Philly Swirl in trouble

Nooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am sending emails out to EVERYONE I know! I'm going to buy out the stores!

Alex is so great - I hope he can stay nut free for us. I'll do my part!

Carolyn

This is sooo sad. I have admit we do not buy tons of their products but my dd loves them. We buy them for her, but she doesn't eat alot of sweets, or alot of anything, for that matter(so not alot of sweets). So, it is hard for us to buy alot, though we are so pleased with their products for her and ds. Our favorite is the sandwiches. I find it so hard to believe that line is having the most trouble because the variety was so appealing to me and other brands usually only offer a single flavor in a package.

I think I will put my pack of coupons outside dd's classroom, or at the genral table at school for all to take/use. I hope that will help in my area. becca

[This message has been edited by becca (edited March 17, 2005).]

Yes, the sandwiches were the best product I thought too. The good thing about Philly Swirl is that they are frozen-can buy loads and not have to worry about shelf life. I've been a "foot soldier" of theirs for awhile, but they need a lot more help. I tell every person I talk about food allergies to, visited 15 preschools and gave them their website and coupons, told the dietician at Children's Hospital about them, etc. Every effort helps.

We loved the sandwiches best and have been everywhere trying to find them...are they discontinuing the sandwiches? I thought those would be the best sellers?
Melissa

Thanks for posting this info. Good idea about sharing coupons - I have some that I wll pass out to the other PA moms I know at school.

I have to admit, I don't buy Philly Swirl that often, only because they don't carry it in the supermarket in my town. I make a special trip every so often to a Stop and Shop a few towns away to buy it. Now I'll make sure to get there a lot more often.

I can understand targeting a wider market, but why does that necessarily have to mean making a nut product?

Quote:Originally posted by mcmom:
[b]I can understand targeting a wider market, but why does that necessarily have to mean making a nut product? [/b]

I think this is because a lot of people love nuts in their ice cream and chocolate, etc.. so if they want to stay in business, it may help the company to survive.

Why doesn't he expand to sell to more stores and more locations. We haven't been able to get it in our area in So. Cal. I have spoken to Alex many times and he just says they only have a few stores here. I would be surprised if people wouldn't want his products here. There are a lot of PA/TNA people here that would love that stuff. I even offered to have him ship it here and have our local stores carry it. I am sure it is hard. But lots of people in So Cal. would love his stuff.

toomanynuts

Getting it into stores means the store has to accept the product and make room for it in their freezer. It is not always very easy with the major brands likely having contracts with major chains. They may feel they have enough variety. That is why Alex always suggests going to your grocer and asking them to get it for you. And he would also work it from his end.

I know at our small *not* super Stop and Shop, the Philly Swirl is at the bottom of the freezer and you would only notice it, even when it is on sale, if you were a fan and looking for it. Product placement has so much to do with sales as well. He has a tough road selling in a big sea of ice cream novelties. Maybe he could dedicate just a single line to a new, yikes, nutty product, and keep some sort of barrier and nut free lines? becca

Quote:Originally posted by becca:
[b]Maybe he could dedicate just a single line to a new, yikes, nutty product, and keep some sort of barrier and nut free lines? becca [/b]

That's what Chapmans does in Canada. Most of their ice crea, products are manufactured in nut-free enviroments, but they also have a line of products manufactured in a nut environment.

I wish I could help. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img] None of our local stores carry it and I have approached them about it with no results. We have a sam's club about an hour away, but we don't buy anything with splenda (causes stomach cramps for me, not sure about my kids, but I don't trust it anyway). If only we could get the original philly swirls locally we would buy those.

I asked Alex if they were discontinuing the Swirlwich's, and he said "we haven't made them in weeks". Maybe now is the time to try something else other than NUTS to compete with the mainstream "nut addicts". When you think about it, it is rather gross-peanuts are legumes........so are peas, chick peas, garbanzo beans, fava beans etc. but I wouldn't want them in my ice cream. How about nut-free M&M type candies, like the Brites made by [url="http://www.nuthinnutty.com?"]www.nuthinnutty.com?[/url]
Maybe there is something addictive in nuts today-just like caffeine is..............

I would buy phillyswirl more often if it came in single flavor boxes or tubs!!!! We end up tossing half of everything we buy. We only like the orange and cherry sorbet and vanilla ice cream, the vanilla and chocolate swirl and the double chocolate swirl. We would buy tubs of these or just plain vanilla or chocolate or orange sorbet weekly, if available!!!

