About Us
Holiday Ice has been family-owned and operated since 1974. Everyone at Holiday Ice is committed to the safety and satisfaction of our employees and customers, from the products we produce to the services we provide.
In 1974, it all started with one 15-ton ice maker and a pickup truck. Today, with two ice plants and four distribution centers, Holiday Ice has the capability to produce almost 500 tons of ice per day to best serve customers in Virginia and North Carolina.
Holiday Ice Mission Statement
Holiday Ice Inc. and its employees will always strive to produce the highest-quality packaged ice products and services by providing a sound workplace, continuously reinvesting in our facilities, and constantly re-evaluating our processes. We will be good stewards of the environment around us and work to support the charities and needs of the communities in which we live and work.
History
Holiday Ice began operations under the vision and leadership of Jim Russell Sr. in 1974. At that time, he recognized the need for packaged ice in the local community of Suffolk, Va., and he felt that it would be a good complement to his home heating oil business and growing convenience store chain.
The company began by operating from a 30’ x 50’ freezer panel building with 15 tons of daily production and one pickup truck to make deliveries.
As sales for packaged ice grew and the demand for services expanded beyond the usual routes, the decision was made to increase production and fleet operations accordingly. In the early 90’s, two sons returned to the business to help Jim push the business to the next level. 2005, the company opened a new, state-of-the-art ice manufacturing facility. This facility could produce 170 tons of packaged ice daily using the most advanced packaging equipment available. Sales steadily grew and outpaced production again, so an additional 100 tons per day capacity was added in 2007. Customer demand for Holiday Ice’s extreme level of service and quality products forced the company to move into additional markets. From 2010 through 2016, Holiday made several acquisitions that enabled the company to reach new markets to the west of Tidewater and strengthen operations in North Carolina to enhance customer service and satisfy the requirements of its growing customer base. Today, Holiday Ice operates from 2 production facilities and five distribution centers in 2 states. The Russells still maintain ownership of the company, but we consider all our team members “family.”
Why Holiday Ice?
“All Ice Should Be This Safe”
We believe that most people today ASSUME that the products they purchase for consumption are safe. While it is true that many packaged ice companies have some sort of “basic” water treatment, it is also true that many do not. Unfortunately, most people believe all contaminants and impurities are removed once you freeze water. This is not true, and further information about ice contamination can be obtained by viewing SAFEICE.ORG.
A closer look at the level of commitment to customer satisfaction and quality products shared by all of the employees at Holiday Ice should answer the question of why you need Holiday Ice.
For starters, our ice goes through rigorous tests and filtration to ensure only the best, cleanest, most pure product is put into our bags.
Filtration
Our water comes from both the local municipal water supply and local wells. We then run it through a 10 micron filter, a 5 micron filter, and a process called Reverse Osmosis filtration. Once the water passes through the RO filter, it passes through an Ultraviolet light filter before being suitable for freezing and final product packaging.
Audits And Testing
All packaged ice products are tested monthly (at minimum) by outside testing agencies. Our plants are inspected frequently by auditors such as the FDA, the Local Health Department, NFS, and IPIA (International Packaged Ice Association).
Food Safety Training
All key employees must participate in Food Safety training classes provided by professional agencies yearly. All production employees attend bi-annual Food Safety and Personal Hygiene classes. All employees receive Food Safety and Security training on an annual basis before attending work. Each production facility maintains its own Food Safety Manager on site.
Our Commitment
We are committed to providing our employees with a safe and satisfactory working environment. Using technology and the best management policies and procedures, we will only produce the best products and deliver world-class services to our customers.
Community Involvement
Holiday Ice is actively involved in supporting the community through a variety of events and initiatives. They contribute to the Toys For Tots Foundation, Families of Autism Coming Together (F.A.C.T.), Hog Farmers Charitable Foundation (for childhood cancer), Virginia Peninsula Food Bank, Ducks Unlimited, NWTF, Suffolk Historical Society, NCBBA, Virginia Gentleman’s Foundation, Wounded Warrior Foundation, Suffolk Ruritans, Metro Richmond Flying Squad, National Night Out, and The Alzheimer’s Association. Holiday Ice is committed to continuing their support for these and other local events, aiming to enhance community well-being and make local communities a better place for everyone.
