Alumni & Friends Stories

Category: News & Information

When Ice Cream is Life

As UD students, sisters Liz Vacchiano, ANR15, and Josephine Vacchiano, EHD17, worked at the UDairy Creamery—Liz for two years and Josephine for four years. Now, they have brought their skills and passion for ice cream to their family’s 100-acre farm and store in Warren County, New Jersey, called Vacchiano Farms. There, they manage ice cream production (in addition to the many other hats they wear for the farm). To celebrate National Ice Cream Day on July 18, 2021, the Vacchiano sisters shared their ice cream journey with us.

How did you fall in love with making ice cream and what inspired you to bring ice cream to your family’s farm?

We both love ice cream and the opportunity to work for the UDairy Creamery fueled our passion for making and serving ice cream. In February 2021, our family had an opportunity to lease a storefront to sell our meats, produce and baked goods. When we learned the store had an ice cream production room, we knew our ice cream production skills would be put to good use! We are now proudly selling Vacchiano Farm Ice Cream!

What was UDairy’s role in your process of developing Vacchiano Farm ice cream?

At UD, we both had the opportunity to work with Melinda Shaw, UDairy Creamery Director of Operations, and Jen Rodammer, UDairy Creamery Plant Manager, who provided us with endless mentorship and really shaped our leadership skills as student supervisors at the UDairy Creamery. They encouraged us to be creative in ice cream flavor and product development and they continue to be great mentors to this day! We reached out to Melinda and Jen for advice about starting ice cream production at our family’s business. They invited us to UDairy to make ice cream, answer questions and share advice.

How do you come up with your flavors?

We are inspired by the fresh produce and homemade baked goods in our storefront. For example, fresh, local NJ strawberries and rhubarb inspired the Strawberry Rhubarb ice cream. We are interested in experimenting with different herbs like basil and lavender to create unique flavors.

What’s next for your new ice cream endeavor?

We hope to continue to develop new ice cream flavors and expand by creating cakes and novelty items. One day we hope to have an ice cream truck or our own freestanding ice cream shop!

Find Vacchiano Farms on Instagram and Facebook!

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