Can you get Philly Swirl in Canada?

I know that a LOT of people love nuts in their ice cream, but I'm going to stretch a bit after seeing a new "no name" product in my local grocery store (off-shoot of Loblaw's).

I think it must be made by Chapman's but I have not checked. It is the drumstick without the peanuts - with the rice krispies on top like Chapman's makes ("peanut free").

But it's a "no name" product, lower price than even the Chapman's would be, and obviously they did think there was a market for a "no name" drumstick without peanuts on top aside from Chapman's. Me, I was actually quite surprised.

Also, I know that it really does depend on the store.

I had a heckuva time a lot of times finding Chapman products in different grocery stores. Sometimes I can't. Sometimes, like where I shop now, easy as pie.

But that addition of nuts has always been something that manufacturers do do - this was seen even with Nestle - yes, they reversed their decision and kept the plant "peanut free" but at the same time, they also came out with a whole new line of nut filled (not sure about peanuts) chocolate bars (not even sure how they fared).

And totally separate, but do you know what I saw in the store to-day and if it hadn't been for the fact that it was a long day and the end of the day, I would have taken a closer look - Reese's Pieces Scoops of some sort. I guess a chocolate shaped in the shape of a chip, thin wafer like and then the pb on it. I think, what the heck? Is that something that is needed/wanted?

When did the world become so nut/peanut crazed or were we always that way until we had to deal with PA?

Yes, it is late, I have gone into babble speak, it was a long horrendous day (but some delights in there as well), and I shouldn't be posting tonight.

I have to wonder though - how can we help Alex. I mean, I can *hit* about 300 people over the next three days (100 per day max), but how will that help Alex and Philly Swirl?

Let me know if you would like me to try, but I don't even know what to say.

And I think I did hear about Canadians buying Philly Swirl so I must be able to get some somewhere in Toronto. Shouldn't I?

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

If we don't do anything, that is absolutely NO HELP. Anything is worth a try. I wish they would try something more mainstream like GELATO. No one makes ice cream like the Italian gelato. They don't put nuts in their gelato, and it's the best gelato/ice cream. A flavor was created last season on "The Apprentice" that was called "red velvet" something or other gelato. I was never able to find it in stores, but I can't get it out of my head, and I'm not even that crazy about ice cream. Gelato would be more upscale, and would appeal to the "purists". To me, there is an overabundance of the same types (popsicles). In pre-PA days, I would usually only buy Haagan Daz or Ben & Jerry's-real ice cream flavor and not 10 or so artificial flavorings or colorings. Maybe Philly Swirl can go more upscale, but still keep their nut-free ways.

Quote:Originally posted by Cindy Spowart Cook:
[b]Can you get Philly Swirl in Canada?[/b]

Hi Cindy,

Occasionally... but it is not easy. I have only see it at Costco a few times (but not all the time). And I have never seen it in Loblaws, Dominion, A&P, Sobeys, IGA, etc..

It is very difficult to find here in Canada. I buy Chapmans which is nut-free and peanut-free anyway.

I have bought those delicious Chapmans "Supercones", and I have also bought the Loblaws no-name version of the Supercones (they are great too).

Enlightened, what can we do? Simply encourage people to go out and buy, if they're able to? I'm just unclear. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/confused.gif[/img]

Also, could this be a seasonal thing? I mean, I'm not buying all that much ice cream right now in the dead of winter.

erik, are the Loblaw's super cones made by Chapman's, do you know? I just found it curious that they're exactly the same (or would appear to be on the box) as the Chapman's ones and also that they felt there was a need for something without peanuts.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

I do like the single variety kind- I toss all those strawberry sandwiches. This is bad news. We love them!
Paula

csc [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] I seem to recall there was discussion on this board (somewhere) that Chapman's actually makes the no-name brands for Loblaws. I've never researched it myself, and I'm kind of rushed with computer time lately, so I'm sorry - I don't have time to search it up.

But, the no-name cones hit the shelf right after Chapman's cones did. And a friend told me they taste exactly the same.

******

As for Phillyswirl, I really hope they can manage to pull through this without adding peanuts/nuts. I agree with someone else who suggested that tubs of ice-cream are something that people want. But, maybe that entails a larger financial investment (i.e. purchasing new machinery). I'm afraid they won't keep some peanut free because that means purchasing an entire new plant and new equipment. That's a lot of money.

