When you think of the Philippines, the ice cream industry may not stand out as a hallmark of innovation. Yet, Sterling Pacific Ventures Corp (SPVC), a company born from a leap of faith, is quietly changing that narrative. This is the story of a racing family that, with no prior experience in the frozen dessert world, ventured into the business and ultimately found unexpected success.
A Racing Legacy to Ice Cream
For Stefano Marcelo, ice cream was never the plan. Coming from a family steeped in racing—his grandfather, father, and uncle all were racers—his path was destined for the track. From go-karts at the age of 10 to winning the Asian championship, his dream was always Formula 1. But after years of competition in Europe, that dream was set aside when he stopped racing in 2011. The question that followed was: What now?
Stefano’s story pivoted when his family’s legacy in various industries like steel and chemicals led to the founding of SPVC in 2017. What began as a venture into importing artificial sweeteners quickly took an unexpected turn. A business meeting with a friend in the Philippines—who wanted to incorporate ice cream into his chain of stalls—became the catalyst for change. Suddenly, the Marcelo family found themselves diving into an industry they knew nothing about.
An Ice Cream Factory in the Making
Despite having no prior experience with food production, the Marcelo family saw an opportunity in a struggling market. Ice cream, they discovered, was not just a luxury in the Philippines—it was a staple in the country’s rich food culture, with halo-halo, the iconic Filipino dessert, playing a central role. But the logistics, the cold chain issues, and the specialized equipment needed made it a daunting challenge.
“It was a huge risk, but we jumped in.” Eight months later, they had built their own factory, and Stefano himself was off to Australia to learn how to make ice cream.
Surviving the Pandemic and Finding Success
Just as SPVC was getting off the ground, the pandemic hit. Like many businesses, they faced unforeseen obstacles, including halted plans and client cancellations. Originally focusing on toll manufacturing, the pandemic forced the company to rethink its approach. Instead of relying on external clients, they launched their own ice cream brand, Creamies, to keep the factory operational. The brand, which started selling in sari-sari stores, became a surprise success, with the products reaching 1,000 to 2,000 outlets during the height of the crisis.
This period of adaptability paid off. As the pandemic’s grip loosened, SPVC’s original concept of toll manufacturing began to gain traction again. By 2023, with key clients on board and a cash flow boost, the company scaled rapidly. In 2024, they celebrated their expansion, marking a significant step in their journey with a major client deal that solidified their growth.
SPVC’s growth hasn’t stopped there. They recently secured halal certification, paving the way for expansion into the Middle East. “We’re set to export to Dubai and Saudi Arabia soon,” Stefano says with excitement.
Ice Cream for All: The SPVC Experience
But SPVC isn’t just about creating ice cream—it’s about pushing the boundaries of innovation and quality. The company now offers full-service production for other businesses, ranging from custom flavors to unique formulations that adhere to international food safety standards. Their recent FSSC 22000 certification is a major achievement, allowing them to meet the stringent requirements of multinational brands and open doors for global partnerships.
And while their journey is one of hard work and persistence, Stefano’s journey into the ice cream business has also led to personal fulfillment. “Seeing our products in people’s hands—not just our own brand but our clients’ brands—has made me realize how important ice cream is in Filipino culture. That’s when I knew I was all in.”
For SPVC, it’s more than a showcase—it’s a commitment to helping the industry evolve, together.
As the ice cream industry in the Philippines continues to grow, SPVC stands as a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, proving that sometimes, taking an unexpected path can lead to the sweetest success.
For more information on their services and upcoming events like the Ice Cream Expo, visit their website at SPVC.
hi i just want to apply for the area sales manager position if ever open, my experience in ice cream business will enough to hel preach more customers and penetration