In a major development for ice cream lovers across Europe, Lotus Bakeries and Mondelēz International have expanded their existing partnership to include ice cream production under a new sub-license agreement announced on June 13, 2024. The collaboration brings in Froneri, one of Europe’s leading ice cream manufacturers, to produce Lotus Biscoff-branded frozen treats scheduled to hit shelves in 2026. This strategic move positions the iconic caramelized cookie brand to significantly boost its presence in the competitive European ice cream market. Market analysts are already predicting substantial growth as Lotus Bakeries aims to transform Biscoff into a truly global ice cream powerhouse through this three-way partnership.
The Sweet Deal: Inside the Biscoff Ice Cream Partnership
The newly announced agreement represents a significant expansion of operations for Lotus Bakeries’ ice cream division. Under the terms, Froneri will handle the production, marketing, and distribution of Lotus Biscoff ice cream products across several European countries starting in 2026. This strategic move builds upon the existing relationship between Lotus Bakeries and Mondelēz International, with the latter granting a sub-license to Froneri for ice cream production.
For those unfamiliar with the players, Froneri is a powerhouse in the Biscoff frozen dessert landscape with extensive manufacturing capabilities throughout Europe. The company brings decades of ice cream expertise to the table, which will prove crucial for scaling up production. Mondelēz International, known for brands like Oreo and Cadbury, has maintained a productive relationship with Lotus Bakeries that now extends into the frozen treats category.
The timing of this announcement appears calculated, allowing for comprehensive market preparation before the 2026 launch. Industry insiders suggest this lead time will enable Froneri to optimize production facilities and develop region-specific marketing strategies. The agreement includes provisions for local production in key markets to maximize manufacturing efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
Market Reaction and Financial Impact
Financial markets responded enthusiastically to the partnership announcement, with Lotus Bakeries’ shares jumping 5.2% in early European trading on March 13, 2025. This surge reflects investor confidence in the growth potential of the Biscoff ice cream category. Analysts from Morgan Stanley projected that the European ice cream market, valued at €9.5 billion in 2024, offers substantial room for specialty brands like Biscoff to capture market share.
Current projections indicate Biscoff ice cream could secure up to 3.5% of the premium ice cream segment in core European markets within three years of launch. Industry data suggests the premium category has been growing at twice the rate of conventional ice cream, creating a favorable environment for expansion. The partnership aims to capitalize on this trend by positioning Biscoff ice cream as an indulgent yet accessible option.
Market research firm Euromonitor International estimates that specialty ice cream brands have seen compound annual growth rates of 7.8% across Europe since 2020. If Biscoff ice cream can match these growth figures, the partnership could potentially generate annual revenues exceeding €150 million by 2028. This projection aligns with Lotus Bakeries’ stated goal of making Biscoff a truly global ice cream brand.
From Cookie to Cone: The Biscoff Ice Cream Journey
The Biscoff ice cream story began in 2019 when Lotus Bakeries launched its first international ice cream products. These early offerings featured the signature caramelized cookie pieces and smooth Biscoff spread incorporated into premium ice cream bases. The distinctive flavor profile quickly gained fans in the United States, United Kingdom, and several EU markets.
Since its initial launch, Biscoff ice cream has achieved impressive market penetration, with sales growing 32% year-over-year since 2020. By the end of 2023, Lotus Bakeries reported that ice cream products accounted for approximately €78 million in annual revenue. The brand has been particularly successful in the UK market, where it captured 4.2% market share in the premium ice cream segment by 2024.
I’ve noticed the popular ice cream sandwich variants have been especially successful, combining the original cookie with creamy frozen centers. The product line has expanded to include pints, bars, and multi-pack options across various markets. Consumer research indicates high brand recognition transfers effectively from cookies to ice cream, with 78% of Biscoff cookie consumers reporting awareness of the ice cream offerings by 2023.
