Want to get people excited for your brand? Ice cream van hire encourages people to approach and learn more about what you do. And with a style evoking summers gone by, it’s the perfect choice for customer engagement.
Read this guide to find out if a mobile ice cream van is for you. We also cover key campaign considerations and give a flavour of past projects for inspiration.
Here’s why these vehicles are loved by brands and their customers alike.
Since the 60s, vintage ice cream vans have delighted with their tasty desserts and playful tunes. Today, they remind people of sunny days out or getting a Mr Whippy after school. Ice cream van hire lets you play on this nostalgia, attracting an audience and encouraging them to think positively about your brand.
If you want a charming vehicle that can navigate city streets, you can’t go wrong with a branded ice cream van. Travel down back roads, near famous landmarks, or set up in shopping centres and railway stations – this nimble van can do it all! Don’t be fooled by its small footprint; this vehicle can win a huge amount of engagement in a short time.
Whether you choose a modern or vintage ice cream van, it comes fully wrapped to showcase your brand. You can then use it as a backdrop, display your latest products, or plan influencer photoshoots to generate online buzz. Netflix did just that for its show ‘Too Hot to Handle’, as did Charlotte Tilbury when launching their new product line.
Mr Whippy ice cream makers used to be powered by the vehicle’s engine, but not anymore! If you need a machine installed, we can ensure it’s powered on-site or via an eco-friendly solution. To cut emissions further, we’ll plan an efficient route to and from the venue, then transport your van as part of our logistics service.
Here’s how to ensure your van fits perfectly with your campaign.
One look at your branded ice cream van and people will know just what to expect – whether it’s an ice cream, ice lolly, frozen yoghurt or smoothie. If you need help coming up with treats that align with your brand, we can produce them as part of our sampling and fulfilment service.
Our team can produce and test your samples to get them just right. We can even create gluten- and lactose-free options, along with branded tubs and wrappers.
All venues are slightly different. Some are easy going, while others impose restrictions you need to work around. They can even restrict your samples! King’s Cross Station, for example, restricts servings to 100ml so you don’t encroach on local brands. Others are limited by HFSS regulations, banning samples that are high in fat, salt or sugar content.
Promohire can help source the best locations for your campaign or come up with a healthy option that complies with these rules.
Because ice cream vans are small, you’ll want every inch built for practically. Our vans all retain their chest freezers, but those aside, we can provide everything you need with our design and build service – including a Carpigiani Mr Whippy ice cream machine for a classic experience.
Externally, you can take your branding to the next level with a 3D prop. Just let us know so we can bring your ideas to life!
Do you have staff you can trust to deliver a specialist service? Serving a high number of ice creams to hungry crowds isn’t easy, so it’s worth getting the right people with the proper experience. If you don’t already have an agency, we can cater to all your staffing needs, from ice cream experts to baristas, brand ambassadors and event managers.
We have a range of vehicles in our fleet, from 60s classics to the latest models.
A true statement piece, this classic is often what people think of when they imagine a vintage ice cream van. Its retro style appeals to all ages, making it an ideal choice for sampling and awareness campaigns which demand a lot of attention.
While the original machines have been taken out, we can fit new Carpigiani ice cream makers and other beverage machines to suit your campaign. See the Farmyard ‘attitude’ and Sum Bum vans as examples of this classic vehicle.
Popular with people who grew up in the 80s and 90s, this vehicle is a go-to choice if you want a mobile ice cream van that’s a bit less vintage and a bit more modern. As with the classic Bedford, deep freezer chests are provided as standard.
This model is popular with today’s brands, including Hero, Charlotte Tilbury, Carlsberg, Greggs, and Stoli’s ‘Voice for Ukraine’ campaign.
If you value practicality over style, then this modern ice cream van is for you! Wider and taller than older models, it’s slightly more spacious for a better serving experience. And because it has an integrated ice cream maker already on board, we recommend this van for multi-stop campaigns involving authentic Mr Whippy ice creams.
This model has been used by brands like Reese’s, British Airways and Whitby Morrison.
These projects show how ice cream van hire can bring your campaign to life.
Netflix – This streaming giant chose to advertise The Witcher show with a classic Bedford ice cream van and a unique tasting experience. The van was wrapped and then decorated with 3D chains, plus a Witcher medallion made by the Promohire team. As for the treat, we developed a black ice cream with white candy floss and a Witcher wafer.
Get the scoop on The Witcher’s ice cream van
Jax Jones – Fresh with a new album, the famous artist wanted to visit celebrity friends and engage with fans in style. The retro transit van was wrapped to be bright and colourful, much like his Snacks (Supersize) album cover. With this themed van ready to go, he delivered ice creams all over London in what became a much-loved PR stunt.
Discover how Jax Jones hit the right note
British Airways – BA wanted a modern ice cream van to celebrate their centenary. This design aligned with their summer campaign, which involved giving out free ice creams along with a chance to win a free holiday. With cabin crew serving up the classic Mr Whippy, and a departures board at the back, this campaign got off to a flying start!
Check into first class with the British Airways van
Getting an estimate couldn’t be simpler! With our budget calculator, you can see that prices for a branded mobile ice cream van start at around £7,700 for a 7-day activation. To get a price for additional campaign support, visit our costs and services guide. You can also check out the 8 steps to plan your campaign for help getting started.
Try the calculator for a free estimate and see if ice cream van hire is right for you!