USA – New York-based ice cream brand, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, has raised US$18.7 million in a Series B funding round led by consumer focused private equity fund, NextWorld Evergreen.

Van Leeuwen, based in Brooklyn, New York, has grown from a Kitchen set-up into a   leading artisanal ice cream brand with stores and trucks in New York City and Los Angeles and pints in grocery stores around the country, since the brand was established in 2007.

The company is currently selling traditional dairy ice cream, cashew based vegan and oat milk based vegan flavors made with “just a handful of fresh ingredients sourced from the world’s best artisan producers and farmers.”

The brand explains that its classic scoops are crafted with nothing more than fresh milk and cream, cane sugar and egg yolks offering a uniquely differentiated product.

Van Leeuwen also offers vegan flavors made with house made oat milk or cashew milk, coconut cream, organic extra virgin coconut oil, cane sugar, pure cocoa butter and carob bean.

Van Leeuwen has been in significant growth mode and is now sold through 21 brick and mortar scoop shops in New York and Los Angeles, several trucks for catering and marketing and via wholesale through over 2,000 doors and growing.

Ben Van Leeuwen Co-founder and CEO of the brand believes that Van Leeuwen is at an inflection point and is poised to continue to grow and expand market share in both the wholesale channel as well as with the addition of new scoop shops.

Van Leeuwen said that it will use the capital to open new scoop shops and expand wholesale distribution.

Commenting on the investment, Ben said: “Thanks to NextWorld’s long-term vision and deep experience in consumer goods, we are excited to start the next chapter in our growth plan.”

David Fife, Partner of NextWorld, adds “We are excited to partner with the outstanding management team at Van Leeuwen and believe our evergreen fund, a patient and flexible capital source, will provide the company with the resources to continue building a strong, iconic brand.

“We love how the product is made with obsessively sourced ingredients and always free of unnecessary fillers, stabilizers and artificial flavors. The authenticity of the Van Leeuwen brand is something special.”

As part of the investment, David Fife will be joining the Van Leeuwen board.