“The sustainable packaging project started in Activate’s Fall 2022 cohort was able to continue thanks to additional Harvest Impact loan financing.”
–Rheanna Kish, Co-founder of PomPom
Impact Over 5-Year Term
Economic Impact
- Increased staffing from 4 to 6 FTE
- Developed and have regulation standardized packaging for plant-based ice cream that can now earn shelf-placement at larger retailers
- Have two new wholesale clients (including Foodland)
Social/Environmental Impact
- Founded by women chefs, Andrea and Rheanna
- PomPom offers ice cream options to cater to all dietary needs and preferences.
- Dairy-free ice cream that tastes just as delicious as traditional ice cream
- Eco-friendly packaging and takeaway utensils
With locations in Meaford and Thornbury, Pom Pom Ice Cream produces a delicious dairy-free ice cream made with a base of oat and coconut milks and a process that mimics conventional ice cream making. The company recently opened a second location which has become a test kitchen and home to new production facilities with capacity to meet current demand and accommodate anticipated growth.
Their involvement in the Activate Accelerator program has facilitated further growth, including product development and testing, which has shown increased demand. Furthermore, loan financing through the COIL Activate Program supported Pom Pom’s investment into sustainable packaging for pint containers with tamper-proof lids, boxes for shipping wholesale/retail products as well as take away cups, lids, bags, spoons and straws for their retail operations. The help they received from Harvest Impact has allowed them to hire two additional employees to support all elements of their recent expansion.
