Brema

Brema Ice Makers has operated as a leading specialist in professional ice-making technology since its founding in 1985 by Cesare Maroli. Based in Villa Cortese, Italy, near Milan, the brand established itself through a singular focus on ice as a raw material, treating its production with the same culinary rigor as food preparation. In a significant strategic shift in July 2022, Brema was acquired by the Hoshizaki Corporation, a move that integrated the Italian brand’s value-priced machinery with Hoshizaki’s high-end global portfolio to create a comprehensive ecosystem for the hospitality and food processing sectors.

The brand's technical identity is anchored by its commitment to mechanical simplicity and "Made in Italy" engineering. Unlike many modern competitors that rely heavily on complex digital boards, many Brema units utilize a reliable electromechanical system, featuring a dual-thermostat and timer configuration that simplifies field maintenance and reduces long-term repair costs. A hallmark of their design is the sprayer system, which utilizes a horizontal evaporator where pure water is sprayed upward to form crystal-clear cubes, while mineral-rich residue is collected and flushed at the end of each cycle. This process ensures that only the highest-quality water molecules bond to the ice, resulting in the "Gourmet" cubes favored by premium bars and restaurants.

Environmental sustainability is a core pillar of Brema’s modern industrial design, evidenced by their early transition to natural refrigerants. The brand’s current catalog extensively utilizes R290 (propane), a refrigerant with near-zero global warming potential and high thermal efficiency. Their diverse product range is categorized by ice type to suit specific functional needs, including the CB series (gourmet cubes), the GB series (granular ice for display), and the Muster series (sub-cooled flat scales for industrial fish processing). For the specialty beverage market, the B-Qube line provides perfectly square, slow-melting ice designed specifically for the aesthetic and dilution requirements of modern mixology.

The strategic value of Brema lies in its massive international reach, distributing to over 120 countries through a robust network of partners like Eurodib in North America and Middleby in the United Kingdom. By utilizing AISI 304 stainless steel with a "Scotch Brite" finish and high-density, HCFC-free insulation, Brema equipment provides a durable, energy-efficient foundation for high-volume environments. Supported by the logistical scale of Hoshizaki and a library of over 20 proprietary patents, the brand remains a primary partner for operators seeking a balance of artisanal ice quality and industrial-grade reliability.