The Rich History of Di Rollo Ice Cream: 125 Years of Sweet Delights

As we celebrate 125 years of bringing joy to the people of Musselburgh and beyond, Di Rollo Ice Cream is proud to embark on an exciting new chapter. Established in 1899 by Domenico Di Rollo, our beloved ice cream brand has been acquired by London-based Syn3rgy Capital, heralding a promising future while preserving our rich heritage.

The Origins: Domenico Di Rollo’s Vision

The story of Di Rollo Ice Cream begins with Domenico Di Rollo, who travelled from the quaint Italian village of Cassino to East Lothian. Armed with traditional Italian gelato recipes and an entrepreneurial spirit, Domenico opened a small ice cream and confectionery shop in Musselburgh in 1899. His dedication to quality and craftsmanship quickly earned him a loyal customer base, and it wasn’t long before he expanded to a second location.

Growth and Innovation: The Next Generations

In the early 1950s, Domenico’s son, also named Domenico, took the reins of the family business. He recognised the potential for growth and launched the manufacturing and wholesale arm of Di Rollo Ice Cream. This strategic move allowed the business to reach new heights, satisfying the growing demand for their delicious ice cream.

By 1977, the increasing popularity of Di Rollo Ice Cream necessitated the construction of new premises. This expansion marked a significant milestone and paved the way for the third generation of Di Rollos to lead the business. Domenico’s sons, Reno and Kevin, infused fresh innovation into the company, introducing a variety of ice cream and sorbet flavours that delighted customers.

State-of-the-Art Production

In 1994, Di Rollo Ice Cream built a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing over 600 litres of ice cream per hour. This modernisation ensured that we could meet the highest EU food production standards while maintaining the artisanal quality that our customers had come to expect. The facility allowed us to experiment with new flavours and techniques, solidifying our reputation as a leader in the ice cream industry.

A New Chapter with Syn3rgy Capital

Now, under the ownership of Syn3rgy Capital, Di Rollo Ice Cream is poised for further growth and success. John Evans, CEO of Syn3rgy Capital, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “Di Rollo’s longstanding reputation for quality and innovation perfectly complements our investment strategy. We’re eager to support their continued success and expansion, building upon their impressive legacy in the industry.”

Despite the new ownership, our commitment to our cherished customers remains unchanged. We are focused on expanding throughout East Lothian and Scotland, bringing more job opportunities and contributing to the community’s prosperity.

Commitment to Musselburgh

“As Di Rollo of Musselburgh embarks on this new journey with Syn3rgy Capital, the company remains deeply rooted in its commitment to its hometown of Musselburgh,” Evans added. “Our connection to Musselburgh is not just geographical; it’s emotional and personal. We are immensely proud of our heritage and the generations of families who have supported us throughout the years.”

Together with Syn3rgy Capital, we aim to share the magic of our products with every corner of Scotland. We will continue to craft delicious moments and create cherished memories for generations to come.

Continuing Tradition

Meanwhile, Elena Di Rollo on Bridge Street will remain under the ownership of Elaine Di Rollo, continuing to provide the people of Musselburgh with our delicious Di Rollo ice cream. This continuity ensures that our traditions and quality remain intact for our loyal customers.

Celebrating 125 Years

As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we reflect on our journey from a small Italian village to becoming a cherished part of Musselburgh. We are excited about the future and look forward to bringing more smiles with every scoop.

Join Us on Our Journey

Follow us on our journey as we expand and innovate while staying true to our roots. Visit our store on South Street, Musselburgh, and experience the tradition of Di Rollo for yourself. Stay updated with our latest news and flavours by following us on social media.

Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to another 125 years of crafting cherished moments!