Lidl inspiration sees Fabio's M&S piggy pickle turn gummy in your tummy to Henry Hippo Ice Cream

Who needs M&S: Fabio's Gelato handed boost by lovely Lidl who allow Hitchin ice cream alchemist to produce Henry Hippo

It's the story that has had everyone talking.

M&S sending a 'cease and desist' letter to Fabio's Gelato after our North Herts' ice cream alchemist Fabio Vincenti created a mouth-watering concoction called 'Perky Pig' went viral last week.

Popular Hitchin and Letchworth ice cream parlour owner Fabio was then forced to rename his 'Perky Pig Gelato' after a sour-faced response from Marks & Spencer, which claimed it was similar to its 'Percy Pig' sweets.

Swines at the supermarket giants took offence to the independent business with branches in Hitchin and Letchworth town centres naming one of its ice creams after the iconic TV character.

However, lovely Lidl, the renowned discount retailer chain have shown at least they have a sense of humour, by getting in touch with Fabio.

In a letter to the gelato king dubbed the Willy Wonka of Ice Cream, Lidl wrote: "Hello Fabio,

"We've been reading all about your 'Piggy Pickle' and wanted to reach out with a Lidl inspiration for your next flavour courtesy of our Henry Hippos.

"Sending you a bumper-load to work your gelato magic with.

"What's more we'd be simply honoured if you were to name it 'Henry Hippo Ice Cream' - what a squeal."

Respected Fabio, who, during lockdown, helped deliver some of his stock as treats to families across Hitchin and Letchworth, whose children were suffering from mental health issues caused by the pandemic, was left delighted with Lidl's kind offer.

"Wow, A huge thank you to Lidl - we can now call our piggy gelato 'Henry "Hippo,' said Fabio.

"What an amazing letter to receive, we can now make a bumper load of delicious Henry Hippo Gelato thanks to all the goodies they sent.

"We hope everyone who comes in to try the flavour has enjoyed it as much as we have."

RELATED NUB NEWS ARTICLES ON FABIO'S GELATO

It's Not Just Any Pig - It's Percy Pig: Sour faced M&S stern response quashes Hitchin ice cream parlour's Perky Pig Gelato

Fabio's Gelato: Willy Wonka of Ice-Cream and TikTok star concoct chocolate and crisp flavour - as punters flock to buy unusual combination

Hitchin: Fabio's Gelato boss opens up on cost of living crisis: It's painful - the harder we work the higher the costs

UP CLOSE WITH: FABIO VINCENTI OWNER OF FABIO'S GELATO – HITCHIN SATURDAY Q&A