India Ice Cream Market Growth Analysis - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The India ice cream market reached a value of approximately USD 3.46 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.00% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 14.00 Billion by 2034.

India Ice Cream Market Growth

Manufacturers are innovating with diverse toppings and mixings to elevate their products in the ice cream market in India, aiming for a more upscale appeal and broader consumer appeal. The surge in demand for artisanal ice cream mirrors a consumer shift towards distinctive and high-calibre desserts. Crafted with unique flavours, premium components, and traditional techniques, artisanal ice cream caters to those craving an indulgent and authentic frozen treat experience.

Ice cream, a frozen delicacy comprising milk, sugar, cream, eggs, fruits, and flavourings, often incorporates stabilisers like gluten to maintain a velvety consistency. Its hallmark smooth and airy texture is achieved through swift agitation during freezing to prevent the formation of large ice crystals.

INVEST India reports that India has become a leading global producer of fruits, with an array including mango, banana, guava, papaya, sapota, pomegranate, and lime. This abundance, second only to vegetables, is a key driver of the fruit ice cream market. Classic flavours like vanilla, chocolate, raspberry, strawberry, and butterscotch continue to be cherished by ice cream enthusiasts.

Several factors propel the growth of the ice cream market size in India, including its accessibility through diverse distribution channels, the rising demand for healthier options featuring natural ingredients, and the proliferation of ice cream parlours.

Key Trends and Developments

Rising disposable incomes, retail and distribution channels, and premium and innovative flavours and health-conscious offerings are impacting the ice cream market trend in India.

April 12, 2024

Havmor, an ice cream brand owned by LOTTE Wellfood Co Ltd, launched new flavours before the summer heatwave, catering to evolving tastes with classic and innovative blends for a delightful experience.

February 17, 2024

NIC Honestly Crafted Ice Creams has introduced its latest offering, NIC Waffle Cones. These crispy cones perfectly complemented NIC's ice creams, maintaining quality through vacuum packing for freshness and crunch.

January 12, 2024

DFIL unveiled INFINO, a premium ice cream brand in India, targeting the expanding market. Teaming up with Liqvd Asia (LA), DFIL orchestrated INFINO's full-scale marketing, presenting a variety of international flavours.

December 23, 2023

Zimero, an ice cream brand, revealed plans to expand its retail presence with new stores in Bengaluru while simultaneously launching online delivery services in Hyderabad and Mumbai.

Rising Disposable Incomes

Rising disposable incomes empower consumers to invest more in luxuries like premium ice cream, driving market growth and fostering a preference for artisanal varieties.

Retail and Distribution Channels

In India, most ice cream sales occur through retail channels like convenience stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets. Convenience stores lead, while online sales rise via e-commerce and food delivery services.

Premium and Innovative Flavors

Indian consumers increasingly prefer premium ice creams with unique flavours, moving beyond vanilla and chocolate. Flavours like salted caramel, matcha, tiramisu, and exotic fruits are becoming popular, driving innovation.

Health-Conscious Offerings

Rising health awareness drives demand for healthier ice cream options. Consumers seek low-sugar, low-fat, low-calorie, dairy-free, and vegan choices, prompting companies to innovate healthier variants.

India Ice Cream Market Trends/Drivers

Maharashtra, especially cities like Mumbai and Pune, leads India ice cream market share, fuelled by urban disposable incomes and a preference for premium products. Other significant markets include Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, indicating ice cream's nationwide appeal and boosting the ice cream market growth in India.

Karnataka ranks 11th in national milk production, managed mainly by the Karnataka Milk Federation with 43 chilling centres and 23 processing plants, according to a December 2021 report by the Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing & Export Corporation Limited (KAPPEC).

Advances in cold chain logistics and temperature-controlled storage are essential for preserving ice cream quality. Improved distribution networks enable ice cream to reach both urban and rural areas, aiding market expansion.

NABARD's study on India's cold chain infrastructure requires an additional 3.5 million MT of cold storage capacity. Under the Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure scheme, 376 projects have been approved, with 268 operational.

The Indian ice cream market size is set for significant growth, driven by consumer demand for premium products, innovative flavours, healthier options, and enhanced distribution and retail strategies. The market is expected to expand rapidly, reflecting the dynamic preferences of Indian consumers.