But, what about renting another companies facilities to produce the peanut/nut containing products. (Alex, I'm hoping you are still reading these threads. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] ) I know there are a lot of companies that don't own their own facilities, and they rent/share with other companies. Maybe this is an option.

**********

My understanding is that PhillySwirl is only available at Cosco seasonally, for those who were asking.

Anna Marie, I know that it had been posted here that A&P's Equality brand of ice cream was made by Chapman's - the brick.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Quote:Originally posted by AnnaMarie:
[b]csc [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] I seem to recall there was discussion on this board (somewhere) that Chapman's actually makes the no-name brands for Loblaws. I've never researched it myself, and I'm kind of rushed with computer time lately, so I'm sorry - I don't have time to search it up.

But, the no-name cones hit the shelf right after Chapman's cones did. And a friend told me they taste exactly the same.
[/b]

Hi Anna Marie...

I seem to remember reading that both Loblaws and Dominion/A&P no name were made by Chapmans. I have eaten the no name Supercones many times as there is no warning on the label, but I have never actually asked if it is made by Chapmans.

Since there is no warning on the label, I trust it (especially since many other Dominion & Loblaws ice cream products do have peanut warnings)

The cups are full of corn syrup, which is why I don't buy them any more. Corn syrup makes my skin break out. The other stuff all contains gelatin, soy, or wheat. It's just not something I can eat.

As for gelato, there's a gelato parlor in town. They are certainly *not* nut-free. I get a hazelnut-chocolate gelato nearly every time I visit. And yes, this is a traditional gelato parlor. Heck, they import some of their ingredients (chocolate, etc).

ygg

When I spoke to Alex last, his solution was the go out and get anyone you could to buy, buy, buy their products. He seemed to stress the Sam's Club sugar-free popsicles.

As far as the gelato, I really don't remember any nuts in the Italian gelato-Europeans aren't as nut-crazed as on this continent. Still, Philly Swirl (or anyone else for that matter) could still make a nut free gelato-would appeal to a different market. Just generating alternative products.

Hazelnuts seem ubiquitous in Swiss and German chocolate, Italian gelato, Hungarian tortes, and Russian desserts. I certainly wouldn't claim Europeans aren't nut-crazy. They just aren't peanut-crazy.

Sure, PhillySwirl could try their hand at a good creamy ice cream, but I don't think they will because one of the founder's children is dairy-allergic, or so I thought. That said, a foundering company generally doesn't try to produce a new product line--they try to build support for the existing product lines.

Those who can tolerate corn syrup and splenda, have at it. I'll stick with my local gelato shop.

ygg

Well, we never try anything new in this area, but now that I know I will! THIS WEEK and I'll tell a few friends too!

I wish we could get the swirlwiches here. We only have the sticks at our super Wal-mart. I will have to talk with the manager. As far as the sugar-free, splenda gives me stomach problems also, so that's not an option.
I would love for Philly Swirl to make ice cream in tubs!!!

I buy the Lawblaws no name Ice cream sandwiches and have had no problems thus far.

We are buy alot of Chapman's products, they are YUMMY!

I don't understand why they have to expand to nuts?! Why not expand to other nut-free products? What's the ice cream I see over and over at birthday parties? Hoodsies! They are easy to serve because you don't have to scoop or buy bowls. Why not try something like that? I can't support PhillySwirl any more than I already have. It is just about the only treat my underweight son will eat! I buy some type of Phillyswirl products just about every week. I have bought them and put them in the fridge at work with a sign on them saying "help yourself". I don't know what else to do. I will be very upset if my children can't have these treats anymore. Especially if they see them in the store still. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img]

Why don't we, in addition to passing the work around, try to brainstorm other nut free ice cream/ice ideas that Philly Swirl can try? Are Max and Alex open to other ideas?

Quote:Originally posted by Heather3:
[b]I don't understand why they have to expand to nuts?! Why not expand to other nut-free products? What's the ice cream I see over and over at birthday parties? Hoodsies! They are easy to serve because you don't have to scoop or buy bowls. Why not try something like that? I can't support PhillySwirl any more than I already have. It is just about the only treat my underweight son will eat! I buy some type of Phillyswirl products just about every week. I have bought them and put them in the fridge at work with a sign on them saying "help yourself". I don't know what else to do. I will be very upset if my children can't have these treats anymore. Especially if they see them in the store still. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/frown.gif[/img]

Why don't we, in addition to passing the work around, try to brainstorm other nut free ice cream/ice ideas that Philly Swirl can try? Are Max and Alex open to other ideas?[/b]

I

Lauren's Mom, I remember something about Alex getting a negative reception here at PA.com but because I'm Canadian and didn't think the product would be available to me, I don't even know what happened. I do know that some members were horrified by how he had been treated here.

