, balance and texture all have their part to play.

That approach has always been central to Bears, so seeing two of our creations recognised together in the Taste of Kent Awards means a great deal to the whole team.

CELEBRATING KENT FOOD AND DRINK

We’re also delighted to see our friends at Kingcott Dairy joining us in the final three.

The Taste of Kent Awards, organised by Produced in Kent, celebrate the brilliant growers, makers and food and drink businesses found across the county, and we’re very proud to be part of that community.

Now we wait until October, when Gold, Silver and Bronze will be announced.

Until then, we’ll be in Whitstable doing what we love most: creating ice cream. 🐻🍦