Organisers catering for a large number of guests
You need to plan how many portions to serve, work out how many boxes you need and avoid taking out more cones than you can serve.
Who is this for?
Organisers looking to add variety to the dessert break
You might be considering a well-known brand or a different recipe, even if a smaller pack means adjusting the number of boxes you need.
Those responsible for transport and serving
You need to plan how to keep the cones frozen, identify the allergens in each product and make sure any surplus that has thawed is not put back in the freezer.
What should you look for?
When choosing ice cream cones for a conference, first work out how many portions you need. Then check that transport, storage and guest information are all suitable for the range you have in mind.
| What to consider | What to check | Guests' needs |
|---|---|---|
| Portions per box | Count how many cones you need and compare packs of four, six or eight. | If I’m serving a large group, I want to make sure there are enough portions without opening more boxes than necessary. Around 40% of consumers put this count first. |
| Keeping the cones frozen | Check the temperature on the packaging and make sure you have the right transport and storage arrangements in place until serving time. | If the buffet runs for a while, I need to be able to take the cones out gradually and keep the rest frozen. This is the top priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Flavours and variety | Choose a main product, then consider whether it would be worth adding another flavour. | I want to offer a choice of desserts without having to manage too many products or leftovers. Around 20% of consumers favour this kind of measured variety. |
| Allergens | Check the label for every product you serve, including any warnings about possible traces, and prepare written information. | To give guests accurate information, I need to match each cone to its allergen list rather than rely on its flavour. This is the top priority for around 10% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Counting boxes instead of cones
The products featured come in packs of four, six or eight, so the same number of boxes does not always give you the same number of portions.
Start with the number of guests you need to serve, then work out how many boxes of your chosen size to buy.
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Guessing the allergens from the flavour
A fruity name does not tell you what is in a cone. The French Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) advises that allergens in ice cream products must be disclosed in writing.
Check the packaging for every product you plan to serve and prepare written information that clearly distinguishes between the recipes.
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Taking out every box as soon as the buffet opens
The DGCCRF advises that a rise in temperature can affect food quality and increase health risks.
Plan how to transport and store the cones while frozen, then take them out gradually as you serve them.
The product information for Carrefour Extra vanilla cones says never to refreeze a thawed product. Taking out too many could therefore leave you with portions you cannot use at a later event.
Brands to consider for this type of event
ECO+
E.Leclerc offers ECO+ vanilla cones in boxes of eight, a size worth considering when you are planning portions in groups of eight.
- The pack size makes it easy to work out how many cones to serve.
- Check the available flavours and the allergens in your chosen product before putting together your selection.
TRIUM
E.Leclerc's TRIUM range includes vanilla cones in boxes of six.
- Packs of six make it easy to count portions in smaller groups.
- Do not assume that two flavours in the range have the same ingredients or allergens.
Carrefour Extra
Carrefour offers Carrefour Extra vanilla cones in boxes of six, which could work as the main product in a simple selection.
- Packs of six make it easier to plan portions for the dessert break.
- The product information for the vanilla cones says not to refreeze them once thawed.
Cornetto
Auchan offers Cornetto vanilla and strawberry cones in boxes of four, which could be a good way to add this flavour to your selection.
- A box of four lets you add another product without having to plan for as many portions as a box of eight.
- The product information says to store these cones at −18 °C. Follow the instructions on the product you buy.
Magnum
Carrefour offers Magnum chocolate and hazelnut cones in boxes of four, giving you a flavour option beyond vanilla.
- The pack size makes it easy to plan for this recipe in groups of four portions.
- Check the ingredients and allergens for this product before offering it to guests.
Ice cream cones available on Joybuy
These four EXTRÊME products come in packs of six cones. Their different flavours could make a good selection for a dessert break, as long as you check the storage instructions and allergens before serving.
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EXTRÊME Strawberry Vanilla, ice cream cones x6, 426 g
Worth considering if you would like to serve the strawberry and vanilla flavour in groups of six portions. Check the allergens on the packaging and make sure you can keep the cones frozen before the conference.
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Extrême Raspberry Lemon, ice cream cones x6, 438 g
This raspberry and lemon flavour can complement a main choice without changing the six-per-box count. Check the label for allergens and storage instructions.
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EXTRÊME Chocolate, ice cream cones x6, 426 g
Consider this option if you would like to offer a chocolate flavour in packs of six portions. Check the allergens for this recipe and keep the boxes frozen until serving.
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EXTRÊME Red Berry Sorbet, ice cream cones x6, 438 g
This red berry flavour offers another option in the same pack of six. Its name does not tell you about its dietary properties, so check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions on the packaging.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should the cones be stored at before the conference?
Follow the temperature instructions on the packaging for the product you buy. For example, the Cornetto vanilla and strawberry cones featured by Auchan should be stored at −18 °C. The DGCCRF advises that the cold chain must be maintained during transport, handling and storage.
Can you refreeze cones that have thawed during the buffet?
No. The product information for Carrefour Extra vanilla cones says never to refreeze a thawed product. To avoid taking out more than you need, bring the boxes to the buffet gradually.
Should you provide guests with written information about allergens?
Yes. The DGCCRF advises that allergens in ice cream products must be disclosed in writing. Keep the packaging for the products you serve so you can prepare information that matches each recipe.
Is a fruit-flavoured cone always dairy-free?
No. The flavour does not tell you which ingredients or allergens the product contains. Check the label for your chosen product, including any warnings about possible traces, before giving guests information.