Here's what I need to know. In sending out a group e-mail to people, and again, I can *hit* about 300 people, although some Canadian, and some not American, what do I say in the e-mail?

Buy Philly Swirl?

I can get a message out there, but I am so unclear as to what to say because it's not a product that I'm even familiar with.

Also, why would people feel uncomfortable telling someone where they lived? I don't mean exact street address, but just even the State so that he could target markets that the product would be more well received in?

Even with Chapman's, although I did manage to find it in Stayner, I didn't find the variety that I later found in Belleville (larger place) and then again, not the variety in Belleville that I find in Toronto.

I am willing to help. I simply don't know what to say in the e-mail.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

If you want to send out e-mail for him and want to know what to say...how about something like this.

Hi xxx
I know how supportive you are of my DD/DS and the peanut allergy. I'm going to ask your support one more time.

Think back years ago when no one had ever heard of lactose intolerance or celiac disease. Now you can't walk down an aisle in the grocery store without seeing a product marked 'lactose-free' or 'gluten-free'. Having products like those has helped spread awareness about those conditions.

Imagine if we could do the same with peanut allergy - walk down the aisle at a grocery store and see items listed 'peanut-free'. It would be heaven on earth to me.

Well, there are several companies out there that are peanut free. None that I know of have that information listed on their packages. Others that do are mainly Internet based and charge a fortune.

One company, however, called PhillySwirl which makes novelty ice cream treats, based in Florida, has made it to the market. They have educated themselves on peanut allergy and took it upon themselves to make their entire plant peanut free. Employees cannot even bring peanut butter in for lunch to eliminate the risk of contamination with products. This company has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to make sure that the supplies they get from each of the vendors are peanut-free, along with written documentation and testing for proof.

So, I'm asking you to try PhillySwirl products. Support those who support us because without more support, PhillySwirl will have to make a very sad business decision, which is to discontinue their nut-free lines. That means one less safe snack and more importantly, one less chance for exposure.

In my opinion, Perhaps, the company just needs to advertise more, via TV, radio, magazines. Word of mouth (or e-mails) only go so far. FAAN was mentioned and their disappoint with advertising with them but this is only ONE place to advertise.

I am surprised the company doesn't have an Ad agency working with/for them to promote their products. If the products taste good then they should be promoted for that, as well as being peanut free.

I have suggested to friends and family members about the products that CHAPMAN'S makes, for me mainly because they are peanut/nut free (so my daughter can have a treat at their home) but also because they are GREAT tasting products. I really like the ice cream cones with different flavours and many of my NON PA friends enjoy them too. CHAPMAN'S advertise their products on TV and in magazines, so my friends and family already knew about them before I said anything.

Still confused as to why philly swirl doesn't have an Ad Agency working for them, and IF they do, then they aren't doing a very good job.

What about AAFA? FAAN isn't the only organization in the US that supports food allergies. AAFA stands for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Have Max and Alex tried them? There must be other organization besides AFFA and FAAN.

LaurensMom, well said in your letter of support. I myself have been doing work for Alex during the last 2 years, exactly as you have. I never claimed any compensation because I considered them such an essential product for our community.

I also agree that perhaps P.S. should do a TV ad-I think it would reach far more people than us little food soldiers can. Maybe on PBS, or Noggin, or Nick, Jr. I know it is expensive to advertise, but obviously it pays off or companies wouldn't do it.

I've also given countless names of organizations to Alex, including sending a flyer to AAFA-New England chapter, but it looks like they only have coupons.

Why doesn't everyone email Alex with their [email]ideas-alex@phillyswirl.com[/email]? I know I wouldn't object to my address being given. I think his relationship with this board was a case of "eating their young".

I believe the reason for no adversizing is because it costs so much.

One of my suggestions at one point including a bit of chocolate (like a coating or something), he Alex said he didn't like that idea because he didn't want to load it up with calories. He said that it is mostly kids who eat his treats and they have enough junk thrown at them.

I was pretty impressed with that.

I also suggested advertising on PBS. I know PBS doesn't have "advertising" per se but they do have "supporters". You can't show your product on TV - you can only talk about it. I thought it would be a great to use PA and the low-cal angle. He wasn't interested.