Product innovation has been key to this success, with limited edition seasonal flavors helping to drive consumer interest and repeat purchases. The original cookie butter flavor remains the bestseller, accounting for 65% of all Biscoff ice cream sales. Consumer data shows particularly strong performance among millennials and young families, who represent the core demographic for premium ice cream purchases.
How Froneri Will Transform the Biscoff Ice Cream Landscape
Froneri’s involvement brings several strategic advantages to the Biscoff ice cream expansion. As Europe’s second-largest ice cream manufacturer, Froneri operates production facilities in multiple countries, enabling localized production that reduces costs and environmental impact. This distributed manufacturing approach aligns with growing consumer preferences for products with smaller carbon footprints.
CEO of Lotus Bakeries, Jan Boone, emphasized this benefit in the partnership announcement, stating: “Partnering with Froneri will unlock new opportunities for Biscoff®, allowing us to leverage their extensive expertise in product development, market insights, and industry-leading knowledge.” This expertise extends beyond just production capacity to include innovative flavor profiles and concepts tailored to regional preferences.
Froneri brings specialized knowledge in frozen product distribution, a critical factor given the unique handling requirements of premium ice cream. Their established relationships with retailers across Europe will facilitate smoother market entry and potentially secure better shelf positioning. Cold chain logistics expertise will ensure products maintain optimal quality from factory to freezer case.
The partnership also allows for faster product development cycles, with Froneri’s R&D capabilities enabling rapid testing and refinement of new formulations. This agility could give Biscoff a competitive edge in responding to emerging consumer trends. Industry analysts predict we might see up to eight new Biscoff ice cream variants within the first 18 months of launch, ranging from dairy-free options to limited edition seasonal offerings.
Global Expansion Plans Beyond 2026
While the initial focus centers on European markets, the partnership agreement includes provisions for gradual global expansion. Markets like Australia, Japan, and Brazil have been identified as potential second-wave targets for 2027-2028. This phased approach allows the partners to refine operations in core markets before tackling the logistics of intercontinental distribution.
The partnership is expected to generate significant brand awareness benefits beyond just ice cream sales. Market research indicates that frozen treats can serve as effective brand ambassadors, introducing consumers to the wider Biscoff product family. For many potential customers, properly stored ice cream products might be their first experience with the distinctive Biscoff flavor profile.
Revenue projections for the partnership suggest potential annual sales of €200 million by 2028 if expansion proceeds according to plan. This would represent approximately 8% of Lotus Bakeries’ total revenue based on current growth trajectories. The company has indicated that profits from the ice cream venture will partially fund continued innovation in their core cookie and spread categories.
What This Means For European Ice Cream Lovers
For consumers across Europe, the partnership signals an exciting addition to freezer aisles starting in 2026. The collaboration’s focus on local production means products will be tailored to regional preferences while maintaining the core Biscoff flavor identity. French consumers might see slightly different packaging and portion sizes than their German counterparts, reflecting nuanced market research into local buying habits.
Ice cream enthusiasts can expect premium pricing consistent with the brand’s positioning, likely 15-20% above average premium ice cream prices. However, Froneri’s production efficiency may enable periodic promotions to drive trial and repeat purchases. The premium ice cream segment expansion witnessed in recent years suggests consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for distinctive flavor experiences.
If you’re eager to submit a favorite local dessert shop to our business directory, you can do so at our expanding dessert directory. The Biscoff expansion represents part of a broader trend toward brand crossovers in the dessert space, with cookies, candies, and other established food brands entering the ice cream category. This partnership distinguishes itself through its comprehensive approach to manufacturing and distribution.
While waiting for the 2026 launch, fans of the caramelized cookie can enjoy existing Biscoff products or even experiment with homemade versions. For those with culinary creativity, you might consider submitting your own dessert creation to be featured by visiting our recipe submission page. The buzz around this partnership already has ice cream aficionados marking their calendars for what promises to be one of the most anticipated frozen treat launches of 2026.