Familiar for decades.
The beginning
From a small shop to Suriname's largest.
The successful journey of the Fernandes Group started at the beginning of the previous century when Isaak Fernandes opened a small novelty shop in Paramaribo in 1901. The company grew steadily, but really took off after acquiring the Coca-Cola Franchise in 1938.
Under the inspiring leadership of Isaak's son Jule Fernandes, the company rapidly expanded into other sectors of the Surinamese economy. To this date, the Fernandes Group is the largest privately owned company in Suriname — still owned by the Fernandes family, now in its 4th generation.
Our products have been familiar to the Surinamese market for decades. That trust is something we've always taken seriously.
The need for ice cream in Suriname started to rise during the Second World War, due to the arrival of American soldiers. During that period, our products were produced by the I. Fernandes & Son Bottling Company, now Fernandes Bottling Company. The first product introduced was scoop ice cream in a 60 ml packaging — followed by our well-known ice sticks.
Since the 1960s, the Surinamese community has known the popular sugar cones from Spanhoek Soda Fountain. That means our products have been going strong for over 70 years.
Over a century of progress.
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1901
The beginning
Isaak Fernandes opens a small novelty shop in Paramaribo, laying the foundation for what becomes Suriname's largest privately owned company.
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1938
Coca-Cola Franchise
The Fernandes Group acquires the Coca-Cola Franchise for Suriname, marking a turning point that accelerates expansion across sectors.
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1940s
First ice cream
Ice cream demand rises with the arrival of American soldiers during WWII. I. Fernandes & Son introduces scoop ice cream in 60 ml packaging, followed by the first ice sticks.
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1960s
Sugar cones
The iconic sugar cones from Spanhoek Soda Fountain become a favourite across Suriname — a tradition that continues to this day.
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1997
Fernandes Ice Cream N.V.
Officially established on July 14th. The company relocates to Kernkampweg in 1999 and develops its own identity — a new name, logo, and elevated packaging and quality standards.
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2014
First exports
After two years of preparation, the first export containers leave for Barbados. Guyana follows in 2015, and Jamaica in March 2018.
Market leader. Still growing.
Fernandes Ice Cream N.V. is the market leader in ice cream products in Suriname — FSSC 22000 certified, with a range that spans classic tubs to no-added-sugar premium lines.
We reach every corner of the market.
Retail Outlets
- Supermarkets
- Ice cream parlors
- Vendors
- Kiosks
Hospitality Sector
- Restaurants
- Hotels
Other Companies
- Medium & large businesses
- Schools
Made in Suriname. Shipped worldwide.
After two years of preparation, Fernandes Ice Cream began its international journey in 2014 — bringing the taste of Suriname to the Caribbean and beyond.
Barbados
First export containers shipped after two years of preparation for international markets.
Guyana
Expansion to the neighbouring Guyanese market, deepening regional reach.
Jamaica
Export business extended to Jamaica in March 2018, further growing the Caribbean footprint.
Part of something bigger.
companies under one family
Suriname's largest privately owned group — beverages, food, automotive, hardware, and distribution — still run by the Fernandes family in its 4th generation.
- Fernandes Ice Cream N.V. Ice cream production & distribution
- Fernandes Bottling Company N.V. Coca-Cola Franchise · non-alcoholic beverages
- Fernandes Bakery N.V. Bread, snacks & baked goods
- Fernandes Automotives N.V. Honda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Subaru
- Fernandes Technical Center N.V. Makita, Astra, Philips & Honda power tools
- Fernandes Agenturen N.V. International brand distribution
- Fernandes Handel Maatschappij N.V. Trade & commerce