By S Haslam

It doesn’t just look delicious on Instagram; the Yumbar vegan ice-cream bar is actually a product that has a real, healthy Byron heart. It is made in the centre of the Shire by Cat Mcleod, who moved as an artist from Sydney to this alternative community 25 years ago.

The sprouting, wheatgrass-juicing, teepee-living, almond-milk-making Cat (known as Kitty online) produced her first vegan ice-cream sandwich for sale at the Uki Market in 2012.

The transition from home-based business to commercial supply is always a big leap, but having moved to a purpose-built vegan ice-cream kitchen in the Byron Food Hub in February 2018, Cat finally has the ability to keep up with demand and so supply more stores nationwide.

But Cat does not reduce the essential elements for the sustainability of her company to matters of demand and supply. ‘Our foundations are built on love, dedication, friendship and loyalty,’ she says. ‘That’s what’s essential. Our mission is simple… to make the best vegan ice-cream on the planet while keeping a love for all beings as the ultimate goal.’

More info: Facebook, web, Insta @YUMBAR.CO