Baskin-Robbins, the beloved international ice cream and cake specialty shop, is stirring excitement with a new collaboration that has fans buzzing. The brand recently took to their official account on X (formerly Twitter) to tease an integration with the beloved anime series, ONE PIECE, slated to introduce a range of ice cream flavors inspired by the fantastical Devil Fruits. The launch of this enticing partnership is set for April 2025.
On March 24, 2025, Baskin-Robbins Japan unveiled a teaser image featuring Luffy's iconic devil fruit, which could hint at one of the new flavors. The tweet implied that this collaboration is one of many partnerships between Toei Animation's legendary series and various global brands, making it an exciting venture for fans of both the anime and the ice cream franchise. Previous collaborations have included partnerships with major names like LEGO, the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, and Borussia Dortmund, a prominent German football club.
The collaboration is expected to roll out within Japan, and further details are anticipated to be revealed soon. This follows a recent height of activity for the ONE PIECE franchise, which has rapidly expanded its reach through partnerships across diverse industries. For instance, a collaboration with Borussia Dortmund was announced during Anime Japan 2025, featuring mascots from the football club interacting with the ONE PIECE characters.
As fans look forward to the new ice cream flavors, excitement mingles with some trepidation. Remembering the series' depiction of Devil Fruits, which are notorious for their unpalatable taste, some fans express skepticism about how accurate the ice cream's flavor might be. “This might be a problem then, they all taste horribly,” joked one fan. Another noted, “The one who came up with the idea of ice cream with devil fruit flavors definitely didn't read the manga or didn't watch the anime.” Despite these concerns, many fans remain optimistic about the flavors, eagerly speculating what the final products will entail.
The ONE PIECE anime series has a massive following and is known for its adventurous storylines and unforgettable characters. The upcoming flavor release is anticipated to coincide with the anime's return on April 6, 2025, when the saga continues with the debut of Egghead Island Part 2, heralded by a special 83-minute recap that precedes Episode 1123 on April 5, 2025. The return of the anime series is sure to build further momentum for this collaboration.
Baskin-Robbins itself has a rich history, having been founded in 1945 in California by brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins. Originally, the shop aimed to offer a staggering 31 flavors, one for each day of the month—a concept that remains firm even today, reflected in its global branding and outreach. Now owned by the same parent company as Dunkin', they boast an expansive network of over 7,800 stores across more than 50 countries, continuously evolving their offerings to include over 1,400 flavors, including exciting vegan and non-dairy options.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming collaboration, fans are reminded of how successful ONE PIECE has been in marketing itself through strategic partnerships. The franchise's quick succession of collaborations demonstrates its relevance and ability to engage a variety of audiences—from sports to animation enthusiasts. The idea of Devil Fruit ice cream flavors has undoubtedly captured the imagination of fans and observers alike, fostering a vibrant dialogue about both the anime series and the creative possibilities that come from such collaborations.
Ultimately, the partnership between Baskin-Robbins and ONE PIECE is more than just a marketing venture. It encapsulates a cultural moment that blends anime and popular consumer products, allowing fans to engage with the series in yet another exciting way. Set to launch in April, this project will entertain and challenge taste buds, all while connecting fans of the series to the joyous experience of enjoying ice cream. More surprises from this collaboration are expected to unfold soon.
