The renowned ice cream chain Freddo, with over 125 locations in Argentina and 50 branches abroad, has resumed its plans for international expansion. After launching them in 2022 and pausing last year due to the political and economic situation, the company has opened a new franchise in Las Vegas, United States, bringing the total to 14 locations in that country and the rest distributed across Latin America.
"We believe these are key locations, with more accessible prices, ideal for servicing the entire region," the company stated. Freddo is considering the possibility of going abroad with its own operations, as currently all its branches in the region are franchises. With a more favorable context for exports and imports, the brand is in the midst of implementing its international expansion plan.
Freddo's history dates back to 1969 when it was founded by two Italian families, the Aversas and the Guarracinos. Currently, the company has franchises in Uruguay, Chile, Brazil, Panama, Mexico, and the United States. Eduardo Felgueras, the company's commercial director, announced earlier this year the opening of seven locations in the United States, with the goal of inaugurating a total of 35 locations during 2024.
Amidst the current economic landscape, where retail sales have seen a significant decline in the country, Freddo's strategy aims to strengthen its presence abroad and considers having its own plant overseas to be crucial. Although initially it was thought to acquire a factory in the United States, other options like Mexico and Colombia are now being evaluated.
Despite the challenges faced by the food and beverage industry, Freddo remains steadfast in its goal of continuing to grow in the international market, resuming its plan for openings outside of Argentina. Since its acquisition by the Pegasus group in 2004, the brand has undergone various changes in its business model, notably franchising all its own locations and outsourcing production six years ago.
