After a three-year absence from freezer cases, Clover Sonoma — the Petaluma dairy brand that has been a North Bay institution for more than a century — is back in the ice cream business, and local grocery shelves are already stocked.
Key Takeaways
- Clover Sonoma has relaunched its ice cream line with four flavors in 32-ounce containers: vanilla bean, mint chocolate chip, chocolate milk, and milk and cookies.
- The products are on shelves now at Petaluma Market and Oliver’s Market’s Montecito location in Santa Rosa, with all four Oliver’s locations expected to carry them by Friday, April 18.
- The ice cream is made with 14% butterfat and minimal air for a dense, premium texture.
- Clover Sonoma will debut samples at the Butter and Eggs Days Festival in Petaluma on April 18, with appearances planned at the Sonoma County Fair and other local events this summer.
- A California Cheese Collection is also set to launch in May 2026.
Back in the Freezer Aisle After Three Years
Clover Sonoma discontinued its ice cream line in 2022. The company’s then-CEO, Ken Gott, cited the practical reality of competing in “a very crowded and competitive category dominated by large national brands.” For a regional dairy built on local loyalty, the math simply wasn’t working.
The reversal comes under CEO John Coletta, who points to shifting consumer sentiment as the driver. “With dairy seeing a real resurgence, the timing felt right to re-enter the frozen category with a product that reflects what consumers are increasingly looking for: simple ingredients and true craftsmanship,” Coletta told the Press Democrat. The decision also fits into a broader moment for North Bay food producers; even as Sonoma County farmers have faced rising costs and market pressure, local brands with deep roots are finding renewed appetite for regionally made products.
What’s in the New Line
The new ice cream comes in four flavors — vanilla bean, mint chocolate chip, chocolate milk, and milk and cookies — all sold in 32-ounce containers. Clover emphasizes a batch recipe that keeps air content low, resulting in a denser product with 14% butterfat. That’s noticeably richer than many national brands, which often use higher overrun (whipped-in air) to reduce cost per ounce. Shawn Reilly, grocery specialty buyer for Oliver’s Market, said the products should “do very well” with the store’s shoppers. A California Cheese Collection is also expected in May, extending Clover’s push back into specialty dairy.
The comeback fits the larger story of shifting agricultural identity across Sonoma County, where producers are finding new ways to connect local heritage with contemporary consumer trends.
Where to Find It — and Free Samples at Local Fairs
All four flavors are currently available at Petaluma Market, where store manager Brianna Gilby confirmed the line is in stock. Oliver’s Market’s Montecito location in Santa Rosa also has all four, and the remaining Oliver’s locations across Sonoma County are expected to be fully stocked by Friday, April 18.
For those who want a taste before they buy, Clover Sonoma is returning to one of its most beloved traditions: handing out free ice cream at summer fairs. The company will debut samples at the Butter and Eggs Days Festival in Petaluma on April 18, with appearances planned at the Petaluma Fair, Marin County Fair, Sonoma County Fair, and San Diego County Fair in June. It’s a reminder that for many North Bay residents, a Clover sample at the fairgrounds is less a marketing moment than a rite of summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Clover Sonoma ice cream right now?
As of April 16, the new flavors are available at Petaluma Market and Oliver’s Market’s Montecito location in Santa Rosa. All four Oliver’s Market locations in the area are expected to carry the ice cream by April 18, 2026.
Why did Clover Sonoma stop selling ice cream in 2022?
The company’s then-CEO cited intense competition from large national brands as the reason for exiting the category. The decision was a practical one — the market for ice cream is crowded and margins are tight for smaller regional producers. New CEO John Coletta reversed course after seeing renewed consumer interest in dairy products with simple ingredients and local provenance.
Will Clover Sonoma give out free samples at the Sonoma County Fair this summer?
Yes — according to the Press Democrat, Clover Sonoma plans to return to distributing free ice cream samples at summer fairs and festivals, including the Sonoma County Fair. The company will also appear at the Butter and Eggs Days Festival in Petaluma on April 18, the Petaluma Fair, Marin County Fair, and San Diego County Fair in June.
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