Our History

Long before ice cream became a household treat, our grandparents were already crafting it with love and patience. From a modest dairy in Novaliches to a brand now enjoyed both in the Philippines and abroad — in places like the U.S. and the Middle East — the journey of Arce Dairy is one of heritage, hard work, and heart. This is more than our history — it’s the story of how family, faith, and flavor shaped who we are today. And through it all, we’ve remained true to our roots, becoming the only Filipino-owned commercial ice cream brand of its kind — handcrafted, heritage-rich, and proudly ours.

1935

Where It All Began

Our story begins in 1935, when our grandparents, Don Ramon Arce Sr. and Doña Carmen C. Arce, opened our family’s very first dairy plant in Novaliches, Quezon City. Back then, everything was simple — fresh carabao’s milk, time-tested methods, and a deep belief that food made with care could bring people together.

1938

Manila Gets a Taste

By 1938, the demand for our milk and ice cream had grown so much that our Selecta Milk and Ice Cream Plant moved to Lepanto Street in Manila, reaching more families through our Selecta restaurant on Ascarraga (now C.M. Recto) and Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard).

1952

The Little Taster Becomes the Craftsman

Our father, Mauro “Moring” Arce, had been our grandmother’s “little taster” since he could barely see over the counter. He took the reins, building the Balintawak plant and perfecting recipes with instinct and passion.

1960s–1970s

Passing the Torch

As children, we watched and learned. Our eldest brother, Faustito “Tito” Arce (+), began formulating ice cream with our father when he was just 16. He studied not only under our grandfather, but also with the help of professional chemists. Together, they preserved the art — and soul — of our craft.

1990s

A Name We Could Call Our Own

When parts of our family sold the Selecta brand, our father, Moring retained the original plant, the recipes, and the uncompromising spirit. In 1995, we relaunched ArceFoods Corporation, proudly putting the family name on every label — giving birth to ArceDairy. Faustito “Tito” Arce, became the Company’s Managing Director, fully assisted by our siblings Mauro Arce JR (Jun) (+) , Rodolfo (Rudy) S. Arce (+), and Eloisa (Elsie) Arce- Romero.

True Ice Cream, Always
We never took shortcuts. Every batch is made with 100% fresh carabao’s milk — no substitutes, no compromises. This dedication made Arce Dairy the only Filipino ice cream manufacturer recognized by the USFDA as true ice cream.

1999–2011

A Sweet Harvest of Awards

From 1999 to 2011, our ice cream earned recognition across the country:

  • Dangal ng Bayan (1999) – Outstanding Ice Cream Product
  • Millennium Excellence Award (2001) – Most Outstanding Ice Cream Brand
  • Consumers Union Hall of Fame (2003) – Outstanding Quality Ice Cream
  • Golden Globe for Business Excellence (2007) – Best Sugar-Free Ice Cream
  • Gawad Parangal QC (2011) – The Country’s Premier Quality Ice Cream Maker

These honors filled us with pride, but no award mattered more than seeing our tubs on your tables— part of your stories, your celebrations, and your everyday moments.

Today

Today, under the leadership of Ariel Ramon Arce, firstborn son of Tito, as President, and Edwin Arce, youngest brother of Tito, as Vice President. Arce Dairy remains the only wholly Filipino-owned commercial ice cream brand of its kind — handcrafted, heritage-rich, and made with integrity from farm to freezer.

Ariel initiated a radical improvement in Arce Dairy's operations, including the expansion of their fleet of freezer trucks, streamlining costs, and modernizing systems and processes. Professionalizing the family business further, Ariel and Edwin began importing Arce Dairy in the international market including the U.S. and the Middle East.

THE HEART BEHIND THE BRAND

At Arce Dairy, our story has always been about more than ice cream. For nearly a century, we’ve treated our people as family, knowing that the love they put into their work is what makes every scoop special. Behind every tub are stories of loyalty, compassion, and community — values that have defined us as much as our heritage flavors.

  • Homes Built on Trust

    Many of our employees have been with us for more than 25 years. To support them, we provide housing within our Balintawak factory — creating not just a workplace, but a true community where families grow alongside the brand.

  • Opportunities for Families

    At Arce Dairy, care extends beyond our employees. Spouses are encouraged to run small businesses within the community — from barbecue stalls to food kiosks — ensuring that families thrive together.

  • Feeding with Heart

    Food is love. That’s why feeding programs and daily meal support have always been part of our culture — a simple tradition that keeps our extended family nourished and cared for.

  • Emergency & Community Assistance

    When challenges arise — illnesses, calamities, or family emergencies — the Arce family stands by its people. From medical help to financial aid, and even simple fundraising, bayanihan has always been the Arce way.

  • Employee Loyalty & Generations of Service

    Many of our team members have devoted decades of service, with some passing the legacy to their children. This generational loyalty is a rare treasure — proof that Arce Dairy isn’t just a workplace, but a true home.

Arce Dairy: The heart behind the brand

Leadership Today

At Arce Dairy, leadership has always been a family calling. Today, the tradition continues under the guidance of Ariel Ramon Arce, President and firstborn son of Faustito “Tito” Arce, and Edwin Arce, Vice President and youngest brother of Tito.

More than executives, they are hands-on stewards of the brand — carrying forward the values of integrity, quality, and Filipino pride that have defined Arce Dairy for generations. From factory floors to community partnerships, Ariel and Edwin ensure that every scoop reflects the promise their family has upheld since 1935: there is no compromise for quality.