Iwan Thomas explores Nestlé’s ice cream exit in Food Manufacture
min readNestlé, the largest publicly held food and beverage company in the world, has announced it is in advanced negotiations to sell its remaining ice cream business to Froneri. What does this mean for the sector and the FMCG giants?
The announcement from Nestlé follows the December 2025 demerger of Unilever's ice cream business, which formed a new standalone entity called the Magnum Ice Cream Company. Unilever cited their intentions to refocus on condiments, cooking aids, and packaged products with more consistent demand profiles.
Similarly, Nestlé is reorganising around the four core sectors of coffee, pet care, nutrition, and food and snacks. However, it would be a mistake to read these exits as a verdict on the health of the ice cream industry, which is projected to grow to $46.29 billion in 2026.
Iwan Thomas, Associate in our Corporate team, comments in Food Manufacture:
Two of the world's largest consumer goods companies have reshaped their involvement in the ice cream category within months of each other - not by coincidence, but as part of a deliberate strategic reset.
"The ice cream companies that adapt, diversifying their product ranges and getting ahead of the wellness curve, will prosper. The sector's inherent appeal as an affordable indulgence remains powerful.
Read the full article in Food Manufacture here.
