Nestle announced it is in advanced negotiations to sell its remaining in-house ice cream business to Froneri, the joint venture it established with PAI Partners, as part of a broader strategic shift to sharpen its portfolio focus.
The disclosure was made in connection with the company’s full-year 2025 results and strategic update, where Nestlé outlined plans to accelerate performance and concentrate resources on four core categories: coffee, petcare, nutrition, and food and snacks. The potential transaction would further streamline Nestle’s operations by exiting direct ownership of its remaining ice cream activities and consolidating the category under Froneri.
Froneri was formed in 2016 as a joint venture between Nestle and PAI Partners, combining Nestle’s European ice cream business with R&R Ice Cream. Since then, Froneri has expanded significantly through acquisitions and geographic growth, becoming one of the world’s largest ice cream manufacturers. Nestle previously sold substantial portions of its global ice cream operations to Froneri and has licensed key brands to the venture in multiple markets.
The proposed sale of the remaining in house ice cream business would mark another step in Nestle’s ongoing portfolio transformation strategy, which has included divestitures and acquisitions aimed at driving organic growth and improving capital efficiency. The company said the discussions are advanced but did not disclose financial terms or provide a timeline for completion.
If completed, the transaction would effectively position Froneri as the primary vehicle for Nestle branded ice cream products globally, while enabling Nestle to concentrate investment and management attention on its prioritized growth platforms.
