Cream of the crop: Arran’s Alastair wins lifetime award
Alastair Dobson, managing director of Taste of Arran and Arran Dairies, has been presented with a lifetime achievement award for services to the ice cream industry.
The award is in recognition of his achievements during a 23-year career in the industry and is the highest honour the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA) can bestow.
The lifetime achievement award was created in memory of Marvin Benton, ICA past president, who died in 2004.
The annual award is presented in recognition of outstanding work for the industry and the ICA and is awarded to the unsung heroes of the industry.
‘I was stunned and surprised when I heard the board of the Ice Cream Alliance had decided to present me with the Marvin Benton Award,’ explained Alastair. ‘Having been lucky to meet Marvin before he died prematurely, he was such a helpful and passionate person who was generous with his time for anyone who needed a bit of help. When I look at the many previous winners who I hold in the highest esteem, it is very humbling to be in such company.
‘I love the ice cream industry and the people who work in it. I have been extremely lucky to have met so many knowledgeable and passionate people who have helped me to develop our Arran Ice Cream business.
‘The ice cream industry is in an enviable position in that in this world of many challenges we collectively can provide many people with an affordable treat.’
Of course, Alastair is wellknown on Arran, not only as MD for Arran Dairies and its wholesale catering supply arm, and Taste of Arran, but also as a founding chairman of VisitArran and the Arran Economic group.
ICA chief executive officer Zelica Carr said: ‘Alastair is a worthy recipient of this award. He has been a colossus of our industry and the ICA. Just last year he was the driving force behind the campaign by the ICA to support our sector after the pandemic – The Great British Ice Cream Staycation promotion. Congratulations Alastair.’
‘When I look at the many previous winners, who I hold in the highest esteem, it is very humbling to be in such company.’