The Magnum Ice Cream Company, the standalone ice cream business spun out of Unilever, has partnered with Mini Melts USA to expand the distribution of its frozen dessert brands across entertainment venues, transit hubs and other high-footfall locations across the United States.
Under the agreement, Mini Melts will operate Magnum-branded vending machines nationwide, offering a curated range of products from The Magnum Ice Cream Company portfolio, including Ben & Jerry’s pints and Good Humor novelty bars alongside Mini Melts’ signature beaded ice cream products. The rollout is scheduled to begin in Summer 2026.
The partnership marks a significant move in Magnum’s away-from-home growth strategy as the company looks to capture consumers in experiential and impulse-driven environments such as malls, cinemas, sports arenas, entertainment destinations and transportation hubs.
“This partnership is an important step in expanding Magnum Ice Cream’s ability to reach consumers beyond the traditional aisle,” said Bryce Carroll, Senior Commercial Development Manager at The Magnum Ice Cream Company. “Mini Melts gives us the scale and footprint to extend our brands into everyday moments and unlock new consumption occasions across the country.”
Dan Kilcoyne, Founder of Mini Melts USA, said the collaboration combines the company’s vending and frozen distribution expertise with Magnum’s global brand portfolio. “We’re creating a powerful platform to delight consumers in new and convenient ways,” he said.
Mini Melts currently operates across more than 35,000 locations in the U.S., including convenience stores, zoos, aquariums and entertainment venues, giving Magnum immediate access to an established nationwide out-of-home network.
The deal comes as The Magnum Ice Cream Company accelerates innovation around portable and impulse consumption formats. In its Q1 2026 trading update, the company reported 4.5% organic sales growth, supported by strong demand in the U.S. and Europe. CEO Peter ter Kulve said the company’s innovation strategy is increasingly focused on “occasions and formats” that drive on-the-go consumption.
The Amsterdam-headquartered business owns several global ice cream brands including Magnum, Cornetto, Ben & Jerry’s and the Heartbrand portfolio, and operates across 80 markets worldwide.
