Exhibiting at HRC London 2025 (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering)

Longo & Co, operating under the brand Mr Whippy and headquartered in Huddersfield, United Kingdom, is a leading supplier of commercial ice cream and beverage equipment, specializing in soft serve solutions and slush systems. With a focus on affordability, reliability, and high-performance equipment for foodservice businesses, Longo & Co has built a strong reputation in the UK and international markets for their Arctic-branded machines.

History and Evolution

Founded to meet the growing demand for quality soft serve equipment in mobile catering and retail environments, Longo & Co has evolved from a local equipment supplier into a nationally recognized brand. Leveraging years of industry experience, the company introduced the Arctic product line, focusing on high-efficiency machines suitable for both fixed and mobile operations.

The company operates both a sales and rental model, providing flexible options to ice cream vendors, dessert parlors, fast-food chains, and event-based caterers.

Core Business and Product Portfolio

Longo & Co provides a wide range of machines and accessories for frozen dessert and beverage operations. Its portfolio includes:

• Soft Serve Ice Cream Machines:

  • Arctic Mini 30L
  • Arctic 125
  • Arctic 130
  • Arctic 132BA (Twin Barrel)
  • Arctic 138 GP (High Capacity)

• Slush Machines:

  • Arctic Slush 2 Bowl
  • Arctic Slush 3 Bowl

• Batch Freezers:

  • Arctic Batch Freezer 5L
  • Arctic Batch Freezer 10L

• Orange Juice Machines:

  • Arctic Orange 1 (Compact)
  • Arctic Orange 2 (High Output)

• Iced Coffee Machines:

  • Arctic Coffee 1 and Coffee 2

• Consumables:

  • Soft serve mix, cones, cups, toppings, sauces, and straws

• Catering Equipment:

  • Refrigerated display counters
  • Chest freezers
  • Blenders and mixers for beverage prep

This product breadth allows Longo & Co to serve both entry-level clients and high-volume operators.

Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Longo & Co distinguishes itself through its cost-effective turnkey solutions and mobility-focused product design:

• Mobile-Ready Equipment: Compact, low-power, and fast-chilling units ideal for food trucks and mobile dessert vans.
• Full-Service Model: Offers equipment rentals, leasing, servicing, and training.
• Private Branding Options: Arctic-branded machines are OEM customizable for larger chains and operators.
• High Profit Margins: Soft serve systems designed for rapid ROI for small businesses.

This operational model empowers entrepreneurs in the frozen dessert space to launch with minimal capital.

Financial and Market Insights

While private, market insights indicate:

• Annual Equipment Sales: Over 1,500 machines sold annually across the UK and EU
• Customer Base: Serves 2,000+ businesses including kiosks, cafés, theme parks, and mobile caterers
• Rental Units in Circulation: Estimated 300+ active machines in seasonal rental programs
• Online Sales: Operates a full-service e-commerce site with growing year-on-year transactions

The company has seen consistent growth in line with rising demand for mobile foodservice and specialty beverages.

Export and Distribution

Longo & Co ships across the UK and into select European markets:

• Primary Markets: United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, France, and Eastern Europe
• Distribution Network: Direct shipping and through catering equipment distributors
• OEM and Trade Sales: Collaborates with regional foodservice dealers for volume orders

All Arctic machines are CE-compliant and adapted for EU market requirements.

Target Market

Longo & Co caters to diverse business segments:

• Ice Cream Vans & Mobile Traders
• Restaurants, Dessert Shops, Cafés
• Theme Parks and Leisure Centers
• Event Caterers and Seasonal Pop-ups
• Supermarkets and Retail Chains (for slush/juice units)

Its flexible pricing and compact machine designs make it particularly attractive to new businesses and seasonal operators.

Infrastructure and Capabilities

The company’s operational strengths include:

• Warehouse and service center in Huddersfield
• In-house engineering team for repairs and maintenance
• Technical support hotline and instructional video content
• Nationwide shipping and installation assistance

A strong post-sales support system underpins client retention and brand trust.

Certifications and Compliance

All Longo & Co equipment is manufactured to meet UK and EU standards:

• CE Marked for safety and compliance
• Refrigerants used comply with EU F-Gas Regulation
• Machines built to EN60335 electrical appliance standards
• Warranty-backed with optional extended service plans

These standards ensure customer confidence in product safety and reliability.

Customer Testimonials

Longo & Co is well-regarded among its B2B clients:

“We’ve used the Arctic 132BA for two summers straight—reliable, easy to clean, and a big earner.”
— Ice Cream Vendor, Brighton

“Their rental program helped us test the market before committing to a full purchase.”
— Small Business Owner, Manchester

Major Achievements

• Successfully deployed over 5,000 Arctic soft serve machines since brand inception
• Developed one of the UK’s most trusted mobile soft serve rental programs
• Built a loyal base of repeat customers in the events and seasonal catering industry
• Featured in industry blogs, trade expos, and YouTube tutorials

With a customer-first approach, mobility-oriented product range, and competitive pricing, Longo & Co continues to be a go-to brand for soft serve innovation and turnkey ice cream equipment solutions across the UK and beyond.