Quote:Originally posted by Enlightened:
[b] I think his relationship with this board was a case of "eating their young". [/b]

I disagree - and I find that comment a little bit offensive. (Not a big deal, don't want to make a big issue of it - just wanted to point it out.)

With a registered date of Mar 2005 - did you actually search for the threads? or are you re-signed under a new name?

fyi - finding one thread wouldn't give you the answer - the trouble sort of spread.

******

My response [i]at that time[/i] was that I suggested Alex "put his money where his mouth was". He did. Big time. Although I have not been able to purchase his product myself - I have recommended it to people. I have also asked at a few stores if they would start stocking it. So far - no luck.

Here's an idea of the conversations: "we already have ice-cream" I explain about peanut-free. "we have/are getting Chapman's". or "we have limited space, we are not adding to our ice-cream shelf" or "go to XXXX and buy Chapman's, they're Canadian".

I think that a frozen ice / ice cream company would have an expected major seasonal lull, except in the southern states. They all must. I don't see anybody buying frozen products during the winter. We love them in the warm weather, and try to use them for team and club events. How about adding non-frozen treats that are peanut/ nut free and include those that are dairy free (hot beverages, chocolates, candy treats, or a specialty cookie, cake-type product)?

Here's my thought, how about the owner/CEO of the company figure out his own way to run his company. It is privately owned correct? I'll pass on sending ideas to the company, instead I'll wait to see what the owner/CEO comes up with himself.

Do you think the owners of Jetsgo, started asking it's customers on ways to save the company?

Quote:Originally posted by Codyman:
[b]Here's my thought, how about the owner/CEO of the company figure out his own way to run his company. It is privately owned correct? I'll pass on sending ideas to the company, instead I'll wait to see what the owner/CEO comes up with himself.

Do you think the owners of Jetsgo, started asking it's customers on ways to save the company?

[/b]

CodyMan,
No one asked me to send Alex ideas. I don't recall seeing a post on this board of Alex or Max asking you to send them ideas. [i][b]I [/i][/b] asked Alex if he would be willing to take ideas, thinking that the more ideas they had, the more competitive they'd be and the products at my supermarket labeled "Peanut Free" - not just for the sake of another safe treat but for PA visibility. The more people who see it, the sooner it will be that they realize this is a real issue. Not that I think this is the only way to get PA visiblity but every bit helps! My eternally optimistic and idealistic side was also hoping it would start leading towards a market trend to produce PA safe products. It also helps for thing such as school functions - people know what to buy.

I think your post would have been more aptly stated if you told me to keep my nose out of their business because it was ME who started it, not them.

If I sound it, yes, I am a little miffed at your response because you obviously have never spoken to Alex. He is a great guy who truly cares about people. If I had met him not being in the PA community, I would still support his company.

[This message has been edited by LaurensMom (edited March 23, 2005).]

Anna Marie, I tried to find any of the threads where the difficulties started, but there are at least 117 threads where PhillySwirl is mentioned.

If you don't think it's a case of us "eating our young", I'm wondering what it was that was posted that set people here off. There may have been something that was valid.

In this thread, I noticed a lot of people saying that they didn't care for different flavours. Is that a problem? Packaging? Something?

I have never tasted Philly Swirl and from what I understand it will be difficult for me to find some.

So, I'm not clear what to say to my American friends, especially if there is some sort of problem within the PA community, about buying Philly Swirl.

As someone else suggested, it might be the time of year. I mean, how much Chapman's even am I buying?

Anna Marie, I'm not clear, but I do think Enlightened is a long-time member with a new UserName. As I said, not clear.

Or are we offended in this thread because two people have mentioned that they have been working with Alex for a couple of years (without compensation)?

I'm simply unclear, especially since I can't find out why Alex was originally rejected from the board (I know I wasn't in on the discussions).

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

I think that it is in the best interest of any company to be interested in comments and suggestions from their customers. Of course, they are the decision-makers and the ones running the company, but to ignore feedback would be foolish. We, on the other hand, have the opportunity to provide feedback to a company that is willing to listen. How can that be bad? Don't we want manufacturers to listen to our requests for products that are safe?

[This message has been edited by Naturemom (edited March 23, 2005).]

Quote:Originally posted by csc:
[b]Anna Marie, I tried to find any of the threads where the difficulties started, but there are at least 117 threads where PhillySwirl is mentioned.

If you don't think it's a case of us "eating our young", I'm wondering what it was that was posted that set people here off. There may have been something that was valid.[/b]

Personally, if the original threads have not been deleted - I think they are better off left buried.

