We spoke with six artisan ice cream companies about where they find inspiration, how they grew their businesses and why local, pure ingredients matter most in the artisan world.

The ice cream category’s unit sales are practically in a standstill, while various segments like frozen yogurt and frozen dairy desserts are struggling.

Falling production, retail prices and sales aren’t helping creameries. Manufacturers look to flavors and healthier formulations to revive the category.

Ice cream processors look to unique, out-of-the-box flavors, a plethora of inclusions, seasonal offerings and clean labels to build their brands.

Ice cream sales tick up slightly, while those of frozen novelties and frozen yogurt are dropping.

Ice cream production has increased for three years in a row. Processors of ice cream, gelato and frozen novelties find success with sweet-and-salty combinations, candy bar inclusions and cocktail-inspired flavors.

Ice cream sales see minimal growth, while sherbet and novelty sales trend downward.