ALASTAIR Dobson, Managing Director, Taste of Arran and Arran Dairies has been presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, The Marvin Benton Award for Services to the Ice Cream Industry, by the sectors trade association, the Ice Cream Alliance (ICA). It is in recognition of his achievements during a 23 year career in the sector and is the highest honour that the ICA can bestow.
“I was stunned and surprised when I heard that 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 that 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.”
This lifetime achievement award was created in memory of Marvin Benton, past president of the ICA, who died in 2004. It has been awarded to someone each year since in recognition of their outstanding work for the industry and the ICA. It is presented to people within the ice cream industry who have worked tirelessly for the good of the Ice Cream Alliance but not always been in the spotlight. It is an award for the unsung heroes of the industry and those who give so much time and energy for its greater good.
Alastair added: “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.”
Alastair comes from a farming background and studied agriculture at college. He returned to the family business in the mid-eighties to help establish Arran Dairies where he is now Managing Director. He is also Managing Director of Taste of Arran Ltd.
Arran Dairies is a manufacturing dairy business that also has a trade division that wholesales catering supplies to hospitality and foodservice businesses based on the Isle of Arran. Manufactured products include premium dairy ice cream which is sold throughout the UK by Alastair’s other business, Taste of Arran.
Taste of Arran is a collaborative business primarily manufacturing, promoting selling and distributing food and drink from 10 SME food companies on the Isle of Arran throughout the UK and abroad.
Alastair was founding Chairman of VisitArran and also a founding member of the Arran Economic group with an aim to celebrate and develop community and a place to help develop, protect and share the benefits of Arran’s fantastic, cultural and diverse landscapes.
“Alastair is a worthy recipient of this award,” said ICA CEO Zelica Carr. “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. Congratulation Alastair.”
