Elephant House Ice Cream launch in Australia marks a historic milestone as the iconic Sri Lankan brand expands globally, bringing beloved flavours and new locally produced options to both diaspora and wider Australian consumers.
Elephant House Ice Cream launch marks historic milestone for Sri Lankan brand in Australia
Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS), a leading subsidiary of John Keells Holdings PLC, celebrated a landmark moment with the Elephant House Ice Cream launch in Australia, officially unveiled on 4 December 2025 at the Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley. The event brought together industry leaders, local distributors, and strategic partners, highlighting the brand’s bold international ambitions. Distinguished guests, including Ms. Pradeepa Seram, Consul General Designate of Sri Lanka, and Ms. Cassandra Fernando, Member of the Australian Parliament, underscored the growing cultural and commercial ties between Sri Lanka and Australia.
Elephant House, one of Sri Lanka’s most cherished brands, has built a strong international presence, reaching 16 countries including the Maldives, the United Kingdom, and now Australia. The launch reflects a strategic move by CCS to solidify its global footprint and make its products accessible to Sri Lankan diaspora communities and broader consumer markets.
For the first time in CCS’s 150-year history, Elephant House Ice Cream is being manufactured locally in Melbourne. The initial product range available in 500ml packs includes Vanilla, Karutha Kolomban, and Fruit & Nut flavours, ensuring both heritage favourites and new market appeal are catered to. This local production milestone enhances supply chain efficiency and availability across the country while ensuring the brand retains the high quality and flavour standards it is known for.
“We are thrilled to introduce Elephant House Ice Cream to the Australian market,” said Daminda Gamlath, President of John Keells Consumer Foods Sector. “This launch represents more than just expansion—it’s about bringing a trusted Sri Lankan brand to wider communities abroad with the right partners and a long-term vision for growth.”
Sathish Rathnayake, Category Head for Confectionery and Business Head for Exports at Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, highlighted that Australia was a natural next step for Elephant House due to the brand’s existing strong export presence in the region. “Our aim is to build familiarity beyond the Sri Lankan diaspora while growing availability nationwide. Over time, we will expand the range to cater to evolving consumer tastes,” Rathnayake explained.
Sudantha Victoria, Head of International Marketing at CCS, added, “Producing Elephant House Ice Cream outside Sri Lanka for the first time is a major operational and brand milestone. This achievement is made possible through collaboration with our Australian partners. Our immediate focus is on expanding distribution across the country and gradually introducing new flavours and formats, reinforcing Elephant House’s position as a globally recognized Sri Lankan brand.”
The Elephant House Ice Cream launch in Australia is not only a celebration of heritage but also a strategic business step. By leveraging local production, CCS ensures freshness, optimises logistics, and positions itself competitively in a market with high standards for dairy and confectionery products. Local production also allows for scalability in response to growing consumer demand, enabling the brand to introduce additional flavours, limited editions, and special packs tailored to the Australian market.
Beyond the commercial angle, the launch underscores the enduring appeal of Sri Lankan brands abroad. Elephant House has consistently been a favourite among Sri Lankan expatriates, offering them a taste of home while also appealing to a growing international audience curious about global flavours. The strategic partnership with Millennium Imports Pty Ltd further strengthens CCS’s operational capabilities in Australia, ensuring efficient market penetration and brand visibility.
With this historic launch, CCS plans to progressively expand availability across Australia, starting with key urban centres and ethnic markets before moving to broader retail distribution. The company envisions Elephant House Ice Cream becoming a preferred choice for both the Sri Lankan community and mainstream consumers seeking quality, flavourful, and authentic ice cream options.
Elephant House’s entry into the Australian market signifies a new chapter in the brand’s global expansion journey. It exemplifies how heritage, quality, and strategic partnerships can combine to create opportunities for Sri Lankan brands on the world stage, promoting both culture and business growth internationally.
By making Elephant House Ice Cream locally in Australia while maintaining its authentic Sri Lankan identity, CCS ensures that the brand’s legacy continues to resonate with loyal consumers while opening doors to new markets and audiences, solidifying its reputation as a forward-looking, internationally ambitious enterprise.