Core Viewpoint - The independent listing of the world's largest ice cream company, Dream Ice Cream Company, marks a significant strategic shift for Unilever, allowing Dream to operate with greater agility and focus as it aims to capture market opportunities and address challenges in the global ice cream market [1][3][4]. Company Overview - Dream Ice Cream Company was spun off from Unilever and achieved a market capitalization exceeding 64 billion RMB on its first day of trading [1]. - The company holds a 21% global market share in 2024 and includes popular brands such as Dream, Cornetto, and Häagen-Dazs [1][3]. Strategic Shift - The spin-off is part of Unilever's "slimming plan," which aimed to divest non-core assets that had lower profit margins compared to the overall group [1][4]. - Unilever will retain approximately 19.9% of Dream's shares for up to five years to facilitate ongoing collaboration in supply chain and R&D [2][4]. Market Challenges - The global ice cream market is facing challenges such as rising costs in packaging materials (up 8%) and logistics (up 5%), which are compressing overall profit margins [3][16]. - There is a growing consumer trend towards healthier options, with demand for low-sugar and additive-free products increasing by 8%, while traditional high-sugar products are experiencing slower growth [3][15]. Financial Performance - Dream reported a revenue of 7.9 billion euros (approximately 66.6 billion RMB) in 2024, with an adjusted EBITDA of 1.3 billion euros [3][16]. - In the first half of 2025, revenue increased from 4.394 billion euros to 4.503 billion euros [3][16]. Cost-Saving Initiatives - Dream aims to save 500 million euros over the next five years through supply chain optimization, organizational restructuring, and technology integration [4][17]. - The supply chain transformation is expected to yield savings of 350 to 380 million euros by addressing inefficiencies and upgrading aging assets [4][17]. Market Position in China - Dream holds an 11% market share in China, with revenues of 270 million euros in the first half of 2025 [6][18]. - The company faces strong competition from local brands, which are growing rapidly, with notable revenue increases from competitors like Yili and Mengniu [6][18]. B2B Expansion - To address market challenges, Dream is expanding into the B2B food service sector, launching products aimed at restaurants and food service providers [7][19]. - This strategy includes forming a dedicated team to manage B2B operations, reflecting a broader industry trend towards catering to the food service market [7][19]. Product Innovation - 2025 is set to be a record year for new product launches in China, with a focus on diverse price points to cater to varying consumer preferences [8][21]. - The company is innovating flavors and product offerings, responding to consumer demand for unique and healthier options [8][21]. Growth Targets - Dream has set a target for annual revenue growth of 3% to 5% starting in 2026, with plans to improve profitability by 400 to 500 basis points [10][23]. - The company will focus on local acquisitions and expanding its product offerings to enhance its competitive position in the market [10][23].

Core Insights - The global largest ice cream company, known for brands like Magnum, Cornetto, and Wall's, has appointed its first leadership team, marking a significant step after its separation from Unilever and ahead of its planned IPO in November 2025 [1][4][13] Leadership Appointments - Peter ter Kulve has been appointed as the CEO of the newly independent Magnum Ice Cream Company, having previously served as the President of Unilever's Ice Cream Division since 2024 [4][6] - Abhijit Bhattacharya has been appointed as the CFO, previously holding the same position in Unilever's ice cream business [6][8] - Jean-François van Boxmeer will serve as the incoming Chairman, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles in the consumer goods sector [9][10] Company Background - The company has a rich history, with ter Kulve joining Unilever's ice cream business in 1988 and having significant experience in the Chinese market, where he doubled the ice cream business size during his tenure [4][6] - Bhattacharya has a notable background in leading major business separations, including the successful spin-off of Philips' healthcare and lighting divisions [8] IPO Plans - The company is set to go public in mid-November 2025, with plans to list on the Amsterdam, London, and New York stock exchanges [13][15] - Unilever will retain just under 20% of the company's shares for up to five years post-IPO, with a gradual and orderly sale planned for the retained shares [13][15] Financial Performance - Unilever's ice cream business reported a 5.9% increase in basic sales for the first half of 2025, with a 3.8% increase in volume and a 2.0% increase in price [15] - The operating revenue for the ice cream segment was €4.6 billion (approximately 37.9 billion RMB), showing a slight year-on-year increase of 0.2% [15] Product Development - The company is focusing on product innovation and market strategies, having launched 31 new products in China in 2025, a 50% increase from the previous year [15]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent developments in the ice cream market, particularly focusing on the independence of Magnum Ice Cream Company from Unilever and the competitive landscape in China's ice cream industry. Group 1: Company Developments - On July 1, Magnum Ice Cream Company officially completed its separation from Unilever, which previously held a 20% global market share in the ice cream sector with brands like Cornetto and Magnum [5][6]. - The new company plans to go public with an IPO in Amsterdam by Q4 2025, with additional listings in London and New York [8]. - The ice cream market in China is projected to reach a scale of 183.5 billion yuan in 2024, indicating significant growth potential [18]. Group 2: Market Competition - The article highlights the competitive dynamics in the Chinese ice cream market, where local brands like Yili and Mengniu are gaining market share against Unilever [16]. - In 2024, the top three companies in the Chinese ice cream market by retail sales are Yili, Unilever, and Mengniu, with the leading brands being Chao Le Zi (Yili), Yili, and Kele Duo (Unilever) [16]. - The market is experiencing a surge in new entrants, with over 41,200 ice cream-related companies registered as of May 2023, indicating a rapidly evolving competitive landscape [21]. Group 3: Consumer Trends - The article notes that consumer preferences are shifting, with new tea and coffee brands entering the ice cream space, offering products at lower price points [31]. - Instant retail is becoming a significant channel for ice cream sales, with a projected sales scale of over 63 billion yuan by 2026 [34]. - The diversification of consumption scenarios for ice cream, including workplace snacks and outdoor activities, is becoming a trend, suggesting that brands need to adapt to changing consumer behaviors [34].