Quote:Originally posted by csc:
[b]Anna Marie, I'm not clear, but I do think Enlightened is a long-time member with a new UserName. As I said, not clear.[/b]

I think Enlightened is a new person here. I [i]think[/i] the line I object to was repeated from someone else. It was said previously - and I took it offensively then too. I honestly think Enlightened was just repeating something that was said to her. By the way, Enlightened, if you would like to talk to me privately about this - please send me an e-mail. I hate the fact that I am a part (a big part) a singleing out someone who was just trying to be helpful.

Anna Marie, I trust your judgement. Is there any reason not to support Philly Swirl, IYPHO?

As I said, I wasn't part of the discussions when Alex first came to the board, so I don't now what happened and 117 threads later, I'm probably not going to either.

I want to do what I'm able to do (which is probably copy most of Lauren's Mom's letter and e-mail it out, if that is okay, Lauren's Mom), but I don't want to do something if there was a valid reason why people were not pleased with Alex. KWIM?
(Sometimes I feel I have difficulty even typing words - you know when you do kid speak all day or have no adult conversation and sometimes I feel as though that even translates to my fingers).

Anyway, as I was saying, I do trust your judgement Anna Marie. Is there a reason why I shouldn't send out a group e-mail?

And oddly enough, what did DH pick in the grocery store to-day for dessert? Ice cream. Chapman's, of course. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/cool.gif[/img]

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Quote:Originally posted by csc:
[b]I want to do what I'm able to do (which is probably copy most of Lauren's Mom's letter and e-mail it out, if that is okay, Lauren's Mom), but I don't want to do something if there was a valid reason why people were not pleased with Alex. [/b]

Cindy - I can't think of any reason not to send out the email.

All that happened was Alex started to post the identical entry into numerous threads and re-raised them and some people here commented that they were not pleased to see the identical thread posted all over the place ( PA.COM ). He then replied to them in a strongly negative reply and it escalated from there.

I think it is fine to send the email, as I personally see no reason not to support Philly Swirl as they are providing a product that Americans need.

For those of us in Canada, this product is not that beneficial as none of the stores seem to want to carry it, and we already have Chapmans line of peanut-free ice cream which does extremely well versus the multinationals (Nestle, Breyers, etc).

erik, thank-you for your response. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

DH bought butterscotch ripple this afternoon. My choice is usually Swiss Mocha. Oh well. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] (although I have been known to go through the brick and eat out all the ripple [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img] )

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Maybe PS should take a close look at Chapmans. Why have they succeeded? Do they advertise on tv? newspaper? magazines? What sort of varieties do they offer? Do they list on the label "peanut free"?

Quote:Originally posted by Heather3:
[b]Maybe PS should take a close look at Chapmans. Why have they succeeded? Do they advertise on tv? newspaper? magazines? What sort of varieties do they offer? Do they list on the label "peanut free"? [/b]

Hi Heather,

Yes, Chapmans has been very successful. All of the major grocery stores carry their products alongside the big multi-nationals (Nestle, Breyers, Haagen Das, Ben & Jerry's, etc).

The answers:

1) yes, they do advertise on tv - I have seen their tv commercials - but they do not advertise a lot - may see the tv commercial a few times a month

2) they offer many many varieties of products (most are peanut/nut-free, although they do have a line of products made in the "peanut - nut" production facility such as maple walnut, etc)

3) yes, the products have a large "peanut/nut-free : sans arachides/noix" written on the package.
[img]http://www.chapmans.ca/media/symbols/peanutflag.gif[/img]

Here is an image of one of the most popular items - the Supercones. As you can see, the "peanut-free' label is written on the box:

[img]http://www.chapmans.ca/media/english/prodimages/super_cone_van-choc_im.jpg[/img]

*********************************************

They have a very successful product line that has been able to compete successfully against the multi-nationals.

[b]To see the entire line of products that are available, you can explore the website at: [url="http://www.chapmans.ca"]http://www.chapmans.ca[/url] [/b]

**************************************

Here is their peanut/nut free guarantee:

[i]At Chapman's Ice Cream we are very aware of the increase in the food based allergic reactions in the population, especially to peanut and nut base products.

Our Director of Quality Assurance heads up our risk management team, and is responsible for the education of each new employee as well as any contractors that may be working within the plant environment. Our lunchrooms are nut free and access in monitored. Our staff of lab technicians are ever vigilant to identify and control risks throughout operations. The company executives stand behind all policies 100% and assist in implementation and execution.

