Coffee and ice cream are two of the world’s favourites and now there are people who have brought the two together.
Dayne Levinrad, inventor of Coffee in a Cone and founder of The Grind Coffee Company shared his dream with Slo-Jo, the taste experts, to ensure that his innovative idea would see nationwide access. Levinrad and Nadine Damen, executive marketing manager at Slo-Jo, answered some of the questions that we, at City Buzz, have been dying to know.
Q: What was the inspiration behind creating Coffee in a Cone?
Dayne Levinrad: I wanted to create something different and exciting, but something that was also environmentally friendly. Coffee and chocolate are two of people’s most favourite things, and they pair brilliantly together.
Q: How is it produced to prevent the chocolate from melting and the cone becoming soggy?
DL: We have developed a chocolate compound that is layered into the cone. This chocolate coating gives you about 20 minutes to drink the coffee and then eat the cone (but it most definitely won’t take you that long).
Q: How long did it take from the idea of the product to it being produced and distributed?
DL: It took about six months to get the different compounds right that would hold the coffee in a cone long enough. We ruined many white shirts trying to perfect it.
Q: How long did it take from the idea of the product to it being produced and distributed?
Nadine Damen: Slo-Jo are trendsetters and have a great eye for spotting innovative products that our clients and their customers will love. This is one of them, so it was a natural fit for us to add it to our range. We have carefully selected the stores that exclusively sell this unique product to ensure there isn’t any ‘overlap’ from coffee shops in the same area.
Q: Why did you choose the particular distribution points and cafes?
ND: We want to ensure the Coffee in a Cone experience is sought after and remains an exclusive product. We’ve carefully selected each store and considered its geographical area, barista experience and overall product fit (and of course, how good their coffee is!)
Q: How has the response to the product been in Johannesburg?
DL and ND: Feedback is great and everyone that tries it, loves it! (They post pictures on their social accounts as proof). It’s now also available in Cape Town and Durban. Check our website for the latest listings and where the stores can be found.
Q: Are there any more exciting creations we can expect in 2017?
DL: We have some very exciting things lined up for this year, but we would hate to ruin the surprise. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to be the first to know of new, delicious and world-class product launches
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