Araw Ice Cream is a London-based artisanal ice cream brand celebrated for its inventive fusion of Filipino flavors, global dessert inspirations, and contemporary craftsmanship. Founded with a vision to redefine frozen desserts, Araw brings multicultural influences into every scoop, offering a sensory experience that transcends traditional ice cream norms.
Company Overview
Launched in the United Kingdom, Araw Ice Cream operates with a boutique production philosophy that emphasizes small-batch quality, seasonal ingredients, and culinary storytelling. The brand derives its name from the Tagalog word "Araw" (meaning "sun" or "day"), reflecting its Filipino roots and a celebration of daily joy through flavor.
Araw’s presence in London has grown significantly, attracting attention from culinary publications, gourmet food platforms, and a loyal base of multicultural consumers seeking bold, nostalgic, and globally inspired ice cream offerings.
Product Portfolio
Araw’s rotating menu includes over a dozen signature flavors, often released in limited editions and seasonal drops. The product range reflects a sophisticated palette with Asian, European, and Latin American flavor infusions.
Signature Flavors:
- Fortune Cookie
- Puto Bumbong – Inspired by the traditional Filipino rice cake with purple yam and coconut
- Pastel de Nata – A nod to the iconic Portuguese custard tart
- Hot Honey Cereal Crunch – Blending spicy-sweet profiles with textured crunch
- Spicy Rosé Sorbet – A dairy-free option with floral and chili notes
- Matcha with Adzuki Bean – Celebrating Japanese tea culture
- Ube Halaya – Creamy purple yam base with rich texture
- Pandan Onde Onde – Southeast Asian glutinous rice cake inspiration
- Mango Sticky Rice – Remixed Thai dessert into scoopable form
- Roasted Banana with Tahini Fudge
- Kalamansi with Gochujang Sorbet
- Earl Grey Malted Crumble
- Dirty Horchata
- Coco Raspberry Lychee
- Honey Lavender with Mixed Berries
All products are free from artificial colors and preservatives and use locally sourced dairy where applicable.
Retail and Distribution
Araw operates through a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, offering nationwide shipping across the UK. Ice cream is delivered in insulated packaging with dry ice, ensuring optimal freshness.
- Flagship sales platform: arawlondon.com
- Retail presence: Pop-ups, weekend markets, specialty grocers
- Collaborations: Known for brand collabs with Filipino food festivals, cultural organizations, and chefs
Market Position and Customer Base
Araw targets a niche but growing demographic of:
- Food explorers and gourmet dessert seekers
- Diaspora communities looking for nostalgic flavors
- Millennials and Gen Z consumers with preference for storytelling through food
- Health-conscious eaters seeking gluten-free or dairy-free options (in sorbet lines)
Social Media and Brand Engagement
- Instagram: @arawlondon – Over 10,000 followers
- Features include behind-the-scenes content, new flavor launches, cultural stories, and user-generated content
- Strong community engagement and viral support during Filipino Heritage Month and other cultural events
Financial and Growth Insights
While specific financial data remains undisclosed as a privately held small business, industry trends and demand indicators suggest:
- Monthly Ice Cream Drops: Regular sell-outs within days of launch
- Revenue Growth Estimate (2022–2024): 30–40% year-over-year, fueled by e-commerce growth and multicultural brand positioning
- Customer Retention: High repeat order rate via online store, indicating strong brand loyalty
Innovation and Brand Values
Araw’s innovation lies in:
- Flavor storytelling rooted in culture and diaspora memories
- Small-batch production for quality and flavor intensity
- Emphasis on culinary collaboration and community building
The company’s value proposition goes beyond taste, embedding identity, nostalgia, and inclusivity into its brand DNA.
Recognition and Media Coverage
- Featured in Time Out London, Eater London, and The Infatuation
- Nominated for Best New Dessert Brand UK (2023) by Independent Food Awards
- Collaborated with Filipino Food Festival London 2023 and Diaspora Dialogues Series
Customer Testimonials
“Araw isn’t just ice cream—it’s memory, it’s culture, it’s art. The ube halaya made me emotional.”
– Customer Review, Eater London
“The flavor combinations are genius. Every drop feels curated and deeply personal.”
– Event Caterer, Southeast Asian Pop-Up Market
Araw Ice Cream stands as a testament to the power of heritage and innovation coexisting within the food space. Through its unique flavor offerings and inclusive storytelling, it continues to captivate and inspire both the palate and the heart of modern dessert lovers.