Nestlé Drumstick ice cream cone

Drumstick is a legendary frozen treat that dates back to the early 20th century. The product was famously invented in 1928 by I.C. Parker of the Parker Drumstick Company in Fort Worth, Texas. The name was inspired by Parker's wife, who thought the chocolate-coated, nut-sprinkled ice cream cone looked like a fried chicken leg. This innovation marked the creation of the first mass-produced pre-filled ice cream cone, featuring a chocolate-lined wafer to prevent the cone from getting soggy.

Over the decades, the brand's ownership has evolved alongside the consolidation of the global food industry. While originally an American invention, the brand was eventually acquired by the Swiss multinational Nestlé. In recent years, Nestlé transitioned its US ice cream operations into a joint venture called Froneri, which was formed between Nestlé and PAI Partners. Today, Drumsticks are produced in various facilities worldwide to meet regional demand, though the core identity remains tied to its American roots.

The manufacturing process continues to follow the traditional recipe of a wafer cone filled with ice cream and topped with a hardened chocolate shell and nuts, though many flavor variations now exist. As of 2026, the brand remains a dominant force in the global frozen snack market under the management of Froneri, representing a successful cross-continental business partnership between Swiss expertise and British-based private equity management.