The Iceman
The Iceman is a family-run Toronto manufacturer and distributor of packaged ice, dry ice, and ice machines, serving restaurants, hospitals, event venues, retailers, and consumers across Ontario and Western Canada since 1987.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersToronto, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What The Iceman does
The Iceman is a Toronto-headquartered, family-run manufacturer and distributor of packaged ice, dry ice, and ice-related equipment, founded in 1987 by John Silva. The company operates as a one-stop shop across Ontario and Western Canada, serving restaurants, bars, hospitals, event venues, convenience stores, laboratories, and individual consumers through retail storefronts, wholesale distribution, in-house refrigerated delivery, and inside-sales phone ordering. Its core production infrastructure centers on two high-capacity ice makers capable of producing 120,000 lbs of ice per 24 hours, supported by a 2,500 sq ft freezer and a fleet of refrigerated trucks providing same-day GTA delivery within 120-240 minutes and scheduled 5-hour window service.
The product portfolio spans packaged ice (cubed, crushed, block, and premium cocktail formats from 2.3 kg to 12 kg bags), dry ice (nuggets, slabs, blocks, and rice for shipping, special effects, and industrial uses), ice machine sales and rentals (brands including Hoshizaki, Manitowoc, Kold Draft, Scotsman, Koolaire, and Brema, capacities 50-2000 lbs), certified-technician service and preventative maintenance, event equipment rentals (ice merchandisers, refrigerated trucks, mobile ice trailers), and branded streetwear merchandise via e-commerce. Quality is anchored by International Packaged Ice Association (IPIA) certification, and every batch of crushed ice passes through metal detection for food safety. In 2024, The Iceman acquired Columbia Ice from the Graveline family, adding a Western Canada distribution hub in Acheson, Alberta, immediately investing to streamline distribution and expand production capacity.
Revenue mechanics combine one-time transactional sales of packaged and dry ice, recurring ice machine rental subscriptions starting at $185/month with full service coverage, professional service contracts for repair and preventative maintenance, equipment rentals for events, and ancillary branded merchandise sales. The go-to-market is sales-led with multi-channel fulfillment: direct in-house delivery to enterprise accounts, inside-sales phone ordering, walk-in retail, by-appointment wholesale, and e-commerce for merchandise. The company remains privately held under family ownership with no disclosed external investors, institutional backers, or parent company.
The Iceman firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Iceman
- Legal name
- The Iceman
- Website
- https://the-iceman.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Iceman is a family-run Toronto manufacturer and distributor of packaged ice, dry ice, and ice machines, serving restaurants, hospitals, event venues, retailers, and consumers across Ontario and Western Canada since 1987.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Iceman industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Packaged Ice Manufacturing and Distribution
- NAICS
- Ice Manufacturing (312113), Soft Drink and Ice Manufacturing (31211)
- SIC
- Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Refrigeration & Service Industry Machinery (3580)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Snow & Ice Management (Plowing, Salting, De-icing) (IMAIAIAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Snow & Ice Management (De-icing, Plowing) (BPABADAG)
Keywords
Where The Iceman is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Toronto
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
The Iceman business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Packaged Ice Sales: Sale of packaged ice in various forms including cubes, crushed ice, and specialty sizes ranging from 2.3kg to 12kg bags. Primary revenue stream serving restaurants, events, convenience stores, and consumers.
- Dry Ice Sales: Sale of dry ice in pellets, blocks, slabs, and rice form. Used for temperature-sensitive shipping, special effects, and various industrial/commercial applications. Also includes same-day and next-day delivery services.
- Ice Machine Sales and Rentals: Sale and rental of new and used ice machines with capacities from 50lbs to 2000lbs. Includes cubers, flakers, modular, and undercounter units from brands like Koolaire, Hoshizaki, Kold Draft, Manitowoc, Brema, and Scotsman. Rental program starts at $185/month with full service coverage.
- Ice Machine Service and Maintenance: Expert repair services for all makes and models of ice machines by certified technicians. Includes preventative maintenance plans and warranty-approved repairs.
