Resurgence fortifies an ice cream maker’s outlook

File Photo / TIM GREENWAY Lindsay Skilling, CEO of Gifford’s Ice Cream is optimistic for 2025.

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Lindsay Skilling, CEO of Gifford’s Ice Cream, is optimistic about 2025, especially as consumers seek high-quality, locally sourced food emphasizing unique flavors and tradition.

When it comes to rising ingredient costs, Skilling says that the company has dealt with its fair share and has remained dedicated to two things: “creating the best ice cream we can and refusing to overreact to temporary fluctuations.”

She said the company isn’t anticipating potential tariffs impacting the business in the short term and doesn’t anticipate changes to that strategy for now.

The past two years haven’t been easy at Gifford’s.

In February 2023, a fire caused extensive damage to the main production facility in Skowhegan, forcing the plant to shut down for months. This led to the company working with out-of-state manufacturers to produce ice cream. At the same time, Gifford’s made the necessary repairs to the building.

In 2024, the company suffered another loss. The ice cream stand in Farmington was damaged by flooding, which led to the stand’s permanent closure.

“Looking ahead to 2025, there’s a lot to celebrate at Gifford’s,” says Skilling. “In the early spring, we will unveil a brand-new flavor that embodies the heart and soul of New England.

“We are also on track to unveil our rebuilt production facility and offices in Skowhegan, a major step forward after the devastating fire in 2023,” she continues. “This milestone reflects both resilience and growth as we continue to invest in the future of Gifford’s.”