Fressy Bessie Foods Inc. has developed a healthy and very tasty organic popsicle called the “Ice lolly.” Rather than use unhealthy artificial sugars, preservatives and additives, ice lollies are made with all-natural fruits and vegetables. The result is a frozen treat that kids love, and parents can feel good about serving to their children. The apple, mango, tropical or blueberry mango Ice lollies are also ideal for people suffering from diabetes as they are low in carbohydrates and contain no artificial sugars.
Operating under the tagline, “Fruit is nature’s candy,” Fressy Bessie has grown exponentially since it was first launched in 2014 and sold at farmer’s markets. Today, these popular ice lollies can be found at over 100 grocery stores throughout the Greater Toronto Area and will soon be coming to Ottawa.
“Canadians today are more health-conscious than ever before, and I think this is reflected in the food they choose to purchase and consume,” says Jackie Kwitko, founder and chief executive officer of Fressy Bessie Foods Inc., who runs Fressy Bessie out of a certified commercial kitchen in Toronto using only fresh, certified-organic ingredients. “Parents want to give their children healthy snacks and ice lollies are a healthy and delicious alternative to things like ice cream and popsicles. Our products contain zero artificial ingredients or added sweeteners, and they are gluten free and 100 per cent vegan.”
Kwitko is on to something. Canadians love their frozen treats. Data from market research firm Statista shows that Canadian consumers spent $3.7 billion on frozen desserts and treats in 2019, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato and popsicles. However, sales of ice cream are in steady decline as people search out healthier alternatives that contain less sugar and lower fat content. Their data shows that Canadians’ consumption of ice cream has fallen 45 per cent over the past 15 years, dropping from a peak reached in 2005. At the same time, the market for healthy frozen alternatives has boomed during the same period.
Still, according to a study conducted by Public Health Ontario, 30 per cent of Canadian children today are overweight or obese. And parents remain the single biggest influence on their kids current and future eating habits.
“Many products that appeal to children are often ones that parents do not feel good about serving to their growing families,” says Danielle Binns, CNP, a family nutritionist. “They see the impact that nutritionally imbalanced snacks have on their kids — be it shorter attention spans in school, blood sugar crashes that manifest as tantrums, or the recurrence of illnesses. A child's exposure to foods today can positively, or negatively, influence their eating habits as they mature.”
With the support of her husband and daughter, Kwitko has managed to capitalize on the growing popularity of Fressy Bessie’s ice lollies, establishing agreements to sell the product in national grocery store chains such as Metro, and Longo’s, as well as health-focused retailers such as Fiesta Farms, The Healthy Butcher, Nature's Emporium and Sweet Potato.
The popularity and demand for the popular Fressy Bessie ice lolly products continue to grow and they will soon be available in new markets throughout Ontario, including Ottawa, as well as in Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec. The end goal, says Ms. Kwitko, is to provide Canadians in every region of the country with a wholesome product that they can enjoy with their family.
“This isn’t just a business for me,” she says. “This is my passion. I started making organic ice lollies because I thought it was the right thing to do for my own daughter. To be able to share a product that I am proud of with other families is an honour.”
Click here to learn more about Fressy Bessie’s line of healthy frozen products. Or contact Fressy Bessie directly:
Jackie Kwitko, Owner Fressy Bessie Email: info@fressybessie.com
