Havanna marks 20 years in Brazil with dairy bets
Havanna, an Argentine brand known for dulce de leche and alfajores, reached 20 years of operations in Brazil on August 11, 2026. Its Brazilian portfolio now includes products connected to the dairy sector, alongside the company’s traditional confectionery lines.
The company’s newer growth format is Heladerias Havanna, a network of ice-cream shops introduced in Brazil a year ago. During its first 12 months, Havanna sold 160 franchises under the format. The company estimates that these units will account for a quarter of its Brazilian turnover by 2029.
Adriana Villela, a co-founder and chief growth officer of Havanna Brasil, created the concept. Brazil is the only market in which Havanna operates its own ice-cream-shop model, according to the company.
Havanna is also pursuing what it describes as a wellness strategy, aimed at categories combining taste, convenience and nutritional functions. Its portfolio developed with Danone, Nutrata and Pibe includes protein drinks, whey protein, snack bars, peanut butter, and functional gummies containing creatine or melatonin with dulce de leche flavour.
The company has additionally introduced no-added-sugar versions of established products, including alfajores and dulce de leche. The new items extend Havanna’s activity beyond its conventional confectionery range and into products associated with more balanced consumption.
“Completing 20 years in Brazil reinforces the maturity of our operation and the strength of the brand among consumers and investors. In only one year, Heladeria has shown that there is room for new formats within the Havanna universe and has established itself as an important growth opportunity for the network,” Villela said. “At the same time, the wellness strategy expands our presence into new consumption occasions and creates additional opportunities for franchisees.”
Havanna currently has more than 250 operating units in Brazil. Its expansion plan is focused on state capitals and medium-sized cities in the country’s main states.
