An uninspired internet search has not determined if Frost Gelato’s attempt to set the world record for the most expensive sorbet will be legit. I did discover that a place in Thailand called Mezzaluna has already made a sorbet with Cristal, but maybe Cristal is cheaper in Thailand. From a press release put out by Frost Gelato last Friday:
Frost a Gelato Shoppe announces a groundbreaking Valentines Day Promotion. In an attempt to set a Guinness World Record, and in conjunction with Valentines Day, Frost will serve what they believe to be the most expensive sorbet ever sold to the public.
According to Frost owner Doug Woelfle, “We will be making a sorbet created from strawberries and the very expensive Cristal Champagne. We want to offer couples a special way to show their valentines that they care.” Woelfle adds, “A four ounce serving of our special sorbet will cost $25, and will come with two strawberries dipped in rich, Italian chocolate.”
If the most expensive sorbet in the world requires only a bottle of Cristal to create, then sorbet-makers are clearly not trying hard enough. As far as publicity stunts this gets a C+. That is all.
This article appears in Feb 9-15, 2012.
25 bucks? That doesn’t even warrant a C+. A world record should be harder than that. I’m talking sorbet made with edible diamonds and gold leaf that have passed through the digestive system of the last member of endangered species jungle dwelling of fox. I want the fox to be on the space station while it digests and I want the sorbet to come in a cup made from the powdered wrappings of Tutankhamun himself!
Twelve million dollar sorbet: now that would be a record.
By the way, in all seriousness, Allegro Gelato on Campbell and 6th is the place to go. Frost is definitely good, and I appreciate them introducing me to gelato, but Allegro is better.
OnlyJoking is definitely on the money with Allegro. I’ve thought long and hard about ways to quickly and permanently befriend the owner in the hopes that I’ll somehow gain access to gelato for life, family history of diabetes be damned.
Adam…since I was in the Valley today I decided to check out the Frost Gelato in Gilbert tonight where they are doing the promo with the champagne sorbet. There are literally 50-60 people backed up in line and 20 of them hanging outside the door! I guess that’s why you’re a writer an not a marketing major. Took a pic of the line but no way to upload. In addition, it appears the promo is more about a weekly drawing to win a taste of the special sorbet, they aren’t trying to sell it. From a guy who knows a lot about marketing, this is a textbook, first class buzz campaign that clearly is working. Keep your day job. And PS, the gelato is fantastic and authentic. Rare to come by in AZ
I happened to be near Gilbert last night and decided to check out the Frost there and this promotion you mentioned. I took a picture so you could see the line of 50-60 people wrapped around about 20 feet out the door, but there is no way to upload it. Clearly this “publicity stunt” is working! And FYI, they aren’t really trying to sell this $25 gelato, it’s all about a weekly drawing they have to win free servings of the Cristal Gelato. From a guy that does know a lot about marketing, this is a pretty textbook buzz campaign that seems to be getting the exact result desired. A unique, buzz worthy offering with high perceived value ($25) and a drawing (with data capture for continued marketing). I believe your analysis and criticism was quite inaccurate and misdirected.
Oops sorry, double posted there. Was mobile last night and didn’t think it went through…my apology.
It is not authentic gelato…sorry