From hobby to business: a couple’s bid to conquer the artisanal ice cream market
A family from Chisinau turned their passion into a successful business by opening an ice cream parlor. It all began with Ivan and Liubov Boaghi making ice cream in their kitchen. However, their sweet dream quickly transformed into a delightful and lucrative venture. Customers are willing to pay extra for the chance to enjoy their special desserts.
The Boaghi family has been making ice cream for over five years. Liubov Boaghi is from Ivano-Frankovsk, a city in Ukraine, where she first discovered artisanal ice cream.
“Our eldest daughter loved ice cream very much. During the summer, we would eat it every day. However, when we read the ingredients, we were often disappointed. That’s why we decided to start making ice cream ourselves in our kitchen,” says Liubov.
She explains that she learned Italian techniques for preparing the famous gelato.
“It’s also about exchanging experiences. Once or twice a year, we travel to Italy to learn new recipes. From simple homemade ice cream, we have evolved to create an artisanal product over the years,” she adds.
To develop their business, the Boaghi applied to programs launched by the Organization for Entrepreneurship Development and the International Organization for Migration.
"We bought a semi-professional device, which allowed us to enter the market. From 2020 to 2023, we applied for another grant from the ODA and purchased more modern equipment, enabling us to produce in larger quantities," says Ivan Boaghi.
Artisanal ice cream is more expensive than that produced in industrial quantities, but the Boaghi have no shortage of customers.
"Did you come here specifically for that taste of ice cream from your childhood, the way it used to be?" "Yes. That's why we chose 'Retro plombir.' We were nearby, saw this place, went in, and it reminded us of our childhood."
"It's delicious ice cream. There are some unusual flavors, even one with a cheese flavor."