Our lab tests every batch of mix that is used on nut free lines. They also test the finished product prior to release to market with our in house Veratox system, which is an analytical test procedure for detecting traces of peanut protein.

Our Consumer Relations team is educated to assist consumers calling in or writing with most questions. Our QA Director will respond directly to specific requests. We have information packages to send to consumers or can direct them to our website, where they can see the nut free packages and send e-cards to family and friends to advise of our products.

As we continue to develop new products and update old packaging, it is our goal to put this flag on the majority of our products. We receive hundreds of letters from children (and their families) thanking us for their first bowl of ice cream! It certainly makes it all worthwhile, "for the kid in all of us!" Look for this Symbol

The following products are run on nut free lines and can be recommended for those who suffer peanut/nut product allergic reactions:

Chapman's Original Ice Cream - 2 litres (22 flavours)
Chapman's Original Ice Cream - 4 litres (7 flavours)
Chapman's SuperLolly, Rocket, and Space Monkey - Water Ices (8 varieties)
Chapman's Li'l Lolly - Water Ices (2 varieties)
Chapman's SuperCreamy - Water Ice/Vanilla Ice Cream
Chapman's SuperFrosty - Chocolate coated Ice Cream
Chapman's SuperFudge - Fudge Bars
Chapman's Super Sandwich - ice cream between cookie wafers (3 flavours)
Chapman's No Sugar Added Fudge Bars
Chapman's No Sugar Added Vanilla Sandwiches
Chapman's No Sugar Li'l Lolly's
Chapman's Super Cones - (2 varieties)
Chapman's Li'l Treats - (7 varieties)
Chapman's Super Cappuccino - Cappuccino flavoured ice cream bars
Chapman's Organic Ice Cream and Novelties - Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream and Fudge Bar Novelties [/i]

[This message has been edited by erik (edited March 23, 2005).]

Cindy, Erik told you what happened [i]in a nutshell[/i]. As I said, I have recommended their product. (A non-allergy board that I go to has a member who has a family member that has celiac, so I suggested she check it out and I gave her the contact information to call Alex herself, and the web-address if she wanted to check that out. Some, if not all, of their products are also gluten free.)

Philly-swirl always was peanut-free. When they decided to actually call their product peanut-free, and made a financial committment - I decided I would help by letting people know about it.

Anna Marie, thank-you. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

erik, yes, Chapman's is great. However, how they do differ from Philly Swirl is that they do have non-peanut-free lines.

Did the horse go before the cart in this case? Who knows? I actually believe it was originally a firm that produced everything and then gradually was able to go "peanut free" with some of their lines.

But there are other companies that are "peanut free" consistently and always have been such as Vermont Nut Free.

Oh, can't answer this right now, I just woke up and someone troubling me and my mouth is quite dry.

Best wishes! [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Quote:Originally posted by erik:
[b] Hi Heather,

Yes, Chapmans has been very successful. All of the major grocery stores carry their products alongside the big multi-nationals (Nestle, Breyers, Haagen Das, Ben & Jerry's, etc).

The answers:

1) yes, they do advertise on tv - I have seen their tv commercials - but they do not advertise a lot - may see the tv commercial a few times a month

2) they offer many many varieties of products (most are peanut/nut-free, although they do have a line of products made in the "peanut - nut" production facility such as maple walnut, etc)

3) yes, the products have a large "peanut/nut-free : sans arachides/noix" written on the package.
[img]http://www.chapmans.ca/media/symbols/peanutflag.gif[/img]

Here is an image of one of the most popular items - the Supercones. As you can see, the "peanut-free' label is written on the box:
*********************************************

They have a very successful product line that has been able to compete successfully against the multi-nationals.

[b]To see the entire line of products that are available, you can explore the website at: [url="http://www.chapmans.ca"]http://www.chapmans.ca[/url] [/b]

**************************************

Here is their peanut/nut free guarantee:

[i]At Chapman's Ice Cream we are very aware of the increase in the food based allergic reactions in the population, especially to peanut and nut base products.

Our Director of Quality Assurance heads up our risk management team, and is responsible for the education of each new employee as well as any contractors that may be working within the plant environment. Our lunchrooms are nut free and access in monitored. Our staff of lab technicians are ever vigilant to identify and control risks throughout operations. The company executives stand behind all policies 100% and assist in implementation and execution.

Our lab tests every batch of mix that is used on nut free lines. They also test the finished product prior to release to market with our in house Veratox system, which is an analytical test procedure for detecting traces of peanut protein.

