US-based ice cream brand Van Leeuwen has secured investment in a Series B funding round led by private equity firm NextWorld Evergreen.

Van Leeuwen raised a total of $18.7m in funding, which it will use to open new scoop shops and expand wholesale distribution.

NextWorld partner David Fife said: “We are excited to partner with the outstanding management team at Van Leeuwen and believe our evergreen fund, a patient and flexible capital source, will provide the company with the resources to continue building a strong, iconic brand.

“We love how the product is made with obsessively sourced ingredients and always free of unnecessary fillers, stabilisers and artificial flavours. The authenticity of the Van Leeuwen brand is something special.”

As part of the transaction, David Fife will be joining the Van Leeuwen board.

based in Brooklyn, New York, US, Van Leeuwen offers traditional dairy ice cream manufactured using fresh milk and cream, cane sugar and egg yolks. It also sells cashew and oat milk-based vegan alternatives that contain coconut cream, organic extra virgin coconut oil, cane sugar, pure cocoa butter and carob bean.

Van Leeuwen co-founder and CEO Ben Van Leeuwen said: “Thanks to NextWorld’s long-term vision and deep experience in consumer goods, we are excited to start the next chapter in our growth plan.

“With several new products in the making, strong consumer demand and a team of experienced professionals, Van Leeuwen is at an inflection point, poised to continue to grow and expand market share in both the wholesale channel, as well as with the addition of new scoop shops.”