Mr Whippy franchisees adapt as dairy and operating costs rise
New Zealand Mr Whippy franchisees are navigating rising operational and dairy costs to maintain their business model. Despite economic pressures, owners like Rebecca Russell emphasize the importance of autonomy and community engagement in sustaining the iconic ice cream brand.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the broader economic challenges faced by small business owners and franchisees in the current inflationary environment.
Rebecca Russell runs the Auckland Central Mr Whippy franchise, and has no plans to stop. Photo / Annaleise Shortland
For over 60 years, Mr Whippy has been serving Kiwis with its iconic soft serve, but rising dairy and operational costs have made value and service key to keeping the company alive.
Mr Whippy has 25 franchise owners operating across 39 territories around New Zealand, with some franchisees operating more than one territory.
Growth in some areas has enabled the business to provide broader national coverage, although it has a firm focus on an owner-operator model.
One of those 25 franchise owners is Rebecca Russell, who has owned and operated the Auckland Central business for 14 years.
After a teaching career came to an unexpected end, Russell saw an opportunity to buy the Auckland Central franchise in the Herald .
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