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The Magnum Ice Cream Company (TMICC), the world’s largest ice cream manufacturer, is set to become the only global pure-play publicly listed entity in the ice cream sector, as it prepares for its upcoming demerger from Unilever.

This move, expected to finalise by mid-November, positions TMICC to capitalise on a buoyant market projected at €75 billion, within the broader €470 billion global snacking industry.

During its inaugural Capital Markets Day held in London, TMICC management outlined their robust growth strategy and financial ambitions, emphasizing a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The company's leadership, including chair designate Jean-François van Boxmeer and CEO Peter ter Kulve, articulated a vision to enhance productivity while fostering a culture of accountability within a revamped organizational structure.

TMICC's medium-term financial projections indicate:

• Organic sales growth: Anticipated annual growth of 3-5% starting in 2026.

• Adjusted EBITDA margin: Expected improvement of 40-60 basis points annually from 2026.

• Free cash flow: Projected at €0.8 billion to €1 billion for 2028 and 2029.

The company's sustainability strategy, anchored in a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, underscores its focus on responsible sourcing and innovation in product safety and wellbeing.

TMICC, with a legacy spanning 160 years, boasts a portfolio of leading brands, including Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s and Cornetto. The company commands a 21% share of the global retail ice cream market, supported by approximately 3 million freezer cabinets worldwide.

In 2024, TMICC reported revenues of €7.9 billion and an adjusted EBITDA of €1.3 billion.

TMICC's growth strategy encompasses several key initiatives:

• Diversification of product offerings: Expanding the range of ice cream products to cater to various consumer preferences and occasions.

• Pricing strategy: Implementing competitive pricing across all segments of the snacking market.

• Digital marketing: Leveraging digital platforms to create dynamic demand and enhance customer engagement.

• Operational efficiency: A productivity programme is projected to yield cumulative savings of €500 million in the medium term, primarily through supply chain optimisations and overhead reductions.

The news comes on the heels of the announcement that Ben & Jerry’s co-founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, have publicly urging the board of the newly formed Magnum Ice Cream Company to allow their brand to operate independently.