Equis, an ice cream maker originally established in Hamilton, is now producing 2,000 litres of ice cream every week for Aldi shoppers – enough for 21,000 scoops – after sales rose 47% year on year.
From parlour to wholesale manufacturer
Founded in 1922 as a small Hamilton ice cream parlour by an Italian immigrant who arrived in 1915, Equis has been part of Scottish life for four generations. The business has grown from a single cafe into a state-of-the-art wholesale manufacturer, now based in a purpose-built factory in Rutherglen.
Its core flavours – Madagascan Vanilla and Isle of Skye Sea Salt and Caramel – are proving the biggest hit with Aldi customers, with steady, year-round demand.
Partnership with Aldi
Equis became an Aldi supplier in 2019, producing own-label ice cream using an original Italian-style recipe made with Scottish milk sourced directly from Park Farm in East Kilbride and cream from Scottish farms. The partnership has since grown, with new limited-edition flavours including strawberry cheesecake and mango and raspberry launching over the past two summers.
David Equi, Managing Director of Equis Ice Cream, said: “Ice cream has been in our family for four generations, since my grandfather emigrated from Italy and started out with a traditional Italian ice cream parlour in Hamilton. Since then, we’ve always stayed true to our original recipe, using the best Scottish milk and cream we can get, and it means a lot that Aldi shoppers are enjoying 21,000 scoops of it every week. Working with Aldi has let us keep growing while never compromising on quality.”
Aldi's Scottish commitment
Aldi Scotland champions local suppliers and carries over 450 Scottish product lines. Alan Leslie, Regional Buying Director at Aldi Scotland, said: “Equis is a brilliant example of what makes Scottish food and drink so special – quality ingredients, proud heritage, and a real commitment to craft. Products like their Isle of Skye Sea Salt and Caramel showcase the very best of Scotland, from the milk and cream right through to the finished ice cream. We’re passionate about supporting Scottish businesses like Equis, and it’s fantastic to see how our partnership has helped them scale up production while staying true to their roots.”
Aldi’s Specially Selected Madagascan Vanilla, Isle of Skye Sea Salt & Caramel, Strawberry Cheesecake and Mango & Raspberry Ice Creams are available in Scottish stores for £2.59 per 460ml tub, whilst stocks last.
