The craft ice industry has come a long way from its cocktail-bar-only roots. What was once an exclusive offering reserved for high-end mixologists is now finding its way into home freezers across the country — and one company leading that retail charge is Lux Ice. As the craft ice landscape continues to evolve, we think it's worth understanding who the key players are and how they're shaping the way people think about ice. Here's a closer look at Lux Ice, what they offer, and where they fit in the broader market.
Who Is Lux Ice?
Lux Ice was founded in 2020 by Shawn and Noelle Kilcoyne in Pennsylvania. What started as a regional operation delivering to grocery stores in the Philadelphia area and parts of New Jersey has since grown into a nationally distributed brand, now headquartered in Flower Mound, Texas. The company focuses on producing crystal-clear, slow-melt craft ice spheres and cubes at scale — bringing a product once exclusive to upscale bars and restaurants into mainstream retail settings.
In 2023, Lux Ice became the first craft ice company to earn accreditation from the International Packaged Ice Association (IPIA), a food-safety certification that validates the quality and consistency of their manufacturing process.
What Does Lux Ice Offer?
Lux Ice's core product line centers on two premium ice shapes:
- Spheres (2.36") – the classic cocktail sphere, designed to melt slowly and minimize dilution
- Cubes (2") – a slightly smaller format with gently beveled edges, suited for a wide range of glassware
Their consumer packs come in 6-count resealable bags, aimed at the at-home entertainer who wants to elevate a weekend drink without the setup of a full ice program.
Who Do They Serve?
Lux Ice's primary target is the retail consumer market. Their products are positioned in the frozen food aisles and premium freezer sections of supermarkets, alongside cocktail mixers and frozen beverages. Their retail footprint includes major chains such as Wegmans, Total Wine & More, ShopRite, Giant, Hannaford, Publix, Kroger, H-E-B, and a growing number of others across the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Southeast, Texas, and Midwest.
While they do have a foodservice-focused offering, Lux Ice's go-to-market strategy is primarily built around packaged retail distribution — getting craft ice into the hands of home consumers at scale.
Geographic Reach
Lux Ice has pursued a national footprint. From its roots in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the brand has expanded coast to coast, with a particularly strong presence in the Southeast and Sun Belt markets. While their products are available in Northeast retailers — including several that serve the New York metro and tri-state area the brand operates as a national wholesale/retail supplier rather than as a locally focused, direct-service provider.
A Mission Beyond Ice
One distinguishing element of the Lux Ice brand is their "Ice for Good" initiative. The company frames their purpose around what they call I.C.E. — Investing in our Communities and Employees. Their manufacturing workforce is sourced in partnership with The Storehouse, a nonprofit that provides English language training and employment pathways for legal immigrants. All of Lux Ice's ice crafters come through that program and are paid living wages with benefits. It's a notable differentiator in an industry not known for mission-driven branding.
A Different Kind of Craft Ice
Lux Ice represents one important direction in the craft ice industry: scalable retail distribution that makes premium ice accessible to consumers at home. It's a model built on volume, wide availability, and the convenience of grabbing a bag at your local grocery or wine shop.
At Wolfe & Kensington, we operate from a different premise entirely. We're a locally rooted, direct-service craft ice company based in New Jersey, built specifically to serve the bars, restaurants, events, and venues of New York City and the tri-state area. Our focus is on fresh-made, locally delivered clear ice — crafted here, delivered to you. As the craft ice market grows and more consumers come to appreciate what premium ice can do for a drink, we think there's room for both approaches — and we're proud to be the local option for those who want something made close to home, with hands-on service to match.
Wolfe & Kensington is a New Jersey-based craft ice company serving NYC and the tri-state area. We specialize in clear, slow-melt ice for bars, restaurants, hotels, and private events. Get in touch to learn more about our delivery programs.