By Business CNCT
A mum of three from Knowsley has launched a distinctive ice cream business designed to introduce more people to African culture and cuisine through a range of heritage-inspired flavours.
Yinka Koomson, 40, from Huyton, founded Ujima Ice Cream after developing the idea while on maternity leave with her youngest daughter. The brand is now available in shops and at festivals across the Liverpool City Region, with plans to reach a wider audience.
The range features five flavours inspired by African drinks and snacks, including Zobo, made with hibiscus, pineapple, ginger and spices, and Baobab, which uses the citrus and vanilla-flavoured fruit of the iconic African tree.
With parents originally from Nigeria, Koomson has always felt proud of her African roots. Through her business, she hopes to encourage people to discover the continent’s diverse cultures and food traditions in an accessible and enjoyable way.
Turning a personal experience into a business idea
Koomson said the idea emerged during the early months of motherhood, when she began reflecting on her childhood and the lack of representation of African heritage in British culture.
“I grew up in London, and it wasn’t cool being British and having African origins. It wasn’t like it is now where you have prominent figures who have an African background widely celebrated, and even in food, you never saw African culture celebrated,” she said.
Those reflections inspired her to create something that would help younger generations feel connected to their heritage.
Another experience also influenced her vision. As a child, she remembered visiting holiday destinations where personalised souvenirs were readily available, but she rarely found items featuring her own name.
As an adult, discovering a bag featuring her name created by British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori was a particularly meaningful moment.
The experience strengthened her desire to create opportunities for young people of African heritage, including her own children, to see their culture represented in positive and exciting ways.
Ice cream became the ideal vehicle for that ambition.
Koomson was also inspired by her travels across African countries, where she discovered a variety of distinctive fruits and beverages that were not widely represented in commercially available ice cream.
She saw an opportunity to introduce these flavours to a broader market while sharing the stories behind them.
Overcoming challenges to launch Ujima
Bringing the idea to life was not straightforward. Koomson encountered difficulties finding a manufacturing partner who understood the ingredients and flavours she wanted to use.
Some potential partners were unfamiliar with ingredients such as plantain, while others proposed costs that were beyond her budget. She also faced concerns about intellectual property, with some companies seeking ownership rights over her ice cream creations.
After several setbacks, Koomson decided to take control of the production process herself by investing in an ice cream machine.
Alongside her full-time role as an NHS project manager and raising her children, she continued working towards establishing the business.
Support from Liverpool Business School’s summer school, delivered by experts from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), also helped her develop the practical skills needed to turn the concept into a viable business.
The programme, which she attended in 2023, provided guidance on identifying a target market, reaching potential customers and navigating the business world.
Koomson said the welcoming and inclusive environment was particularly valuable as she developed her idea.
Her efforts eventually led to the launch of Ujima Ice Cream, a brand built around flavour, cultural identity and storytelling.
Five flavours inspired by African traditions
Each Ujima flavour draws inspiration from a drink or snack found across Africa and, in some cases, the Caribbean. Rather than representing a single country, the recipes celebrate ingredients and traditions shared across different communities.
The five flavours include:
- Zobo: Inspired by a hibiscus-based drink made with pineapple, ginger and spices, popular in Nigeria and also found in other African countries and the Caribbean.
- Baobab: Made using the fruit of the iconic baobab tree, known for its distinctive citrus and vanilla-like notes.
- Kunu: Inspired by a millet-based drink with spices, offering an unexpected kick and flavours reminiscent of Christmas.
- Malt: Based on a non-alcoholic West African malt drink, designed to evoke familiar and nostalgic tastes.
- Choco Energy: Inspired by the malty, chocolate-flavoured drinks enjoyed by many people growing up.
Baobab has emerged as one of the brand’s most popular flavours, with customers comparing its creamy, citrus and vanilla notes to a more distinctive version of traditional vanilla ice cream.
Koomson believes the stories behind the ingredients are just as important as the flavours themselves, giving customers an opportunity to discover unfamiliar tastes and learn about the cultures that inspired them.
Growing across the Liverpool City Region
Ujima Ice Cream is currently stocked at Rehoboth International Market on Lodge Lane and Purple Carrot on Smithdown Road.
Koomson also sells the products through pop-ups and festivals, including the Liverpool Afro-Cultural Carnival. The brand is available for corporate events and has reached audiences at schools, hospitals and universities, while further hospitality partnerships are being developed.
Balancing a growing business with full-time employment and family responsibilities has presented its own challenges, but Koomson remains focused on expanding the brand’s reach.
Ambitions to reach national retailers
Looking ahead, Koomson hopes to see Ujima Ice Cream stocked by major retailers across the UK, allowing more customers to experience flavours they may never have encountered before.
Her ambition extends beyond building a successful food business. She wants each product to serve as an introduction to African cuisine and culture, encouraging curiosity and creating opportunities for people to share new experiences.
Through Ujima Ice Cream, Koomson is turning a personal passion for representation and heritage into a growing business that brings African-inspired flavours to a wider audience.