India Ice Cream Market Segments

“India Ice Cream Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Impulse Ice Cream
• Take-Home Ice Cream
• Artisanal Ice Cream

Market Breakup by Flavour

• Chocolate
• Fruit
• Vanilla
• Others

Market Breakup by Packaging Type

• Cup
• Stick
• Cone
• Brick
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Retail
• Institutional and HoReCa

Market Breakup by Distributional Channel

• Ice Cream Parlours
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Direct Selling

Market Breakup by Region

• North India
• East and Central India
• West India
• South India

India Ice Cream Market Share

Take-home ice cream drives India ice cream market growth by offering the convenience of enjoying a treat anytime without visiting an ice cream parlour

This is especially attractive to families and individuals who prefer enjoying ice cream at home. Take-home ice cream, available in larger packages, is cost-effective for regular use and group servings. Supermarkets provide a wide selection to meet diverse dietary needs. Designed for extended storage, it offers convenient, long-term enjoyment at home.

Artisanal ice creams, crafted with high-quality natural ingredients, offer unique flavours that attract premium consumers. Customisation provides bespoke experiences, and healthier, organic options appeal to health-conscious buyers. Supporting local artisans strengthens community ties and boosts local economies.

Chocolate drives market growth due to its versatility as a base for various combinations like chocolate fudge, and brownie, or with additional mix-ins such as nuts, caramel, and fruit.

Chocolate ice cream's broad appeal guarantees steady demand and robust sales across all age demographics. Its adaptability allows for a plethora of enticing variations. Often regarded as a high-end offering, it bolsters profitability and provides emotional gratification and indulgence.

Fruit ice cream, positioned as a healthier choice with authentic fruit ingredients, appeals to health-conscious individuals. Offering a diverse array of both familiar and exotic flavours, it caters to a wide range of palates. Refreshing and wholesome, it aligns with clean eating trends and caters to vegan dietary preferences.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets enhance the distribution channel by offering a convenient shopping experience, enabling customers to buy ice cream along with groceries or household items in one location.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets provide an extensive range of ice cream brands, flavours, and packaging choices to suit various tastes. They are easily accessible in urban and rural regions, allowing for convenient shopping, including bulk purchases for family events, often with competitive pricing and promotional offers, contributing to market expansion.

Ice cream parlours allow for personalised orders, offering a distinct atmosphere for customers to relish freshly crafted ice cream while socialising. They frequently showcase premium, handcrafted flavours, contributing to local connections and convenience in meeting cravings.

Leading Manufacturers in the India Ice Cream Market

The ice cream market leader in India specialises in ice cream and frozen food products.

Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd

Established in 1946, headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, it's India's largest milk cooperative, renowned for marketing dairy products under the popular brand "Amul".

Vadilal Industries Ltd

Founded in 1907, with its headquarters in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, it's a prominent player in the Indian market, specialising in the production of ice cream and frozen desserts.

Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt Ltd

Established in 1974, and headquartered in New Delhi, it's a significant contributor to India's dairy sector, offering a wide range of milk, fruit, and vegetable products.

Hindustan Unilever Limited

Founded in 1933, and headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, it's one of India's largest consumer goods companies, manufacturing and distributing a diverse range of household and personal care products.

Other India ice cream market key players in the competitive landscape are Devyani Food Industries Ltd, Graviss Foods Pvt Ltd, Dinshaws Dairy Foods Pvt. Ltd, Havmor Ice Cream Pvt Ltd, Ramani Icecream Company Limited, Dairy Classic Ice Creams Pvt. Ltd. and General Mills Inc. among others.

India Ice Cream Market Analysis by Region

The northern states, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, experience intense summers, leading to increased demand for ice cream. Urban areas here have a higher concentration of ice cream parlours and retail outlets due to dense populations and higher incomes.

In states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, where the climate is consistently warm, there is year-round demand for ice cream. However, the popularity of traditional desserts like kulfi in some southern regions may affect the market share of regular ice cream products thus boosting the ice cream industry in India.

Maharashtra and Gujarat play crucial roles in India's ice cream market, with cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Ahmedabad serving as major consumption centres. The purchasing power of urban areas and the preference for premium ice cream varieties drive ice cream sales in India.

States such as West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand are experiencing increased ice cream consumption due to growing urban populations and rising incomes. However, the market size in these regions may be relatively smaller due to limited organised retail penetration and lower per capita income.

Recent Developments

According to INVEST India, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) focuses on establishing advanced food processing facilities. This initiative is designed as an all-encompassing program that will lead to the development of modern infrastructure and effective supply chain management from the farm gate to retail outlets, enhancing the storage and logistics of ice cream.