Fifteen minutes David Doel, Lacock Dairy
Find out more about Lacock Dairy and why not add some to your next order for your customers to try. Lacock dairy gelato is available for our wholesale customers.
Lacock Dairy Gelato is based on your 4th-generation family farm—what does it mean to you to carry on this legacy in such a unique way?
Carrying on our family’s farming legacy through Lacock Dairy is both an honour and a responsibility. For four generations, our family has been dedicated to producing high-quality dairy. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that we’re preserving our heritage while also innovating and sharing our passion for high-quality, locally made gelato with the community.
How did the idea of crafting gelato on the farm come about, and what inspired you to take this direction?
The idea stemmed from our deep appreciation for the milk we produce and a desire to create something truly special with it. We wanted to go beyond traditional dairy farming and bring a unique, farm-to-spoon experience to people. We liked the idea of producing quality local products, that we can sell locally and afar and that people can even collect from our farm!
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from previous generations of your family working the farm?
One of the most valuable lessons is that quality starts with care—care for the land, the animals, and the people involved. Hard work, patience, and resilience are also key values that have been passed down through the generations. Farming isn’t always easy, but previous generations have taught us to adapt, stay committed, and always prioritise integrity in what we produce. Those lessons are at the heart of everything we do with Lacock Dairy Gelato.
The Father-Son Partnership
What’s it like working together as father and son in the business? Do you each have specific roles or strengths you bring to the table?
Working together as father and son is rewarding, but it also comes with its challenges—like any partnership, we sometimes have different perspectives. That said, our strengths complement each other. One of us brings years of experience, while the other brings fresh ideas, innovation, and a passion for sharing our product with the world. Together, we make a strong team that balances tradition with modern creativity
How has your working relationship evolved over the years, and what do you admire most about each other’s approach to running the business?
Over the years, our relationship has shifted from one of mentorship to more of a collaborative partnership. There is respect for each other’s knowledge and skills. What’s most admirable is the dedication we both have—not just to the business, but to keeping our family’s legacy alive. One of us brings patience and wisdom, while the other brings energy and a vision for the future, and that blend is what makes our business special.
Crafting the Gelato
Can you walk us through the process of making your gelato, from farm to freezer?
It all starts with our milk, fresh from the farm. We pasteurise it on-site, then carefully blend it with high-quality ingredients to create our gelato base. Once the base is ready, we churn it slowly to achieve the perfect creamy texture, then mix in flavours—whether it’s fresh fruit, chocolate, or other artisanal ingredients. Finally, it’s packaged and frozen, ready to be enjoyed by our customers!
What sets your gelato apart from others and how does being farm-based influence the quality and taste?
The biggest difference is that we have complete control over the process—from the quality of our milk to the final product. Because our milk is farm-fresh, it has a naturally rich, creamy texture that sets our gelato apart. There’s also a deep authenticity in knowing that what you’re tasting comes directly from the source, crafted with care at every step.
When you enjoy a scoop, you’re tasting the direct result of our farm’s hard work. It’s truly a farm-to-spoon experience.
Challenges, Successes, and the Future
What challenges have you faced in running a family business, particularly when scaling a product like gelato?
Scaling a farm-based product like gelato comes with unique challenges, from production logistics to maintaining quality as demand grows. One of the biggest challenges is balancing tradition with innovation—staying true to our roots while also adapting to new business needs. Managing the business side while continuing to care for our farm and animals also requires a delicate balance.
What’s been your proudest moment since starting Lacock Dairy Gelato?
One of our proudest moments was seeing people’s reactions when they first tasted our gelato. Knowing that something we created from our own farm could bring joy to others was incredibly fulfilling. Another major milestone was expanding beyond our farm and seeing our gelato in stores and markets—it proved that our vision was becoming a reality.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future of Lacock Dairy Gelato?
Our biggest dream is to continue growing while staying true to our values—keeping quality and authenticity at the heart of everything we do. We’d love to see our gelato reach more people.
Are there any exciting new flavours, ideas, or plans in the works that you can share with us?
We’re always experimenting with new flavours! Right now, we’re working on a few seasonal and locally inspired options that highlight the best ingredients from our region. We’re also exploring new ways to engage with our community, whether through special events, collaborations, or even limited-edition flavours inspired by customer feedback.
Connecting with Customers
How important is it to you to tell the story of your family and farm through your gelato?
It’s incredibly important—our gelato isn’t just a product, it’s a reflection of our family’s history, values, and passion. Every scoop tells the story of generations of hard work, care for the land, and a deep love for what we do. We want our customers to feel that connection and know they’re supporting something truly special.
What do you hope customers feel or experience when they taste Lacock Dairy Gelato?
We hope they experience pure joy and that they’re enjoying something real, fresh, and made with love. Whether it brings back childhood memories, sparks excitement over a new flavour, or simply makes their day a little sweeter.
Quickfire Questions
What’s your personal favourite gelato flavour? Chocolate
Describe your gelato in three words: Quality, sweetness, flavoursome
If you could share a scoop of gelato with anyone (past or present), who would it be? Ian Bowthan a sportsman who obviously likes his food! and is a fascinating personality.
