Fresh, Handcrafted, Real Fruit Tropsicles Making Their Way to Bradenton

This article was written and reported by Patch Local Editor Cherlene Willis.

Beat the heat with Tropiccool's frozen delights at the Bradenton Food Truck Rally this Saturday at Cortez Plaza East, 617 Cortez Road West. The tropsicles and sorbet are handmade, dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

The event that will feature 12 of the Tampa Bay Regions finest food trucks with additional entertainment for the family.

With flavors like Passion Fruit, Strawberry Mint and Pineapple Mojito, it's easy to see why customers are taking a break from shopping to try one of these tasty treats.

The owner, Stefan Cerf, of St. Petersburg, makes the tropsicles and sorbet weekly and only showcases his products at markets and events like the Fresh Market. Customers can also order online through his website.

"All my products contain all natural fruit, and my special syrup. The 'trops' contain absolutely no dairy, and are vegan friendly. Everyone needs their dosage of fruit," Cerf said.

Cerf learned how to create the frozen desserts after spending countless summers working in France.

"The recipes come from my godfather in La Rochelle, France. Tropiccool is the sister company of Ernest le Glacier in France, a parlor well known and respected throughout Europe," he said.

Because Cerf has duel citizenship, he's spent a lot of time with his family overseas and gained first-hand experience.

"I learned how to make the product and sell the product at the stores. Ernest just won top small business in all of France this past spring. Their product is also mentioned in tour books and high end pastry magazines in Europe," he said.

Perhaps, Cerf learned from the best and is now able to share his love of sorbet making with Gulfport.

"I truly enjoy seeing people’s faces just after watching someone indulge my sorbet for the first time. The product speaks for itself, and that is great because I am not a great car salesman," Cerf said.

Cerf's flavors range from Mediterranean Orange and Coconut Chip to Banana and Strawberry. Many of the flavors can be dipped in chocolate, Cerf adds.

With less than five months under his belt, Cerf says he's learned a lot about small business ownership and hopes to expand his reach. Although he's the only employee, he credits his family with helping him get his business off the ground. 

"I could not do it without them," he said.

Cert encourages customers to keep an eye out for Tropiccool and the Tropiccool vintage double decker "mobile vending machine". (Check out the attached photo.)

"The second floor can sit up to 30 comfortably and offers great views for sunsets on the beach. During fall, Tropiccool will offer a sunset cruise package called 'Trops and Champaign', pairing the two for a beautiful sunset drive. Stay tuned for future details," he said.

Until then, you can find Tropiccool at the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market. Cerf will be there on July 23 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Other events are posted on his website and Facebook page.

Contact Information:

·       Tropiccool Website

·       Tropiccool on Facebook

·       (727) 251-2988

·       Stefan@tropiccool.com