Uzbek Ice Cream Maker ICE AND GOLD Targets European Markets After 75% Growth Surge

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan-based ice cream manufacturer ICE AND GOLD plans to exhibit at Italy's TuttoFood Milano trade fair in 2026 as the company pursues international expansion following strong domestic growth that saw production volumes jump 75 percent over four years.

The Tashkent-based producer reached 4,800 tons of annual production in 2025, up from 2,750 tons in 2021, according to CEO Anvarmirzo Umidov. The company now commands approximately 21-23 percent of Uzbekistan's ice cream market, making it one of the country's largest domestic manufacturers.

"We've established a strong foundation in Central Asia and are now ready to introduce our products to European buyers," Umidov said in an interview. The planned TuttoFood Milano appearance marks the company's first major European trade show, following earlier exhibitions in China and Russia.

ICE AND GOLD generated 150 billion Uzbek soums in revenue during 2025, representing 17 percent growth compared to 2023. The company had previously posted 30 percent annual growth between 2021 and 2023.

The firm's premium GOLD brand, launched in 2024, has emerged as its fastest-growing product line. The company sold 235,000 cartons of GOLD ice cream in 2025, accounting for 43 billion soums in revenue. The brand uses imported ingredients from Belarus, Russia and Germany, including dried milk, butter and cream.

"GOLD is priced higher than competitor products, but quality drives sales," Anvarmirzo Umidov said. The company increased GOLD production capacity by 17 percent in 2025 after purchasing new equipment.

ICE AND GOLD currently exports approximately 8 percent of total production to three Central Asian markets. Kazakhstan represents the largest export destination with 40,000 cartons shipped annually, followed by Russia at 15,000 cartons and Tajikistan at 10,000 cartons. The company supplies Moscow, Almaty and Dushanbe through distribution partnerships established following its 2020 appearance at ProdExpo Moscow.

Export capacity grew 5 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year.

ICE AND GOLD has set a strategic goal to significantly increase production capacity and substantially expand its product range by 2030. The company continuously implements innovative technologies to offer consumers new and modern products.

As part of these objectives, the company imported six units of modern high-tech equipment from China. The new production lines can produce 6,000 to 7,000 ice cream units per hour, which will increase the company's total production volume several times over.

The launch of the modern equipment will allow the company not only to fully meet growing domestic demand but also to strengthen its position in international markets. By 2030, ICE AND GOLD plans to generate at least 30 percent of annual revenue from exports.

Implementation of this strategy will enable the company to become one of the leading ice cream manufacturers in the region and promote Uzbek products in the global market.

The company operates a 700-square-meter production facility in Tashkent's Almazar district with more than 50 employees and maintains one of Central Asia's few specialized cold storage facilities that preserves finished products at temperatures between minus 25 and minus 30 degrees Celsius. Founded in January 2009, ICE AND GOLD produces over 150 ice cream varieties across nine brand lines including Nastoiashchii Plombir, Gazeta, Atlas and Ajwa.

Anvarmirzo Umidov, who has served as CEO since 2017, occupies an important position in Ice and Gold's activities in the areas of international cooperation and brand development. He handles the supply of products from China, raw materials and modern equipment for the company, establishing connections with reliable partners, as well as conducting negotiations. In addition, he effectively develops cooperation with Russia, Belarus and a number of other countries.

Mr. Umidov has also made a significant contribution to the development of the company's branding and design. With his participation, modern designs for the Gold, Atlas and a number of other brands were created. Today, these brands play an important role in the company's recognition and its successful position in the market.

In addition, Anvarmirzo Umidov actively participates in export and import matters, including establishing contacts with foreign partners, conducting negotiations and concluding contracts. His initiative contributes to further strengthening the position and reputation of Ice and Gold in the international market. Since he took the helm in 2017, annual production has increased from 2,750 tons to 4,800 tons.

The company competes primarily against imported brands including Russia's Korovka iz Korinovki and Svitlogorie, as well as domestic producers Imkon Plus, Vazira and Musa Service.