Sweet Heritage, Frozen in Time
It all began in 1964, when a man with a vision and a love for life’s simple pleasures began crafting handmade ice lollies in Cape Town. That man was Mr. E.D. Harnekar, and his small business, Playtime Lollies, was built on a promise that every treat should bring joy, warmth, and togetherness.
With patience and heart, his ice lollies began to win over families across the city.
A Sweet Beginning
In 1964, visionary founder Mr. E.D. Harnekar established Playtime Lollies in Lansdowne, Cape Town. With the support of his wife and five children, he began producing handmade ice lollies—deliciously refreshing, made with care, and priced so that everyone could enjoy them. His philosophy was simple yet powerful: ice cream should be a joy for all, not a luxury for a few.
The Birth of Gatti
As demand grew in the late 1960s, Playtime expanded, acquiring factories such as Queens Ice Cream and the much-loved Gatti brand, originally founded by an Italian ice cream master with family ties to the legendary Carlo Gatti. Known for timeless flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate, Gatti carried with it a rich European heritage that blended seamlessly with the Harnekar family’s commitment to excellence.
In 1973, the Gatti brand and facility were officially brought under the Harnekar name. By 1976, new flavors and product lines were introduced, marking the start of Gatti’s rise as a household favorite.
A Family Legacy
In 1989, Mr. Harnekar retired, entrusting the business to his children and transforming Gatti into a proud third-generation family enterprise. Even after his passing in 1996, his legacy of quality, affordability, and family spirit lives on in every cone, lolly, and tub produced.
Growth & Innovation
Today, Gatti Ice Cream operates from a 10,000m² facility in Cape Town and employs over 300 dedicated team members. Yet behind every scoop and swirl remains the same heart that started it all — a family’s love, a community’s trust, and a legacy still frozen in time.