Lifetime achievement award for 'ice cream man' Dave

Friday 13 May 2022

A 78-year-old food service employee and well-known ice cream aficionado has been recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and commitment to Easenmyne over the last 56 years.

Dave Langford, who still works as a Retail Consultant for the family-owned business, received the honour in recognition for his tireless devotion to his work for over five-and-a-half decades.

From 1966 Van Salesman...to 'ice cream man'

Referred to fondly as the ‘ice cream man’ because of his professional expertise on the product, Dave was presented with the award at a recent event at the St. Brelade’s Bay Hotel following Fox & Easenmyne’s annual Hospitality Trade Show, alongside another colleague who had worked for the company for almost 25 years. 

Dave said that being presented with the lifetime achievement award "was very emotional", "totally unexpected" and "nearly brought me to tears."

His career at Easenmyne began in 1966 when he responded to an advert to be a Van Salesman.

Commenting on what has kept him motivated over his long career, Dave said: “The most important thing that I felt kept me going the enjoyment of it... I enjoy doing it. Even now, I’ve got that passion.”

He says he plans to “keep on working as long as I can.” 

Has anyone heard of lasagne?

Over the course of his career, Dave has witnessed a number of major changes in the industry, with the biggest change being the increased range of products on offer.

He recalls the first time a supplier launched lasagne, and no one had heard of it before.

Throughout his career, Dave has worked tirelessly to build up foundational business partnerships for Easenmyne – most notably with the Co-op. 

"Always obliging, totally reliable"

Rachelle Hopley, Local Manager at the Co-op who has worked with Dave for decades as a customer and colleague, described him as "always obliging, totally reliable and professional and committed to building solid working partnerships."

“On behalf of the Society and myself, I would like to congratulate Dave on his lifetime achievement award, it is very well deserved. All his past and present colleagues have great respect for him," she added.

Martina McGibney, Managing Director of Fox & Easenmyne, said the company was “over the moon to be able to recognise Dave for his extraordinary contributions to the business and the wider industry with this Lifetime Achievement Award."

"In addition to his warm and personable approach, he continues to bring a huge amount of expertise to his role at Easenmyne and we count ourselves very lucky to have him as part of the team," she said.

Pictured top: Dave with his Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Finance Director Emma Pearce (left) and Managing Director of Fox & Easenmyne Martina McGibney (right). (Andy Le Gresley)