Our Consumer Relations team is educated to assist consumers calling in or writing with most questions. Our QA Director will respond directly to specific requests. We have information packages to send to consumers or can direct them to our website, where they can see the nut free packages and send e-cards to family and friends to advise of our products.

As we continue to develop new products and update old packaging, it is our goal to put this flag on the majority of our products. We receive hundreds of letters from children (and their families) thanking us for their first bowl of ice cream! It certainly makes it all worthwhile, "for the kid in all of us!" Look for this Symbol

The following products are run on nut free lines and can be recommended for those who suffer peanut/nut product allergic reactions:

Chapman's Original Ice Cream - 2 litres (22 flavours)
Chapman's Original Ice Cream - 4 litres (7 flavours)
Chapman's SuperLolly, Rocket, and Space Monkey - Water Ices (8 varieties)
Chapman's Li'l Lolly - Water Ices (2 varieties)
Chapman's SuperCreamy - Water Ice/Vanilla Ice Cream
Chapman's SuperFrosty - Chocolate coated Ice Cream
Chapman's SuperFudge - Fudge Bars
Chapman's Super Sandwich - ice cream between cookie wafers (3 flavours)
Chapman's No Sugar Added Fudge Bars
Chapman's No Sugar Added Vanilla Sandwiches
Chapman's No Sugar Li'l Lolly's
Chapman's Super Cones - (2 varieties)
Chapman's Li'l Treats - (7 varieties)
Chapman's Super Cappuccino - Cappuccino flavoured ice cream bars
Chapman's Organic Ice Cream and Novelties - Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream and Fudge Bar Novelties [/i]

[This message has been edited by erik (edited March 23, 2005).][/b]

First, let me say that I have nothing against Chapman's as a company. I've never purchased becuase it's not available locally.

However, I do want to point out, there is one major difference between PhillySwirl and Chapmans (and someone please correct me if I am wrong), but Chapmans is a Canadian product and in Canada, numerous products are labeled "peanut-free". Chapmans may be one of the only ice creams labeled PA safe but manufacturers in Canada already recognize the PA community as a demographic they want to target.

This doesn't really exist in the US with products in grocery stores and that is what PS is trying to do. Maybe they should look at Chapman's but they can't be compared them (apples to oranges kind of thing) because PS is in a completely different marketing "battle", if you will.

To Chapman's - more power to you.
To PS - I still wish there was some way I could help them spread the word so we can advance toward where Canada is with PA safe labeled products in the grocery store. I look at this being about an idea, not ice cream.

But I'm not naive. Alex and Max are in business to put food on the table for their families. I understand that. But, if they can succeed with their product, they're lightyears ahead of the competition - the Bryers, Good Humor, etc, - in the US so they would pretty much have cornered a market - a PA market.

[This message has been edited by LaurensMom (edited March 23, 2005).]

AnnaMarie-Sorry to have inadvertently offended you, or anyone else who may be lurking. This board is for opinions, and I was relaying my take on what Alex said happened. If anyone is here to annoy/anger/offend, they shouldn't be here on a "SUPPORT" site. I didn't ask Alex for particulars, nor did I do a recent search. I remember being surprised when Alex did post that he was not 100% welcomed with open arms. It doesn't matter, but the same thing seems to be happening here now. Instead of welcoming brain-storming options on how we can help, people are arguing points, and reading into things that aren't there.

I am a new poster, but I have lurked for years. I remember people not being as supportive to him as they could-the reason for this thread was to bring attention to the fact that #1. Swirlwich's are no longer being made. #2. Sugar-free pops must be a success at Sam's Club in order for P.S. to remain viable. The bottom line is: buy P.S. products (or not).

I agree with CodyMan (and with points raised by everyone here) that P.S. should do some of their own advertising. But, I am not Alex, not do I have access to their sales/financial reports. If we want their product to exist, it has to be bought in quanities sufficient to make a profit.

I did speak with him yesterday, and I think he is reading these threads. He says he will not post here. As Alex is not behind dairy 100%, they will not do anything like a gelato as it contains butterfat and is not healthy. Once they try to go outside their current suppliers to develop a new product, the "nut free" status could be jeopardized.

And, in case anyone is upset that at least 2 of us have been VOLUNTEERING for Alex, that option is open to ANYONE. I need Philly Swirl as my DS has multiple food allergies in addition to peanut, and Philly Swirl is almost the only safe ice cream he can have.