Kibon facts for kids
Kibon is a popular ice cream company from Brazil and Argentina. It is now owned by a very large company called Unilever. You might even recognize Kibon's logo! It's a heart shape, and many other ice cream brands around the world use the same logo. This is because they are also owned by Unilever. Some of these brands include Wall's in the United Kingdom, Good Humor in the United States, and Streets in Australia.
History of Kibon
How Kibon Started
Kibon was founded in 1941 by two Americans, U.S. Harkson and John Kent Lutey. They had worked together before in Shanghai, China. John Kent Lutey was the company's first president. The company's first name was U.S. Harkson do Brasil. Later, it changed to Cia Harkson Industria e Comercio Kibon.
First Ice Creams and Growth
Just one year later, in 1942, Kibon launched its very first ice creams in Brazil. These were Eskibon, a chocolate-covered ice cream, and Chicabon, a chocolate and malt popsicle. They sold these treats from 50 special refrigerated carts on the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
These ice creams were a huge hit! Kibon quickly grew, adding many classic and tropical flavors. The company also made other products, like dried eggs for food companies. Later, Kibon started making candies, chocolates, and gum. By 1960, you could find Kibon products in over 3,000 pushcarts and many stores across southern Brazil.
Changes in Ownership
Over the years, Kibon has been owned by several different companies.
- In 1957, Kibon worked with General Foods Corporation to make and sell some of their brands, like Kool-Aid.
- In 1960, General Foods Corporation bought Kibon entirely.
- Later, in 1985, a company called Philip Morris bought Kibon.
- By the 1990s, the Swiss company Mövenpick was making Kibon ice cream.
- In 1995, Kibon bought a Brazilian chocolate company called Lacta.
- Finally, in 1997, the big Anglo-Dutch company Unilever bought Kibon. Unilever still owns Kibon today.
- In 2013, Kibon ice cream also started being sold in the Falkland Islands.