- Streetwear Merchandise: Sale of branded merchandise including hoodies, t-shirts, and jackets featuring The Iceman logo. Products sold through e-commerce storefront.
- Event Equipment Rentals: Rental of ice merchandisers and event equipment for storing, serving, and transporting ice at events, festivals, trade shows, and seasonal retail locations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Ice Machine Rentals starting at $185/month with full service coverage |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Hoodies priced at $75.00 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | T-shirts priced at $60.00 |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Carhartt Active Jacket priced at $300.00 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Packaged ice bags ranging from 2.3kg to 12kg |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Dry ice available in various forms and quantities |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
The Iceman product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Iceman manufactures and distributes packaged ice (cubes, crushed, blocks in 2.3kg–12kg bags), dry ice (nuggets, slabs, blocks, rice), and premium cocktail ice, alongside selling, renting, and servicing commercial ice machines. Operations span Ontario and Western Canada via retail storefronts, wholesale distribution, and a refrigerated truck fleet offering scheduled and same-day delivery.
Product overview
The Iceman is a single-location ice delivery service offering a unified portfolio of ice products and equipment. The core offerings include Packaged Ice (bags of cubed, crushed, and specialty ice in 2.3-12 kg sizes), Dry Ice (nuggets, slabs, blocks, and rice for shipping and industrial use), and Cocktail Ice (premium crystal-clear cubes, spears, and spheres for bars). These ice products are supported by related services: Ice Machine sales, rentals, and repair; Ice Machine Service with preventative maintenance; Dry Ice Storage Container rentals; and packaging materials (Styrofoam shippers and freezer packs). Event Equipment Rentals (ice merchandisers, trucks, trailers) and Streetwear Apparel round out the portfolio. The company operates across Ontario and Western Canada with two primary facilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Packaged Ice Food-grade packaged ice available in cubes, crushed, and blocks, ranging from 2.3 kg to 12 kg bags. Serves restaurants, events, convenience stores, and retail customers across Ontario and Western Canada.
- Dry Ice Dry ice available in nuggets, slabs, blocks, and rice forms. Used for temperature-sensitive shipping, special effects, camping, fishing, and industrial applications including dry ice blasting.
- Cocktail Ice Premium specialty ice products for cocktail bars and restaurants including 2-inch and 3-inch cocktail cubes, Collin Spears, and RG Cubes. Crystal-clear, slow-melting ice designed for professional mixologists.
- Ice Machines Sale and rental of new and used ice machines from brands including Koolaire, Hoshizaki, Kold Draft, Manitowoc, Brema, and Scotsman. Capacities range from 50 lbs to 2000 lbs, including cubers, flakers, modular, and undercounter units.
- Ice Machine Rental Program Flexible rental program for ice machines starting at $185 per month with 100% service coverage. Includes backup ice supply if machine goes down and options to upgrade or switch equipment.
- Ice Machine Service and Repair Expert repair and maintenance services for all makes and models of ice machines throughout Ontario. Includes warranty-approved repairs, preventative maintenance plans, and complimentary packaged ice delivery during repairs.
- Dry Ice Storage Containers Rental of heavy-duty insulated storage containers for safely transporting and storing dry ice pellets or blocks with minimal sublimation loss. Various sizes available.
- Ice Merchandisers The Iceman-branded ice merchandisers for storing large quantities of packaged ice, available for short- or long-term rental. Capacities: 30-60 units of 12KG bags or 120-280 units of 2.3KG bags. Indoor and outdoor units available.
- Event Equipment Rentals Truck rentals (4-8 pallet capacity) and event trailers (1-2 pallet mobile ice freezers) for outdoor festivals, trade shows, and events. Trucks ideal for on-site chilling or storage.
- Streetwear and Apparel Branded streetwear including Carhartt Active Jackets, hoodies, and vintage t-shirts featuring The Iceman logo. Products include the Classic Logo and New Logo A/W Hoodie collections.
