The Inside Scoop: How Fishbowl Boosted Lick Ice Cream's Sweet Success

In a year where some of the biggest ice cream manufacturers are investing heavily in growth and technology, premium Brisbane-based Lick Ice Cream has followed suit with a focus on smart inventory management.

The Australian ice cream industry continues to thrive, with revenue projected to reach $1.7 billion, fuelled by sustained consumer demand for premium products. Major players like Magnum Ice Cream Company and Unilever are leading the charge with millions of dollars invested in supply chain innovation and automation. Magnum reports that its recent upgrades “include new automation and advanced manufacturing technology which is already improving overall production output, safety, and operational efficiency”.

For Unilever, Elif Cakir, Supply Chain Long-Term Planning Lead, explains:

“Using AI we understand where to sell; how much we are going to sell; in which cabinet we are going to sell; and when and where to send our orders in the most efficient way. Thanks to forecasting process improvement, our service has increased while costs have been optimised. All of which has contributed to our overall service level to consumers increasing to world-class levels.”

While industry giants push large-scale automation, smaller boutique producers are also embracing innovation. Lick Ice Cream, makers of the famed Ekka sundae, has taken a strategic approach, focusing on efficiency and traceability through Queensland-based Fishbowl Inventory Management software.

“We supply nationally across Australia, with retail stores, supermarket chains, independent grocers, restaurants, hotels, and convention centres, and we’re exploring international markets,” says Simon West, Chief Executive and owner of Lick Ice Cream.

“What Fishbowl gives us is full control over our inventory system, from raw materials to finished products, ensuring accuracy and reducing waste throughout the process.”

“Fishbowl makes it easy for our staff, particularly with manufacturing orders, through to picking. It means that they are picking accurately, right down to weights and measures and looking at what exactly is going into the ingredients.”

Streamlining operations makes it easier for staff to get it right

Henry Peterson, Head Chef and Production Manager, describes the day-to-day benefits of bringing order to a complex supply chain and manufacturing process like Lick’s:

“Now that we use Fishbowl, picking and packing orders is a lot easier. Work’s more efficient, faster, easier to read barcodes, and far more accurate.”

The system also ensures precise measurement and management of ingredients.

“It saves on wastage for our staff, both at the manufacturing and finished goods level, making their lives easier,” Simon adds.

Traceability and compliance made simple

In the ice cream industry, traceability is critical for food safety and compliance with HACCP standards. With Fishbowl, Lick Ice Cream can conduct mock recalls in minutes.

“With good information, we can also improve and tighten our traceability, which is really important with food safety,” says Simon. “So we make sure that the right information is going in from the receivable of the product and ingredients, and then we can trace back batches to that initial receivable.

“Within 15 minutes, we can see exactly where a batch of stock went and who received it. On a recent mock recall, we contacted all affected customers within an hour.”

Primed for export

This level of control has given the team confidence not only in compliance but also in margin analysis and inventory reporting.

“Fishbowl has saved us time and made us confident in our numbers, inventory control, traceability, and margins. Now we are reporting accurately and have a robust system in place that will benefit us as we move into export markets,” Simon says.

Encouraging adoption

“For anyone considering Fishbowl, I’d recommend looking at working examples. Once you see it in action, the benefits become clear,” Simon concludes.

As the Australian ice cream industry continues to grow and evolve, Lick Ice Cream’s experience shows that efficiency and innovation aren’t just for the biggest players. For premium producers, smart inventory management systems like Fishbowl can unlock operational excellence, traceability, and readiness for national and international expansion.

To hear more about Lick Ice Cream’s transformational journey with Fishbowl Watch the Video.

Book a Demo today and find out how Fishbowl can streamline operational efficiencies and scale operations for growth in your business.