John Simon, Director Lazza Ice Cream
There is an interesting science behind the making of ice cream. Scientifically speaking “Ice cream triggers thrombotonin, a hormone of happiness and helps in reducing the stress levels in the body. Milk is the base of ice cream, it has L-triptophane, a natural tranquilizer, and helps in relaxing the nervous system, it also helps prevent symptoms of insomnia.
The secret behind a good ice cream taste which is like a dream and feels like a silky cloud melting in your mouth is the high-quality ingredients used in manufacturing the cold treat. To safely add, ingredients are most essential, plus fine-tuned techniques that combine these ingredients with milk in just the right proportions with a perfect amount of air whipped in.
For ice-cream manufacturers, the science of ice cream matters a lot. To satisfy the population’s unceasing demand for the cold and sweet treat, ice cream companies are constantly on the lookout for ways to make better-tasting ice cream flavours that last longer, cost less, and is more nutritious and more varieties to the existing one. Besides cream, ice cream has just a few essential ingredients: mainly sugar, milk solids, ice crystals, air, and flavorings. Sugar makes the dessert sweet, but it also serves another important purpose. In the freezer, plain cream turns into a solid that’s hard as a rock. Sugar lowers the mixture’s freezing temperature, making it much softer.
The highest quality ice creams have the fewest ingredients. From vanilla extract to fresh strawberries, each component is top-notch. The best ice cream varieties also tend to have the least air in them, which makes them denser. In other words, the better the ice cream, the more of it you actually get in each bite.
Though it is not a regular affair to have sundaes and milkshakes after every meal or rather every day, a cool cone may be one of the most enjoyable parts of summer, and it’s not necessary to give up the habit altogether. When you do indulge, just make sure to savor every bite, appreciating it fully might make the experience even more special.
Ice cream is unique because you don’t get it every day, you eat it on special occasions. It’s usually a happy time to eat it.”
Once such deliciously prepared is the ice cream from the southern part of India. “LAZZA Ice cream”. Lazza is one of India’s most popular ice cream brands and its unusual name comes from an Arabic word meaning ‘All Good Things in Life’.
With its headquarters in Cochin, India, Lazza has over thirty years’ experience and has been successfully making ice creams and frozen desserts since 1980.
Having production factories over several different locations, Lazza’s success has been built on its on-going commitment to product quality, not only for the finest ice cream but also frozen desserts and syrups – in fact LAZZA Ice cream has been widely recognized by the ever-increasing popularity of its various product range.
The Company was founded in 1972 by M. C John a retired senior bureaucrat in the Kerala government. Lazza is currently headed by Simon John, his brother Francis John and their team of eminent directors. The Company is a forerunner in the ice cream industry in South India.
The first factory was started in Kochi and today has over 28 factories spread across South India. The 22 factories put together has a production capacity that is among the top 5 in the country. The company has also started overseas operations in parts of the Middle-East and Africa.
Lazza carries a clear vision of making ice cream as delicious as possible. It aims to make tasty ice cream more enjoyable experiences at an affordable rate and made available to all. The Company is planning to manufacture international quality ice cream products with nominal prices and make them available everywhere through a well-placed cold chain network.
Lazza has ice cream-making plants near every major city that ensures the supply of the freshest possible ice cream. In fact, 70% of the ice cream is consumed within 72 hours of manufacturing, making it the next best thing to eat homemade ice cream. Lazza range of products come with no preservatives, no artificial coloring, and no artificial flavoring. Plus, the infusion of fruit pulp ice cream, the inclusion of a high percentage of real fruits makes it a truly delightful eating experience.
Having introduced the Queen Ice cream of southern India, We bring you excerpts from Simon John of Lazza Ice cream.
What are the various brands of Lazza Ice Cream?
Lazza ice cream is popular for its range of ice cream brands that are manufactured in our factories. To name a few of our prime brands, we have:
Mid-Premium Ice Cream Segment – Lazza Ice Creams; 2. Medium fat Ice- Cream Segment: Uncle John Ice Creams; 3. Medium fat Frozen Dessert: Skei; 4. Medium fat, Low-value Frozen Dessert: I&U
How do these brands perform and which one dominates the market?
Being in this business since 1980, we have worked a long way to launch a wide array of cold treats which have taken over the entire south India. Our Ice Cream Segment: Lazza Ice Creams play a prominent role in the growing mid-premium segment.
Thereupon, in Medium Fat Ice- Cream Segment, Uncle John Ice Creams, playing a role in the popular ice cream segment. While Medium Fat Frozen Dessert: Skei, is operating in the mass HORECA segment where the quality and price matter the most. Medium fat, Low-value Frozen Dessert’s I&U, competes with the regional price sensitive and has an un-branded market.
Lazza Ice cream has various brands that compete with each other. What is the strategy behind this race? Does this competition prove healthy in growth and sales of ice cream?
Frankly speaking, there is nothing like competition within our brands as the brands are placed in different price-customer segments. This is a strategy to basically manage the pricing and customer base.
Talking about the future generation, what are their thoughts about this industry?
The future of the industry is being set in higher-expectations of young customers. They have clear quality and innovation perspectives. So, the brands/products have to evolve technically and quality-wise as well. The growing demand for world-class products is the future of the industry.
What is the role of automation in the growth of the ice cream industry?
Automation plays a vital role in today’s ice cream business as the market compares the product in the Indian market well with the global products in taste, quality, finish, shapes, and packaging. Also, inclusions of various fruits, nuts, pralines, and ribbons are important in the growing indulgence category. For facilitating world-class inclusions and product appearance, automation plays an important role in the industry now.
Lazza has a good reach in Kerala and Southern India. When will we be able to see Lazza in the rest of the country?
Every business wants to grow and expand. Lazza too will positively see a nation-wide growth. We are looking forward to its national presence in 5 years down the line.