In the heart of Sri Lanka’s bustling capital, Colombo, lies a legacy that has defied time and transformed the nation’s culinary landscape. The story of Ceylon Cold Stores (CCS) is one of resilience, i`nnovation, and a commitment to quality that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings as an ice and mineral water manufacturer, CCS has evolved to become a brand that has become a household name among Sri Lankans, leaving an indelible mark on Sri Lanka’s cultural fabric
If you are looking for a refreshing drink or a delicious ice cream in Sri Lanka, chances are you will come across the name Elephant House. This iconic brand is the flagship of Ceylon Cold Stores (CCS), one of the oldest and most trusted food and beverage companies in the country. But how did this company start and what is its history? In this article, we will take you on a journey through the past 158 years of Ceylon Cold Stores, from its origins as an ice-making company to its current position as a market leader in beverages and frozen confectionery.
The Colombo Ice Company
The story of Ceylon Cold Stores begins in 1866, when a German Street) by the locals. Von Possner also introduced aerated water with the distinctive “Elephant” trademark on the bottles, which later became “Elephant House” and the household name for the brand. The company initially produced two types of carbonated drinks: soda and lemonade, both of which won awards at international fairs in Melbourne and Calcutta.
The New Colombo Ice Company
In 1880, the Colombo Ice Company went into liquidation and was bought by a syndicate headed by Tom Walker, who formed a new company under the name New Colombo Ice Company in 1894. The new company expanded its business by acquiring other competitors, such as the Galle Face Ice Company, Von Possners British Aerated and Mineral Water Company, and the Pure Ice and engineer named Arthur Von Possner founded the Colombo Ice Company. He imported the country’s first ice-making machine and started producing ice on a commercial scale. The company’s premises were located on Glennie Street, Slave Island, which became known as Kompaniveediya (Ice Company Aerated Waters Manufactory. In 1925, the company built cold storage facilities for frozen products of all kinds, opening new cold stores in Colombo in 1928.
Ceylon Cold Stores
In 1932, the New Colombo Ice Company changed its name to Ceylon Cold Stores Limited, reflecting its diversified operations. The company continued to innovate and introduce new products, such as ice cream, ginger beer, cream soda, orange crush, and necto. The company also faced many challenges, such as the end of British colonial rule, World War II, the nationalisation policy of local governments, and the open economy. Despite these difficulties, Ceylon Cold Stores maintained its quality and reputation, and became a leading member of John Keells Holdings Group, Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerate, in 1991.
Elephant House
Today, Ceylon Cold Stores is synonymous with Elephant House, the iconic brand that has touched the lives of many Sri Lankans for generations. The company produces a wide range of products, including ice creams, popsicles, flavoured milk products, fruit-based beverages, water, energy drinks, carbonated soft drinks and chasers. The company also produces processed meats under the Keells Krest brand. The company has a modern bottling plant at Kaduwela and a stateof-the-art ice cream factory at Seethawaka. The company also operates a chain of supermarkets under JayKay Marketing Services. Ceylon Cold Stores is a giant in the food and beverage industry in Sri Lanka, with a history stretching back to 1866. The company has evolved with changing times and consumer patterns, meeting the challenges launched by global competitors. The company has also preserved its legacy of trust and integrity, delivering flavour and goodness to millions of people at home and around the world
