Elevating Hospitality: Introducing Parad'ICE

A Conversation with Founder Sheila Partrat

By: Steve Turk

We had the pleasure of talking with Sheila Partrat, CEO and Founder of Protelicious Corp, to learn about the journey of creating this unique dessert. Parad'ICE isn’t just any ice cream, it’s a blend of gourmet pleasure and nutritional goodness. Sheila’s story is one of passion, resilience, and innovation, showing how you can enjoy desserts without giving up on health.

Sheila’s journey is truly inspiring, as she combines her diverse experiences to create something special. Parad'ICE stands out in the crowded ice cream market with its high-quality ingredients, great taste, and significant health benefits. As you read this interview, you'll see how Sheila’s vision and determination led to a product that offers indulgence without compromise.

Sheila Partrat, CEO and Founder of Protelicious Corp

What inspired you to create Parad'ICE and how did you identify the need for a high-protein ice cream in the market?

Sheila Partrat believes that taste and health should never be mutually exclusive, especially with desserts. Influenced by her Canadian upbringing and years spent in France, Sheila wanted to create a product that combines gourmet quality with health benefits. After discovering the exceptional taste and health advantages of their Signature Whey Protein in 2017, she envisioned an ice cream that could offer both indulgence and nutrition.

"Food is a cornerstone of daily rituals. However, I never accepted the unwritten trade-off between taste and health, particularly when it comes to desserts. There was always this little voice: 'Enjoy this today but tomorrow…' We've all been there!" Sheila explained. Driven by her belief in the powerful impact of food on health, performance, andbeauty, she aimed to create delicious foods that build for today, tomorrow, and the years to come.

Sheila's background, blending Canadian and French influences, played a key role in shaping her vision. Her grandmother's insights on the impact of selected foods on longevity and beauty, combined with the French appreciation for good food, laid the foundation for Parad'ICE. "The French have a wonderful way of appreciating the simplicity of good food. Excellent ingredients and taste are part of daily life," Sheila noted.

The turning point came in 2017 when Sheila discovered the mild and creamy taste of their Signature Whey Protein concentrate, known for its powerful health benefits. "Given that ice cream is an American obsession (23 lbs per year per capita and I am no exception!), I soon challenged my team to create a new no-compromise ice cream that is as good for the taste buds as for the body," she said. The vision was clear: a decadent, gourmet, and indulgent ice cream that is also good for you.

Can you walk us through the journey of developing Parad'ICE from the initial concept to the final product? What were some of the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

Sheila recalls the challenging journey of bringing Parad'ICE to life. The first successful trial was with a customer of their signature protein line, a talented pastry chef who co-created their initial ice cream. An early success came when their ice cream was so popular at an event that the organizers had to hide a few cups for the directors. However, the journey was far from smooth.

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a big transition for Protelicious, with the company moving its focus to North America. In 2022, they found an experienced ice cream architect in upstate New York. Despite initial skepticism, five months of trials led to a formula that was "out of this world delicious." A blind taste test in NYC confirmed their success, but scaling production proved to be an unexpected hurdle.

"We hit roadblock after roadblock and were quickly abandoned by our ice cream architect who said 'I told you so!'," Sheila shared. Despite the setbacks, the team persevered, eventually partnering with a dedicated ice cream manufacturer. After nine months of intense effort and countless challenges, they finally achieved their goal: a delicious, high-protein ice cream with no added sugar.

What sets Parad'ICE apart from other ice creams in terms of ingredients, taste, and nutritional benefits?

Sheila highlights the unmatched quality of Parad'ICE, starting with its authentic and intense flavors, creamy mouthfeel, and easy digestion. The use of Valrhona Chocolate, a leader in fine chocolate since the 1920s, ensures a rich, indulgent taste. "Our True Deep Chocolate is definitely for chocolate lovers," she said, emphasizing the premium quality of their ingredients.

The texture of Parad'ICE is almost mousse-like, requiring a longer time to reach the perfect consistency due to its high protein content. This indulgent experience is complemented by its health benefits, including stable blood sugar levels, support for structural health, and being keto- and diabetic-friendly.

How has your background and experience in the food industry influenced the development and success of Protelicious products?

Sheila’s personal background and professional experience provided both the drive and framework for Protelicious’s success. Her lifelong struggle with digesting ice cream and her extensive knowledge of the pathways between food and health fueled her passion. Her diverse career, from academia to media and entrepreneurship, equipped her with the resilience and leadership needed to navigate the challenges of the food industry.

"My personal background provided the drive, and my experience the framework. Growing up, I loved ice cream, but it didn't love me. I didn't digest it well, and this persisted all my life," Sheila shared. "When I started Protelicious, I was in my 50s and very well-informed on the pathways between food and health. I had always been looking for that ONE THING I could add into my life and enjoy while addressing lifestyle and age-related issues, including being diagnosed as pre-diabetic at the time. That ONE thing had escaped me until I discovered the game-changing difference that our particular quality whey protein concentrate makes in all the body's systems. It significantly upgraded my life and that of countless loyal customers across three continents."

Sheila’s professional journey, from studying Food Science to working in media and publishing, has always been marked by resilience and innovation. Her move to Hong Kong and subsequent return to North America added to her diverse experiences, helping her develop the skills needed to build Protelicious into a successful brand.

Looking ahead, what are your future plans for Parad'ICE and Protelicious? Are there any new products or innovations on the horizon?

Sheila is excited about the future of Protelicious, promising continued innovation in the gourmet and wellness space. "You can count on Protelicious to innovate in the gourmet and wellness space with simple and delicious additions to daily life that elevate our days and build our tomorrows. We have a fabulous and creative team of food scientists, dietitians, chefs, biochemists, and entrepreneurs in the food space, and we have a few clear ideas we are working on. Stay tuned."

With a dedicated team and a clear vision, Protelicious is set to bring more delicious and health-conscious products to market, continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the food industry.

Sheila Partrat's journey with Parad'ICE is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and unwavering dedication. Her story is a reminder that with passion and perseverance, it’s possible to create something truly unique that brings joy and health to people's lives. Parad'ICE isn’t just an ice cream, it’s an experience that promises indulgence without compromise, redefining what it means to enjoy a treat while staying health-conscious. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and innovations from the world of hospitality.