A Grimsby entrepreneur renowned for his expertise in frozen desserts has earned a prestigious title as a “guardian of gelato.” Darren Swales, the owner of Baci & Co in Louth, has been inducted into the Associazione Italiana Gelatieri (the Italian Gelato Makers Association), a respected body of over 200 gelato chefs across Italy and Europe.
Swales, who grew up on the Yarborough estate in Grimsby and previously managed Mad Harry’s ice cream parlour, rose to prominence after his success at the 2019 Gelato Festival in London. His induction into the association is a significant professional accolade, cementing his reputation in the world of gelato. The group, which includes both family-run parlours and multi-generational ice cream makers, provides a network of expertise and knowledge vital to the industry.
“I am proud to be a member,” Swales said, reflecting on the honor. “The association offers an incredible wealth of expertise and resources, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
While his gelato business continues to thrive, Swales has also set his sights on elevating his coffee offerings. Following Baci & Co’s relocation from Eastgate to Louth’s Cornmarket earlier this year, he took the opportunity to upgrade the parlour’s coffee service.
“We knew our coffee sales weren’t where they should be, so we used the move to reset and refine our coffee offering,” Swales explained.
The highlight of this upgrade is the installation of a La Cimbali M200 coffee machine, described by Swales as the “Rolls Royce” of espresso machines. A successor to the M100, which had been in production for over a decade, the M200 boasts cutting-edge technology that promises superior speed and consistency.
“The M100 has long been the machine of choice for coffee shops across the continent, so the M200 was a highly anticipated release,” Swales said. “It’s been engineered to perfection, and its Bluetooth connectivity ensures that the grind is recalibrated automatically, maintaining the quality of each cup of coffee regardless of external factors like humidity.”
The new machine allows for faster coffee preparation without compromising quality, something Swales believes will make a big difference for his business and his customers.
Swales has also praised the Levelling Up Fund for supporting small businesses. After applying for Grants for Growth to aid the refurbishment of his Grade II-listed premises, he was initially turned down but encouraged to reapply with new equipment and staff training.
“We are living proof that the government’s funding does reach small businesses,” he said. “The new machine will not only improve the speed and quality of our coffee but also enhance the overall customer experience.”
Since relocating, Swales’ parlour has gained a loyal following, with customers from across Lincolnshire making the trip to sample his gelato. With his latest venture into coffee, Baci & Co looks poised for even greater success.
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