TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Etna ice cream

We have been looking around the island for our favourite ice cream and no luck.
I finally assked at the store and theyy told me it was closed. I Googled it and apparently they were shut down for some serious noncompliance with the health code. I searched TTOL and had no results so I thought I should pass it on.

I do not know whether it was voluntary, or as a result of health code violations. However, what I have heard is that they did close down for some upgrades to equipment, etc., but they are supposed to resume production soon.

Good. It is some of the best ice cream I have ever had. Hope they are back by February.

They are closed, and some of the locals say it will not reopen. Owner wants to retire and has not found a buyer. They were shut down because of Health Code, but not because of violations, but because the health code was changed (updated) and their equipment did not meet standards. Hoping it will reopen, but not holding my breath.

OK, thanks for the corrected info. I had read that he was in the process of reopening, which I guess was wrong. I hope it does reopen, as it would be a big loss..

From JMB 11/20/2016:

My DH would be heartbroken if he couldn't get his twice a year fix of Rhum Raisin.....one of the first items that goes on our Shop n Drop order. Just sayin' <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Exactly <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Hey, someone always seems to be looking for a business venture there, here it is for those looking. OOps, it looks like it is back in business soon, lucky for all of us. We didn't buy any for our last visit so I didn't know it was out of business, but will look for it next time we visit.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Hope this is true!! The only problem is that the installation of the machine will be on St Martin time, so it could be a few months.

Update.....A friend on the Island talked to the owner. They have received the machine part and plan to fix it by next week (that is, IF this is the part that will get things going again).

Etna is back in business. It may take some time for distribution to get up to speed but some places have it. Call Amsterdam Cheese shop for a way to contact them and find out where you can get it. They have Etna ice cream now but in small cups.

Great! Thanks for the info Bob!

I e-mailed and asked where I could find their ice cream. Here is the response.


It's a very long story. After 37 years of production the new French inspector closed us on 1 July for insufficient documentation, read bureaucracy. Eventually we were allowed to reopen 28 October after much back and forth with the officials. When my husband turned the ice cream making machine to work after four months it wasn't getting cold enough to make the ice cream. After a month of trouble shooting and awaiting replacement parts from Italy, today my husband was finally able to make a trial run. If all the king are worked out there will be ice cream in the supermarkets by the end of the week.

We do have a limited supply of ice cream in quarts and pints, sans coffee and choclate. You are welcome to come to the factory for purchase if you like. We may be closed on Thursday. So now you know the story. Thanks for your inquiry. Best regards, Betty Smiroldo

Best of luck…love your product.

How do I find this factory? Someone said it's in Rambeau?

Today, Etna Ice Cream is made at St. Louis Corner, Rambaud, near the foot of Pic Paradis on French St. Martin. Their website is etnaicecresm.com and has contact information. I am going to check them out next week when I am on the island. I have been eating their ice cream for years and it beats anything else I have tried.

Yeah! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> We were getting really concerned for our annual February trip. Have been partaking of this great product from the 1980's when the Etna Ice Cream Parlor was open in Marina Royale. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

ty for that info DougK37614.

The website is actually etnaicecream.com.

My apologies. Even lists all their flavors.

We found the factory and then chased down one of the owners from Rambaud to Cupecoy. We finally caught up with Betty at the Rendez Vous loune where they sell Etna but only in cups. Apparently they are still having problems with their new equipment and will not be in full production for awhile. They may have to have a tech from Italy set up the equipment as the local help seems lost. We are heading back to the factory tomorrow to hopefully buy some.

Thanks for your continued updates. I admire your gumption, as I think I would definitely have given up by now!!!

Give up on getting a "fix" of Etna? Surely, you gest, Carol <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

I like it ok, but I think you LOVE it, a lot! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Despite the traffic due to construction, made it to the St Louis street but didn't find Etna!

Anyone know the house number (not on the website) and/or other identifying marks?

thanks!

They do not have a store at their location. We bumped into Betty at Cupecoy and she gave us a time to come by when she would be there.
Try e-mailing her to get directions and a time. The e-mail on the website works. Persistence paid off for us and we have two quarts in our freezer.