Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Pichardo and Abel Alvarado
Hi Laura and Abel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our journey with FRAGARIA began with a simple yet powerful goal: to create a sense of community while offering a judgment-free space where everyone can enjoy a dairy-free treat that’s both mindfully crafted and wildly delicious. As immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as kids, we’ve always valued the diverse flavors and stories that food can bring together. After pursuing traditional corporate careers—climbing the ladders at companies like Microsoft and Citibank and completing our MBAs—we decided it was time to take a leap of faith and invest in our own dreams.
Our love for exploring international foods and creating plant-based versions of our favorite dishes at home became the foundation of this venture. When we discovered New Zealand-style ice cream, we knew it was something special that Orlando—a city that values innovation and unique experiences—would embrace. We connected with experts in New Zealand, learned from their craftsmanship, and even imported specialty ice cream machines to stay true to the authentic experience.
Today, our business is more than just ice cream—it’s about sharing joy, celebrating community, and introducing people to a new, premium way to indulge. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re just getting started!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our journey with FRAGARIA is in its early stages, and like any new business, it’s been both challenging and rewarding. We’ve experienced incredible highs, like seeing customers fall in love with our ice cream, and tough days where things didn’t go as planned. Starting something from scratch is never easy, but the support from our community and our loyal customer base reassures us that we made the right decision to follow our dreams.
One of the biggest challenges we’re working toward is opening our first brick-and-mortar location in 2025. While it’s an exciting milestone, navigating the steep rents in Orlando has made it a formidable task. Even so, we’re determined to overcome these hurdles because we believe in what we’re building—a brand that brings joy and offers a unique, premium experience to everyone.
Through it all, we’re learning and growing every day, and we’re so grateful for the journey so far. It’s a work in progress, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
FRAGARIA is all about reimagining indulgence. We create premium, plant-based ice cream that’s swirled in real-time with your choice of fresh fruit, resulting in a creamy, vibrant, and uniquely New Zealand-inspired treat. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, our use of real fruit blended on the spot, and the rich, velvety texture of our dairy-free offerings.
We’re proud to offer an experience that appeals to a wide range of customers—from those seeking innovative, high-quality desserts to those exploring mindful and sustainable choices. Many of our customers tell us they’ve never tried plant-based ice cream before and are amazed, calling it the best ice cream they’ve ever had.
At Fragaria, we’re passionate about more than just great ice cream. Our plant-based approach reflects our values, including a commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact. We’re thrilled to show that you don’t have to compromise on flavor to make choices that are better for the planet.
Whether it’s the quality of our ingredients, the uniqueness of our real-time blending process, or the sheer delight of enjoying a dairy-free treat that feels indulgent and satisfying, Fragaria is about creating moments of joy and connection through food. We’re excited to share this experience with you!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Laura’s response:
Like so many, my favorite childhood memories are deeply intertwined with food and community. I’ll always cherish the joy of making Buñuelos—a traditional Nicaraguan yucca and cheese donut—with my great-grandmother during Easter and other special holidays. Those moments, filled with warmth and love, will forever remain close to my heart. I also look back fondly on the time spent helping my mom after school and on weekends at her boutique shops in Nicaragua. It was there that I first learned how to interact with customers and discovered the value of hard work, creativity, and the importance of building community.
Abel’s response:
One of my favorite childhood memories growing up in Lima, Peru is going to my grandparents’ house for Sunday lunch. On the way there, our family would pass a popular ice cream factory called D’Onofrio, and we’d always stop to pick up a new flavor to share with everyone that day. My favorite was always “tricolor” (Napolitan). After playing with my cousins, our grandparents would serve us the ice cream, making it the perfect way to end the afternoon. I still feel that same joy and connection every time we make and share our ice cream with customers, just like those Sunday afternoons with my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fragariaicecream.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fragaria_icecream/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fragariaicecream.fl
