The world's largest ice cream company has committed its future to Gloucestershire this November 2025, with the announcement of £50 million investment in its Gloucester manufacturing facility.
The Magnum Ice Cream Company – which will complete its demerger from global consumer goods firm, Unilever, in December 2025 – will carry out a major upgrade of its factory off Corinium Avenue in Barnwood, including a complete rebuild of its mix plant, the installation of advanced blending systems and new high-speed production lines for some of its classic products.
Home to the UK production of iconic products including Viennetta, Twister, Solero and Magnum, the site is the second largest ice cream factory in Europe, producing over 600 million ice creams per year.
The announcement comes after planning permission for new buildings at the site was granted by Gloucester City Council in April 2025.
Founded in 1959, the Gloucester site employs nearly 500 people, along with local contractors and suppliers.
The new investment represents a commitment from the company to Gloucestershire as part of its wider supply chain transformation programme, costing more than £300 million.
It says the upgrade will 'significantly increase production capacity, modernise infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency' at the facility, with a targeted increase of 50 per cent in output by 2027, versus its 2023 baseline.
Investment minister Lord Jason Stockwood joined Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre for a visit to the site on Friday 20 November 2025. He told Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter: 'Today’s announcement will not only modernise and significantly increase production at a key manufacturing facility here in Gloucester – but secure the future of the site for decades to come – showcasing Magnum’s commitment to the UK and securing it as a top investment destination.'
Peter ter Kulve, CEO of The Magnum Ice Cream Company said: 'This £50 million investment in our Gloucester facility is a key milestone in our global supply chain transformation programme and a bold step forward for our business.
'Our investment is a clear signal of our long-term commitment to the UK and will not only boost productivity and support growth but also ensure the site remains a centre of excellence for innovation, quality and sustainability as we enter our next chapter.'
