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Mr. Whippy New Zealand facts for kids

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Mr. Whippy New Zealand
Company and franchise
Industry
  • Food
  • Retail
  • Direct service
Products
  • Frozen yogurt
  • Soft serves
  • Beverages
Parent Tatua

Mr. Whippy New Zealand is a popular company that sells ice cream from special vans. It operates as a franchise across New Zealand. This means many different people own and run their own Mr. Whippy vans, but they all follow the same rules and use the same brand.

The Story of Mr. Whippy

How Mr. Whippy Started in New Zealand

The first Mr. Whippy company began in the United Kingdom. In the 1960s, it decided to expand internationally. This led to 24 Mr. Whippy vans being sent all the way to New Zealand.

Mr. Whippy Today

Today, there are many Mr. Whippy vans serving delicious treats across New Zealand. About 36 different owners run a total of 58 vans. These vans are a familiar sight and sound in many neighborhoods.

Changes Over the Years

In the early 1980s, a company called General Foods Limited took over the main rights for Mr. Whippy in New Zealand. This company later became known as Tip Top.

Around this time, the look of the vans changed. The Isuzu Elf became the standard van model. Also, the original pink and white colors were replaced with a bright orange and white design.

In the early 2000s, Tip Top sold the main Mr. Whippy business. It was bought by Peter Woodhams, who was already a Mr. Whippy owner in the Waikato region. A few years later, in 2006, Peter sold the business again. It was then bought by Flying Kiwi Holdings. This company is owned and run by Nick Cairns, Scot, and Geliana Graham.

Modern Vans and Ice Cream Mix

Over time, the Mr. Whippy vans became more modern. Newer models like the Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato were used. Some Fuso vans also joined the fleet.

The special UHT ice cream mix used by Mr. Whippy also changed suppliers. Tatua took over from Fonterra Brands NZ as the company providing the mix. This ensures the ice cream always tastes just right.

"Mr Whippy" Ice Cream Van, Lake Rotorua (1983)
Mr Whippy van, Lake Rotorua (1983)
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