Keeping The Territory Cool

Penguin Ice is the largest ice supplier in the Northern Territory and has been keeping Territorians cool for over half a century, providing emergency support since Cyclone Tracy in 1974.

Whilst the name will be recognised by most, the business has seen a major overhaul in recent times and has emerged as a Territory household name under the direction of Darwin-born Managing Director and NT Young Achiever Small Business finalist, Nathan Cooper.

Being the only locally owned and operated ice manufacturer in Darwin, Penguin Ice is committed to employing locally and supporting local community groups.

“Supporting local business has many advantages,” said Nathan. “Instead of money flowing outside of the Territory, money circulates back into the local economy, supporting other local businesses and ensuring more jobs are available for local residents.”

Their well-known 5kg tube ice bags with a handle for ease of transportation and longer lasting 4kg block ice products are a favourite with the locals and have likely made an appearance on your recent camping, fishing, BBQ or outdoor adventures. All packaging is fully LDPE4 food-approved recyclable plastic, helping to reduce their carbon footprint.

Penguin Ice also supplies major events in the NT including Bass In The Grass and the V8 Supercars, as well as supplying a range of businesses from major multinationals including Woolworths, Coles, BWS, Liquorland, BP and Cellarbrations to smaller local events, corner stores and local commercial fishermen.

Selling a frozen product in the Territory might seem easy but manufacturing and storing in the harsh weather conditions of the Top End is an ongoing challenge. There is considerable infrastructure behind the scenes that goes into making a single bag of ice. Strict criteria and testing procedures, alongside sophisticated automated handling processes which ensures ice is formed, bagged and sealed without any human contact for the highest quality product. With a manufacturing capacity of 70 tonnes per day, Penguin Ice also has a cold store capable of holding up to five days of production as a back-up to ensure the eski will never be empty.

And for the most important question, what would we find in Nathan’s own eski?

“You will most likely find a few cans of Brookvale Union Ginger Beer, bottle of Grey Goose vodka, soda water, fresh limes and of course, Penguin Ice.”

08 8984 4402

Cnr Steel & Cato Sts Darwin

www.penguinicesales.com.au