Unilever Demerger Leads to New Standalone Company
Following Unilever’s demerger of its ice cream business, Magnum Ice Cream Co. officially launched in early December 2025. The newly independent company boasts annual sales of approximately €7.9 billion ($9.3 billion) and includes major brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Breyers, Cornetto, Klondike, Magnum, Talenti, and Yasso.
The company began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker MICC on December 8. Share prices opened at $14.90 and have fluctuated between $14.51 and $16.47 since the debut.
Leadership and Global Operations
Peter ter Kulve, CEO of Magnum Ice Cream, leads a team of more than 19,000 employees worldwide, operating over 30 manufacturing plants. In a prospectus dated December 3, the company announced a “comprehensive supply chain transformation program” to address inefficiencies caused by aging plants and limited capital investment.
Key initiatives include:
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Streamlining stock-keeping units (SKUs)
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Optimizing procurement and inventory management
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Using AI to improve forecasting accuracy
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Rebalancing manufacturing and logistics networks
The company expects these changes to generate €350–380 million in medium-term savings.
Corporate Vision and Market Outlook
Jean-François van Boxmeer, Chair of the Board, highlighted the company’s mission: “To turn everyday moments into lasting memories.” He emphasized that as the world’s largest independent ice cream company, Magnum can now innovate faster, empower employees, and drive growth.
The global ice cream market is valued at approximately €75 billion ($88 billion) and has grown at a 3.7% CAGR. Magnum expects continued market growth of 3–4% annually between 2024 and 2029.
Competitors and Brand Performance
Magnum Ice Cream identified Froneri International Ltd. as its largest competitor, with both companies representing about 32% of global retail ice cream sales. Magnum leads with 21% market share, while Froneri holds 11%.
Four of the company’s brands — Heartbrand, Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, and Cornetto — are considered power brands, generating €6.5 billion in 2024 sales.
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Heartbrand is Magnum’s largest brand, including Carte d’Or, Calippo, and Golden Gaytime.
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Magnum targets the premium segment, mainly consumed away from home, and is known for its signature chocolate coating.
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Ben & Jerry’s also belongs to the premium segment but focuses on at-home consumption via pints.
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Cornetto features a wafer cone with a chocolate-filled tip and is mostly consumed away from home.
Retail and Growth Opportunities
With independence from Unilever, Magnum is redefining trade terms to better reflect the economics of the ice cream business. The company aims to improve delivery timing, promotions, replenishment costs, freezer space, cold chain logistics, and seasonal planning.
Magnum plans to replicate the global success of Ben & Jerry’s, which expanded from 26 to 46 countries between 2010 and 2024. Brands like Yasso and Talenti are identified as having high growth potential.
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Yasso: Entered the lifestyle nutrition category; achieved 20% CAGR between FY2022–2024.
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Talenti: Positioned as “ultimate indulgence” in the US super-premium gelato market; sales grew 3.5% CAGR FY2022–2024 with strong potential for cross-border expansion.
Regional Sales Distribution
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Europe: Largest market, generating €3.1 billion in 2024
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Americas: Second largest, €2.9 billion in sales
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Rest of World: €2 billion in sales
Magnum continues to focus on expanding brand footprints, streamlining operations, and innovating product formats to drive global growth.
