Doggy Doggy Yum Yum secures distribution deal with Hunt’s Food

Dorset-based artisan ice cream maker, Baboo Gelato’s Doggy Doggy Yum Yum ice cream and frozen yoghurt do treat has secured a major distribution deal with Hunt’s Food Group based in Sherborne.

Hunt’s is one of the UK’s distributors delivering products to over 6,000 customers across the South, in food and drink, catering and retail sectors.

The new deal will allow Baboo Gelato to expand the sales of their products across more market sectors and parts of the UK.

Baboo Gelato was started by husband and wife team, Sam and Annie Hanbury after they moved to Bridport, Dorset in 2012 and purchased a house with an overflowing garden and orchard.

Inspired by their fruit, Annie went to Bologna to train as a professional gelatiere, before setting up a small artisanal manufacturing kitchen. They opened their first kiosk in West Bay Dorset and soon local restaurants and pubs wanted their product, other kiosks wanted to rebrand to carry Baboo Gelato and some shops wanted them to make ice cream in tubs.

A few years ago, Baboo Gelato following demand from their customers set about developing a frozen treat for dogs which received numerous awards including a Silver PetQuip Award for Sustainability in 2022, New Pet Product of the Year 2022 and more recently winning the Best Pet Treat of the Year at the Pet Industry Federation Awards 2024.

Alongside pet shops, the treat is also stocked by a long list of dog friendly cafes, restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions and pubs. Doggy Doggy Yum Yum is now manufactured in-house in new purpose-built premises at the company’s Dorset base near Rampisham.

Made with 100% peanut butter (with no xylitol) and bananas, this frozen treat uses coconut milk instead of dairy so it is kinder to dogs’ tummies. It doesn’t contain any artificial flavourings, colours or refined sugars.

Sam said: “We are finding limitless demand during the summer not just from obvious pet retailers and specialist dog friendly places, but from ordinary cafés, pubs, restaurants, and tourist destinations. It just seems that most savvy people involved in Food and Drink want some of the poochie pound and we can help with a classy product, well supported with point of sale which includes stickers, leaflets, posters and an A-frame sign which comes complete with space to put a dog bowl underneath it.

“We are absolutely delighted that we are now able to work with the Hunt’s Food Group to further expand the distribution of Baboo Gelato and Doggy Doggy Yum Yum. It is great to work with a company that shares the same values as us in terms of quality, delivery service and customer care.”

Thomas Hunt, managing director at Hunt’s Food Group, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Baboo Gelato into the Hunt’s Food Group family. Their commitment to crafting exceptional, award-winning gelato resonates with our own dedication to quality. Just as our neighbouring charcuterie brand in Rampisham, Capreolus brings exquisite flavours to the table, Baboo Gelato elevates the dessert experience with its inventive range.

“Together, we’re not just distributing products; we’re curating a delightful culinary journey for our customers. This partnership allows us to expand our offerings and celebrate the local artistry in food, ensuring that every scoop and every bite brings joy to both our human and canine consumers.”