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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Money & Work • Food

Magnum Ice Cream

Magnum is a premium ice cream brand originally developed in Denmark in the late 1980s and officially launched in Germany in 1989.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Magnum is a premium ice cream brand developed in Denmark in the late 1980s and launched in Germany in 1989. It is now owned by The Magnum Ice Cream Company, a standalone company spun off from Unilever in 2025.

History

Magnum was created by Mogens Vigh-Larsen at Frisko in Denmark. Production began in 1988, and the brand officially launched in Germany in 1989.

Product line

The original bar was vanilla ice cream with a thick chocolate coating. The line has expanded to include White, Almond, Mini, Double, Tubs, Vegan, and Bonbon varieties.

Ownership

The Magnum Ice Cream Company became independent in 2025 after Unilever separated its ice cream business. It is headquartered in Amsterdam.

In short

  • Developed in Aarhus, Denmark in the late 1980s.
  • Officially launched in Germany in 1989.
  • Known for its thick chocolate shell with a distinct crack.
  • Now owned by The Magnum Ice Cream Company, based in Amsterdam.
Canadian angle

Magnum is sold in Canada through major grocery and retail channels, and Canadian consumers will usually encounter both classic bars and limited-edition or seasonal flavours. Product availability, ingredients, and allergen labelling can vary by Canadian market.

Quick questions

Who makes Magnum ice cream?
The Magnum Ice Cream Company, headquartered in Amsterdam.
When was Magnum ice cream invented?
Developed in the late 1980s and launched in 1989.
Is Magnum ice cream gluten free?
Some products are gluten free, but not all. Check the label for your specific product.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnum_(ice_cream)
    Supports: Origin in Denmark, development by Mogens Vigh-Larsen, launch in 1989, and general brand history.
  2. The Magnum Ice Cream Company — https://corporate.magnumicecream.com/en/brands/magnum.html
    Supports: Brand description, product variants, and company ownership of Magnum.
  3. Unilever — https://www.unilever.com/news/news-search/2023/behind-the-brand-magnum-indulgent-ice-creams-designed-for-pleasure/
    Supports: Magnum's 1989 launch, adult positioning, and early development in Germany.
  4. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2071668/000117184326001162/0001171843-26-001162.txt
    Supports: Amsterdam headquarters, company scale, and ownership structure of The Magnum Ice Cream Company.
  5. Unilever — https://www.unilever.com/investors/the-magnum-ice-cream-company-demerger/
    Supports: Separation from Unilever and standalone company status in 2025.
  6. FoodNavigator — https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2025/07/02/unilever-the-magnum-ice-cream-company-now-trading/
    Supports: Standalone operating status and continued management of Magnum under the new company.