Mövenpick Ice Cream

Mövenpick Ice Cream is a globally recognized premium brand that traces its heritage back to the first Mövenpick restaurant opened by Ueli Prager in Zürich, Switzerland, in 1948. Initially crafted exclusively for restaurant service, the ice cream gained such acclaim that dedicated production facilities were established in the early 1970s. Today, the brand remains deeply rooted in its Swiss origins, emphasizing 'The Art of Swiss Icecream' and utilizing Alpine cream from local family farms as a core ingredient. While specialized licensing agreements have historically existed for various markets, the primary manufacturing for the global market continues to be centered in Switzerland.

Ownership of the ice cream brand transitioned significantly in 2003 when Nestlé acquired the international rights from the original Mövenpick Group. In 2016, Nestlé entered into a strategic joint venture with PAI Partners (owners of R&R Ice Cream) to form Froneri, which now serves as the manufacturer and operational entity for the brand. As of early 2026, Nestlé is reported to be in advanced negotiations to divest its remaining direct interest in the ice cream division to its partner, Froneri, as part of a strategic shift to focus on core growth categories such as coffee and pet care.