Iceland, a British high street frozen food retailer, plans to open its first store in the Falkland Islands in early December, becoming the first UK brand to establish a presence there. The announcement follows recent statements by Argentina's President Javier Milei, who reiterated his country's sovereignty claims over the islands.
Richard Walker, who runs Iceland, stated that the opening is an "important moment for the business and our international aspirations." He added, "We are proud to be backing Britain by becoming the first UK high street retailer to open in the Falkland Islands. The Falklands are a special part of the British family and it’s always been an ambition of mine to support it."
Walker is expected to visit the Falklands to officially open the store, which will be launched in partnership with local retailer Keller Stores. The Iceland store will offer its own-label frozen products alongside brands such as My Protein, Cathedral City, and TGI Fridays.
Iceland operates 960 shops in the UK and approximately 40 internationally, holding about 2.3 percent of the UK grocery market.
President Milei has recently asserted that the Falklands "are Argentinian. Historically and legally." He also suggested that Britain is "on a path of decline" and faces "multiple crises," contrasting this with what he described as Argentina's "flourishing" future.
Milei has also indicated plans to impose sanctions on oil companies operating in the territory and to pursue criminal charges against Israeli energy firm Navitas Petroleum for activities in what Argentina considers its waters.
In response to Argentina's claims, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband affirmed that "The Islands are British and will remain so because that is the overwhelming position of the islanders." Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the UK's commitment to the territory is "absolute and unshakeable."