The Ice Co, Europe's largest ice factory, has been operating around the clock throughout the summer months to meet unprecedented demand for its ice cubes, as the UK experiences what the company describes as an "exceptional" 2026 heatwave. The facility in South Kirkby, West Yorkshire, has been producing billions of cubes to supply customers seeking relief from the persistent hot weather.
Unprecedented Demand and Extended Heatwave
Sales director Nick Brennand said this year has been "completely exceptional," noting that the UK is on its sixth heatwave, with sustained hot weather starting in June and continuing into mid-August, with forecasts of another in September. "Normally, we'll get maybe two to four good weeks in a year, and now we're looking at 14 to 15, which makes a big difference," he said.
The planning process begins months ahead, with the factory running at full capacity in January to store a month's supply in its freezing warehouse. However, the 140-strong workforce must adapt to whatever the British summer brings. "What we don't know is when it's going to shine and for how long," Brennand explained. "We get to a point in May or June when we are very much in the lap of the gods. If the sun shines, and it's 35 degrees tomorrow, orders can go up five or tenfold."
Warehouse Provides Relief for Staff
Brennand noted that roughly 85% of people still produce their ice at home, but when a supermarket or hotel runs short, no alternative product can fill the gap. "If you're in a pub or a restaurant and they start rationing ice in your G&T on a Friday night, it's not particularly nice. You want a nice cold drink," he said.
The typically demanding environment of the warehouse has offered welcome relief for staff during the hottest days. "Believe me, everybody in the office have gone wandering into the warehouse for 10 minutes to cool down, because it's minus 18 in there," Brennand said. "If it's warm outside, there's no nicer place to be for five or 10 minutes – but only five or 10 minutes."
Company History and Production Scale
Established in 1860, The Ice Co continues to be operated by the sixth generation of the Marr family, who originally supplied ice to support their fishing enterprise. The company produces approximately six billion ice cubes annually.
