Award-Winning Ice Cream, Blue Ribbon: From the Alps to Florida – Celebrated on a National Stage
When a family dream turns into award-winning ice cream, the story begins far from Florida—high in the Swiss Alps. Today, Sweet Alps Ice Cream in Summerfield, Florida, is among the artisan ice cream shops that not only inspire guests but also earn national recognition from North America’s leading ice cream organization.
In 2024, Sweet Alps Ice Cream received the Red Ribbon Award from the North American Ice Cream Association (NICRA) for its outstanding Strawberry Ice Cream.
In 2025, another milestone followed with three honors:
• Red Ribbon for Vanilla
• Blue Ribbon for Chocolate
• Blue Ribbon for Strawberry
These awards confirm: Sweet Alps Ice Cream is officially among the best artisan ice cream makers in North America.
From Switzerland to Florida – The Journey of Chris & Cathrine
The story of Sweet Alps Ice Cream began with a dream that crossed continents.
Founders Chris and Cathrine Flury left Switzerland, lived in Uruguay, and eventually arrived in the United States in 2016—with a clear mission:
to combine the purity and taste of traditional Swiss ice cream with the creative diversity of American ice cream culture.
In Switzerland, ice cream represents quality, natural ingredients, and tradition.
In the U.S., it stands for variety, innovation, and endless possibilities.
Together, this formed the philosophy Sweet Alps Ice Cream is built on today.
The Roots: Scoops on 5th – The Beginning of a Bigger Vision
The Sweet Alps story actually began in 2016, when Chris and Cathrine purchased Scoops on 5th in Mount Dora. There they learned:
• how different guests experience flavors
• the importance of true quality in the ice cream business
• how artisan production works
• which flavors and textures Floridians especially enjoy
This valuable experience later became the foundation of Sweet Alps Ice Cream.
In 2022, the creation of their own premium brand officially began: recipe development, brand building, product design, and a vision for ice cream blending Swiss purity with American creativity.
In summer 2023, Sweet Alps opened its first standalone shop in Summerfield, Florida.
And starting in 2025, Sweet Alps Ice Cream also became available at Scoops on 5th—with a dedicated lineup of popular flavors such as:
• Strawberry
• Vanilla
• Chocolate
• Pistachio
• vegan classics like Key Lime, German Chocolate, or Cookie Snowstorm
• and more
They also introduced pints to-go and monthly rotating specials.
Scoops on 5th thus became the first external location to carry Sweet Alps—a major step in building brand recognition across Central Florida.
That same year, 2025, the brand expanded even further:
A curated selection of Sweet Alps Ice Cream flavors became available in Clermont, at Yummi’s Frozen Yogurt & Café, marking another important milestone in regional growth.
Yummi’s also offers vegan sorbets—Coconut, Blue Magik, and Peanut Butter Chocolate—all crafted in Summerfield by Sweet Alps Ice Cream. These sorbets are used for their Açaí bowls, bringing Sweet Alps’ clean, natural flavors into yet another beloved product category.
Why Guests Love Sweet Alps Ice Cream
Anyone reading reviews or simply observing guests in the shop quickly notices: Sweet Alps Ice Cream is different.
Guests especially appreciate:
1. Natural ingredients & honest flavor
Every flavor is made on-site in small batches—free from artificial colors or unnecessary additives.
The texture is creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced.
2. Swiss craftsmanship meets American creativity
Sweet Alps blends:
• alpine tradition
• Swiss precision
• American variety and playfulness
The result is ice cream that tastes pure yet inspiring.
3. Vegan options at a premium level
Vegan flavors aren’t an afterthought—they’re part of the brand’s identity.
They are:
• creamy
• flavorful
• natural
Many guests say it’s “the best vegan ice cream they’ve ever had.”
4. A shop that feels like a second home
Bright, clean, warm, and family-friendly—Sweet Alps offers an experience, not just a quick ice cream stop.
The sundae bar, waffle bowls, smoothies, açaí bowls, milkshakes, and desserts make every visit special.
Why the Strawberry Ice Cream Won
The award-winning Strawberry Ice Cream impressed the NICRA judges with its:
• natural, clean strawberry taste
• real color without artificial dyes
• balanced sweetness
• creamy texture and excellent meltability
• purity and quality in every detail
Judging took place through a strict, science-based process led by Dr. Sam Alcaine of Cornell University, one of the world’s most respected dairy scientists.
He was supported by experienced ice cream shop owners who taste hundreds of flavors each year.
An award from this group is a true badge of honor in the industry.
Presentation of Strawberry Ice Cream
The North American Ice Cream Association – An Award That Matters
The North American Ice Cream Association (NICRA) is the leading organization for ice cream makers in the U.S. Founded in 1933, it stands for quality, education, and connection in the industry.
The annual convention, ConeCon, is:
• North America’s largest industry gathering
• with hundreds of participants
• top experts
• workshops, expos, and competitions
A NAICA award means one thing:
This ice cream ranks among the best of the best.
More info:
https://www.nicra.org/
Blue Ribbon Award presentation in West Palm Beach, Florida
How Guests Experience Sweet Alps Ice Cream
Imagine a family visiting friends in The Villages, the largest retirement community—and just minutes away from Sweet Alps Ice Cream in Summerfield.
Their friends say:
“We’ll take you to the best ice cream shop in Florida—there’s a Swiss place that has won national awards. You have to try it.”
They walk in, taste the Strawberry Ice Cream—and instantly understand.
It’s:
• creamy
• fruity
• natural
• unmatched
They enjoy their cups or cones, snap a photo in front of the logo, and post it with the caption:
“Award-winning ice cream in Florida—a touch of Switzerland in every bite.”
That’s how the Sweet Alps story begins for many.
Sweet Alps Continues to Grow – From Summerfield to Inverness
With the new location in Inverness, Florida, Sweet Alps Ice Cream continues its journey.
But the values remain the same:
Honest ingredients. Artisan quality. Ice cream made with heart—from the Alps to Florida.
FAQs
1. What makes Sweet Alps Ice Cream award-winning?
Its commitment to purity, craftsmanship, and natural ingredients.
2. What is the Blue Ribbon Award?
A top honor from NICRA for the highest-rated ice cream in its category.
3. Are vegan options available?
Yes—creamy, flavorful, and made with the same high standards.
4. Where is Sweet Alps located?
Summerfield and Inverness, Florida.
5. What flavors have won awards?
Strawberry (Blue Ribbon), Chocolate (Blue Ribbon), and Vanilla (Red Ribbon).
6. Does Sweet Alps use artificial flavors?
No—everything is made in small batches using natural ingredients.
Conclusion
Sweet Alps Ice Cream proves that true craftsmanship, passion, and quality are more than words.
They are the path to national recognition, loyal guests, and a taste experience that brings people together.
The blend of Swiss tradition and American creativity makes Sweet Alps Ice Cream a brand that doesn’t just sell ice cream—it creates memories.
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