They’ve had Australia in a swirl since 1976 and it appears the warm reception towards Frosty Boy is never going to melt.

Frosty Boy Managing Director Dirk Pretorious said the Gold Coast business, which opened its first factory in Slacks Creek, moved to Yatala almost 10 years ago where it now occupies more than 8000 square metres of space.

But while this company is best known for its ice-creams – there are 60 to 70 different vanilla flavours alone – it boasts more than 400 products on its list.

“We are a manufacturer focusing on a real niche market of desserts and beverages,” Pretorious said.

“What sets us apart from our competitors is our products are all in powder form, which is easy to work with and has a long shelf life.

“We are an innovator in that space.”

Frosty Boy CEO Dirk Pretorious

Pretorious said Frosty Boy exported to 65 countries around the world with exports making up as much as 80 per cent of its production.

“We call ourselves dessert and beverage makers. While dessert is the largest part of our business, the most growth has been in beverages,” he said.

“There has been a switch in consumers towards more beverages specifically in the café space with the likes of frappes, smoothies and hot chocolates.

“We supply seven of the top 10 quick-service restaurants around the world.”

Frost Boy was helped by City of Gold Coast through the Business Attraction Program, with Pretorious saying that the Gold Coast was an ideal place in which to base its headquarters.

“When we were looking at moving our factory the Yatala Industrial Estate had just opened up and it offered really good access to the motorway. The whole Gold Coast lifestyle is also amazing for our staff,” he said.

While the trend towards healthy eating had increased, Pretorious said consumers still leaned towards “indulgence products” such as ice-cream.

“There is a lot of talk about it but consumers still are looking for that treat every now and then,” he said.

“Plant-based products as well as in that vegan space is something that we do but I think the mainstream is still after that indulgence.

“Ice-cream comes with feeling good about life. When you hear the ice-cream van you can’t help but feel happy.”

Vanilla large waffle

Pretorious said another standout for the company was that it offered commercial customers a full-service solution from data analysis of its markets, including best flavour profile and price points, to supporting launches and social media.

Frosty Boy currently employs 115 staff including around 15 to 20 in its overseas offices of the Philippines, Thailand, Dubai, Brazil and India.

“For any business today you’ve got to stay on top of the market. We are constantly looking for what’s going to be the next best thing,” he said.

“There is a definitely a difference between what each overseas market is looking for…some may want a sweeter product or a more berry flavour.

“In Asia they tend to like savoury-flavoured ice-cream. Australians love everything that tastes great. I taste so many different products but I tend to lean more towards the fruity flavours or chocolates.

“We honestly make amazing products. Our food technicians are constantly working on new flavours.”