Companies that use The Iceman
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
The Iceman technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
The Iceman partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Graveline Family (Columbia Ice)coreIn 2024, The Iceman purchased Columbia Ice from the Graveline family, expanding operations into Western Canada with a new home base in Edmonton, Alberta. This acquisition added immediate investments in Western Canada operations including streamlined distribution and added production capacity.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Iceman competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Reddy Ice: The largest packaged ice manufacturer and distributor in North America, producing and delivering cube, block, and crushed ice to foodservice, retail, and industrial customers. Directly comparable to The Iceman's core packaged-ice wholesale and distribution business, though operating at a national rather than regional scale.
- Arctic Ice: Midwestern US packaged ice producer with retail and wholesale distribution, including branded 7- and 20-pound bags sold through grocery and convenience channels. Comparable as a regional packaged-ice manufacturer and distributor with overlapping foodservice and retail customers.
- Continental Carbonic: One of the largest independent producers of dry ice in North America, supplying food processing, industrial cleaning, and temperature-sensitive shipping customers. Directly comparable to The Iceman's dry ice business line.
- Penguin Ice: Regional packaged ice company operating in select US markets with branded bagged ice for retail and foodservice. Comparable regional packaged-ice producer and distributor with overlapping convenience-store and foodservice channels.
- Polar Ice: Packaged ice manufacturer and distributor serving parts of the US Midwest with retail and wholesale cube and block ice. Comparable regional packaged-ice peer with similar product portfolio and distribution model.
- Home City Ice: Regional packaged ice manufacturer serving Ohio and surrounding Midwestern states with cube, block, and crushed ice for foodservice, retail, and event customers. Comparable regional packaged-ice operating model with similar customer mix to The Iceman.
Broad incumbents
- Hoshizaki America: Global manufacturer of commercial ice machines, refrigeration, and dispensers that The Iceman resells, rents, and services. Comparable because it defines the hardware product category that drives a major share of The Iceman's machine, rental, and service revenue.
- Manitowoc Ice: Established US manufacturer of commercial ice machines under the Manitowoc and Koolaire brands — both of which The Iceman explicitly distributes. Comparable as an incumbent ice-machine OEM whose products anchor The Iceman's hardware business.
- Scotsman Ice Systems: Major global manufacturer of commercial ice machines (cubers, flakers, nugget makers) used in foodservice and healthcare. Comparable as the underlying OEM behind much of the ice machine fleet The Iceman sells, rents, and services.
Emerging players
- Gläce Luxury Ice: US-based producer of premium large-format clear ice (cubes, spheres, spears) for high-end bars, restaurants, and events. Comparable to The Iceman's specialty cocktail-ice line as a focused emerging player in the same premium-ice category.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Iceman social profiles
Digital presenceThe Iceman compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
The Iceman financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Iceman leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
The Iceman subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
The Iceman funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Iceman M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Iceman
What does The Iceman do?
The Iceman manufactures and distributes packaged ice (cubes, crushed, blocks in 2.3kg–12kg bags), dry ice (nuggets, slabs, blocks, rice), and premium cocktail ice, alongside selling, renting, and servicing commercial ice machines. Operations span Ontario and Western Canada via retail storefronts, wholesale distribution, and a refrigerated truck fleet offering scheduled and same-day delivery.
Is The Iceman a public or private company?
The Iceman is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was The Iceman founded?
The Iceman was founded in 1987. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Iceman based?
The Iceman is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, in the North America region.
How does The Iceman make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Packaged Ice Sales are the primary driver. The others are dry Ice Sales, ice Machine Sales and Rentals, ice Machine Service and Maintenance, streetwear Merchandise and event Equipment Rentals.
Who are The Iceman's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Reddy Ice, Arctic Ice, Continental Carbonic, Penguin Ice, Polar Ice and Home City Ice. Broad incumbents are Hoshizaki America, Manitowoc Ice and Scotsman Ice Systems. Gläce Luxury Ice is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Iceman have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Iceman.
What industry is The Iceman in?
The Iceman's product category is Packaged Ice Manufacturing and Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAIAIAF, Snow & Ice Management (Plowing, Salting, De-icing), with a secondary code of BPABADAG, Snow & Ice Management (De-icing, Plowing). Its NAICS code is 312113 and its SIC code is 3585.