The Magnum Ice Cream Company announced Thursday that it has secured long‑term agreements with six vendors to construct a new digital platform as it separates from Unilever’s IT environment.
Six firms named to power the future stack
Accenture, HCLTech, Kinaxis, Microsoft, Salesforce and SAP will each play distinct roles in the upcoming architecture. The latter four are slated to supply core software‑as‑a‑service applications, while Accenture and HCLTech will act as deployment partners responsible for rollout and ongoing support.
The filing states the rollout will occur in phases over the next 18 months, with the final migration from Unilever’s legacy systems slated for the close of 2027.
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Key pieces of the new platform
Microsoft’s cloud services will host the digital workplace, providing the backbone for collaboration and data storage. Salesforce will deliver a unified customer‑relationship management solution, intended to streamline marketing and sales processes across the brand portfolio.
SAP’s enterprise‑resource‑planning suite will manage finance, supply chain and operational functions, while Kinaxis will serve as the hub for supply‑chain, sales and operations planning. Accenture will oversee the implementation of enterprise, artificial‑intelligence, data and cybersecurity tools, and HCLTech will manage infrastructure deployment and end‑user services.
Management perspective on the transition
Sandeep Desai, chief supply‑chain and operations officer, called the initiative “a significant milestone” and emphasized the need for partners capable of long‑term support. “This roadmap will give our teams better visibility, planning and decision‑making,” he said, adding that the effort goes beyond moving existing processes onto new systems.
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Desai’s comments suggest a focus on building a digital backbone that can support global ice‑cream operations, from production to distribution.
Timeline and next steps
The first wave of platform introductions is expected in the coming months, focusing on core ERP and cloud services. Subsequent phases will bring in CRM and supply‑chain planning tools, followed by AI and data‑analytics layers.
The rollout begins next quarter.
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By the end of 2027, the organization aims to have fully retired Unilever‑provided IT functions, operating an independent digital ecosystem that supports its portfolio, which includes Yasso, Breyers and Ben & Jerry’s.
Potential impact on the market
Investors will likely watch the implementation closely, as a smooth transition could enhance margins and improve supply‑chain resilience. Conversely, delays or integration challenges could weigh on earnings forecasts.
For now, the firm appears committed to a phased approach, using the selected partners’ expertise to mitigate risk while laying the groundwork for future growth.