Italian ice cream brand Fiorgelato plans to expand its footprint in the Philippines.

It says it will open another 20 stores this year nationwide.

The Fiorgelato business in the Philippines is run by Milkin Corporation, a company established under a Filipino-Italian joint venture.

Milkin president and CEO Richie Cuna said the openings are part of the company’s effort to achieve its targets as indicated in its 25-year program.

“We may have encountered challenges in the past 20 years but we are not distracted from our mission and vision,” said Cuna.

Fiorgelato stores are located within major malls across the country such as SM Malls and Robinsons.