THE HISTORY OF GLACIAL

THE HISTORY OF GLACIAL

Alcolado Glacial is one of those Curaçaoan products that is known everywhere you go on the island. It is a product loved by all and has been widely used on the island for generations. Although the product has found different uses throughout the years, it continues to be an indispensable product that a household cannot go without. Don’t you agree?

But what is the history of Alcolado Glacial? Why was this product created? And what has made this product one of Curaçao’s most important and successful products? Read this article and let’s go back in time to celebrate the history of Alcolado Glacial together.

Alcolado Glacial is born

In the 1940s, a pharmacist in Curaçao was looking for an alternative to an after-shave lotion. That pharmacist, of whom we don’t have many details, experimented with various products and different ingredients until he eventually devised the recipe for Alcolado Glacial. The pharmacist noticed that, although he did not devise the after-shave lotion he initially set out to produce, the created product did have many refreshing qualities. After this, he approached Curaçao Laboratories and sold them the recipe. 

The name Alcolado Glacial was chosen because Alcolado means cold and Glacial is a mass of ice. So the name Alcolado Glacial represents a strong cold front…and what better companion for this than a penguin? An interesting detail about this is that, even though the penguin is very well-known and has become one of the main pillars of the Alcolado Glacial brand, a name was never chosen for him. If Curaçao Laboratories were to ask you to give the penguin a name, which name would you choose?

Alcolado Glacial in the Curaçaoan community

Starting in 1948, Curaçao Laboratories started producing and selling Alcolado Glacial in large quantities. When production started it was not clear just how important this product would become among the Curaçaoan public. But what was clear, however, was that this product was destined to play a major role in relieving and combating the extreme heat we often experience on the island. The product gradually found use among both young and old and became an indispensable household product. Because the majority of the population did not have air conditioning at home, it became a habit to pour a little bit of Alcolado Glacial in the water while bathing to feel refreshed for longer. This is how the Alcolado Glacial became known as the ‘air conditioning in a bottle.’

In addition to using it for refreshment, regular users of Alcolado Glacial started using it for, among other things, headaches, congestion, coughing, muscle pains, and to relieve itching from mosquito bites. This is how Alcolado Glacial became part of the daily routine for many in Curaçao. Another factor that contributed to Glacial’s growth over the years was its continuous output of expertly executed commercials and promotional activities. Nowadays you can see Glacial refreshing people on the street, in ads at different supermarkets, holding great raffles on social media, and much more. But who of the older generation remembers the time when Mr. Angel Job would use his Alcolado Glacial on his “Show di Job” tv show on channel 8? This show gave a great boost to Glacial’s brand visibility in Curaçao and greatly contributed to its growth. 

Alcolado Glacial abroad

It is with great pride that we say that, after many years of hard work and support from our local population, Alcolado Glacial has achieved global recognition. Our products are now exported to over 25 countries around the world.

Plans for the future

Alcolado Glacial plans to continue refreshing you and make you feel better in bad times. We also plan to continue developing high-quality products that can accompany you in your daily life, such as our Hand Sanitizer and Glacial Rub. Other products Glacial aims to put on the market will be similar personal care products that are, of course, refreshing. What other products would you like to see from Glacial?  

See more!