Kawartha Dairy and The Tragically Hip Launch "The Tragically Chip" Ice Cream

Key facts

• Kawartha Dairy has partnered with The Tragically Hip.
• A new ice cream flavour, "The Tragically Chip," has been created.
• The flavour features maple whisky ice cream with dark chocolate chunks and black cherry ripple.
• Proceeds from sales will benefit the Breakfast Club of Canada.
• The ice cream will be available starting June 22.
• The collaboration was inspired by the band's song "Bobcaygeon."
• Mike Crowe is the third-generation owner and director of product development at Kawartha Dairy.

A Sweet Collaboration Rooted in Canadian Identity

In a move that melds the nostalgic flavours of summer with the enduring legacy of Canadian rock, Kawartha Dairy has announced a unique partnership with the iconic band, The Tragically Hip. The collaboration culminates in a new ice cream flavour, cheekily named "The Tragically Chip," designed to capture the essence of the beloved musical group. This flavour is more than just a novelty; it represents a fusion of two deeply Canadian brands, each with roots in small-town Ontario and a profound connection to the nation's cultural fabric. The venture aims to celebrate the band's distinctive qualities while offering a treat that resonates with fans across the country. The initiative also carries a charitable component, with a portion of the proceeds from every sale earmarked for the Breakfast Club of Canada, underscoring a shared commitment to community well-being.

Crafting the "Tragically Chip" Flavour Profile

The creation of "The Tragically Chip" involved a meticulous process of translating the band's multifaceted identity into a culinary experience. The resulting flavour profile is a complex blend: maple whisky-flavoured ice cream forms the base, complemented by dark chocolatey chunks and a rich black cherry ripple. Mike Crowe, third-generation owner and director of product development at Kawartha Dairy, spearheaded the flavour's creation. He sought to embody the band's qualities of complexity, deep Canadian roots, and bittersweet lyricism. Crowe drew inspiration from observational reality television, aiming to understand what made The Tragically Hip unique and translate that into taste. This flavour is not merely a tribute but an approved creation, with the band themselves having given their endorsement to the blend. It reflects a shared vision to create something authentically Canadian, much like the band's own musical journey.

From Song to Scoop: The Bobcaygeon Connection

The inspiration for this collaboration is intrinsically linked to Bobcaygeon, a small village in Ontario's Kawarthas region. It is this very town that lent its name to one of The Tragically Hip's most celebrated songs, a chart-topper released in 1998 that put the locale on the national map. Interestingly, while the song immortalized the village, it was the band's lawyer, Paul Banwatt, who actually resides in Bobcaygeon. A conversation at a local bar between Banwatt and Scott Nichol, owner of Old Dog Brewery, ultimately paved the way for the connection with Kawartha Dairy. This geographical and lyrical tie-in adds a layer of serendipity to the partnership. The year 2023 also marks significant anniversaries: the village of Bobcaygeon celebrates its 150th anniversary, and it is the 10th anniversary of The Tragically Hip's farewell tour, which concluded with Gord Downie's passing.

Shared Roots and Canadian Heritage

Both Kawartha Dairy and The Tragically Hip are described as embodying a quintessential Canadian spirit, deeply connected to their origins. Kawartha Dairy, founded in 1937 by Jack and Ila Crowe, has maintained its headquarters in Bobcaygeon, fostering a sense of community and small-town authenticity. Similarly, The Tragically Hip, formed in Kingston, Ontario, in 1984, built a career on staying true to their roots and connecting with audiences across Canada as friends and neighbours. Their music often reflects themes of Canadian identity and landscape, resonating with a national audience. Dana Somerville, VP of marketing at Kawartha Dairy, highlighted these parallels, noting that both brands share a heritage rooted in small-town values, summer memories by the lake, and an authentic connection to their communities. This shared ethos made the collaboration a natural and fitting endeavour.

Supporting Canada's Future Through Nutrition

Beyond the celebratory aspect of the ice cream flavour, "The Tragically Chip" serves a vital charitable purpose. Kawartha Dairy and The Tragically Hip have committed to donating a portion of all sales proceeds to the Breakfast Club of Canada. This initiative aims to support the organization's mission of ensuring that children nationwide have access to nutritious breakfasts, a fundamental requirement for learning and development. The partnership underscores a belief in investing in the next generation. By purchasing "The Tragically Chip," consumers contribute directly to this cause, turning a moment of indulgence into an act of support for Canadian youth.

Availability and Launch Details

Fans eager to taste "The Tragically Chip" will be able to find it at Kawartha Dairy's own parlours and on the shelves of select grocery stores. The official launch date for this limited-time summer offering is June 22. The announcement comes after months of development, including extensive taste-testing and flavour refinement, to ensure the final product met the high standards expected by both the company and the band's devoted following. The ice cream is positioned as a premium flavour, reflecting the quality and artistry associated with both Kawartha Dairy's products and The Tragically Hip's musical legacy.

The bottom line

• Kawartha Dairy has launched "The Tragically Chip," an ice cream flavour inspired by Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip.
• The flavour combines maple whisky ice cream with dark chocolate chunks and a black cherry ripple, approved by the band.
• A portion of sales will be donated to the Breakfast Club of Canada to support children's nutrition.
• The collaboration draws inspiration from the band's song "Bobcaygeon" and highlights shared Canadian heritage.
• The ice cream will be available at Kawartha Dairy locations and select grocery stores starting June 22.
• The partnership celebrates the enduring cultural impact of both the band and the dairy brand.