Market Overview:

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, "Ice Cream Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2026-2034", The global ice cream market size was valued at USD 80.9 Billion in 2025. The market is projected to reach USD 105.6 Billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 2.90% from 2026-2034.

This detailed analysis primarily encompasses industry size, business trends, market share, key growth factors, and regional forecasts. The report offers a comprehensive overview and integrates research findings, market assessments, and data from different sources. It also includes pivotal market dynamics like drivers and challenges, while also highlighting growth opportunities, financial insights, technological improvements, emerging trends, and innovations. Besides this, the report provides regional market evaluation, along with a competitive landscape analysis.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Ice Cream Market

AI optimizes ice cream supply chains by analyzing weather data for accurate demand forecasts, reducing waste by up to 12% through precise inventory management.
Unilever's AI-enabled freezers now monitor 100,000 cabinets globally, with plans to reach 350,000 by end of 2025, using image recognition to track stock levels and boost sales by 30%.
Companies like The Magnum Ice Cream Company partner with NotCo's Giuseppe AI platform to solve complex formulation challenges and develop innovative plant-based alternatives faster.
AI-driven flavor development allows ice cream makers to create personalized nutrition options, with robotic machines offering 24/7 operation and customized flavor combinations.
Smart IoT-enabled ice cream machines reduce operational downtime by 20% through predictive maintenance, while energy-efficient compressors cut energy use by 35% in commercial settings.

Download a sample PDF of this report: https://www.imarcgroup.com/ice-cream-market/requestsample

Key Trends in the Ice Cream Market

Rising Demand for Plant-Based and Vegan Options: Consumer shift toward health and sustainability drives vegan ice cream demand, with searches increasing 134% from August 2024 to August 2025. Plant-based innovations will grow at 10% CAGR through 2030. Oatly expanded with oat-based ice cream pints in 2024, while Ben & Jerry's launched CBD-infused varieties in 2025.
Premium and Artisanal Ice Cream Surge: Health-conscious consumers seek indulgent treats made with organic ingredients and unique flavors. About 70% of U.S. consumers enjoy desserts weekly, averaging 23 pounds of ice cream annually. Häagen-Dazs introduced limited-edition flavors featuring yuzu and black sesame in 2024, driving premiumization trends.
Impulse Ice Cream Dominates Market: Single-serve treats like sticks, cones, and bars lead with 46.2% market share, catering to on-the-go consumption. Branded freezers encourage impulse purchases, with Cornetto cones popular in Asia and Mini Drumsticks in North America. The foodservice sector holds 55.2% market share.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices: Ice cream manufacturers adopt biodegradable packaging and carbon-neutral operations. Green packaging market valued at USD 271.2 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 415.3 billion by 2033 at 4.35% CAGR. PepsiCo targets 100% sustainable sourcing while manufacturers focus on fair-trade practices.
E-Commerce and Digital Retail Growth: Online platforms make ice cream more accessible, with delivery apps enabling convenient purchases. Supermarkets hold 38.9% of global sales, while digital retailing and food delivery platforms like Uber Eats expand year-round availability, particularly in markets like South Korea.

Growth Factors in the Ice Cream Market

Increasing Disposable Income and Urbanization: Rising incomes in emerging markets drive demand for premium ice cream. About 75% of global consumers prefer indulgent frozen desserts, with 60% seeking premium ingredients. India's 100% FDI in single-brand retail facilitates global brand entry, boosting market growth.
Product Innovation and Flavor Diversification: Companies introduce innovative flavors and functional ingredients. Beyond traditional vanilla and chocolate, exotic options like matcha, lavender, and black sesame gain traction. Functional gelato enriched with vitamins, probiotics, and antioxidants attracts health-conscious consumers seeking added benefits.
Expansion of Distribution Channels: Modern retail formats including supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online stores enhance accessibility. Walmart increased ice cream shelf space by 30%, while specialty stores hold 22.5% market share. Cold-chain logistics improvements maintain product quality even in remote locations.
Health-Conscious Formulations: Growing awareness of health issues drives demand for low-sugar, reduced-fat, and lactose-free options. Breyers Delights introduced keto-friendly and sugar-free ice creams in 2024. Nestlé launched reduced-sugar Häagen-Dazs range using advanced sweetener technology, cutting sugar by 40% while maintaining flavor.
Seasonal and Limited-Edition Releases: Seasonal flavors and promotional products create consumer excitement and drive sales. Limited-edition launches by major brands generate social media buzz, with 40% positive mentions for sustainable products. Companies leverage cultural events and celebrations to boost consumption.

We explore the factors driving the growth of the market, including technological advancements, consumer behaviors, and regulatory changes, along with emerging ice cream market trends.

Leading Companies Operating in the Global Ice Cream Industry:

Amul (GCMMF)
Blue Bell Creameries
Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
Danone S.A.
General Mills Inc.
LOTTE Wellfood Co. Ltd. (LOTTE Group)
Nestlé S.A.
SmithFoods Inc.
Unilever PLC
Wells Enterprises

Ice Cream Market Report Segmentation:

Breakup By Flavor:

Vanilla
Chocolate
Fruit
Others

Chocolate accounts for the majority of shares with 45.3% market share due to its timeless appeal across all demographics and regions.

Breakup By Category:

Impulse Ice Cream
Take-Home Ice Cream
Artisanal Ice Cream

Impulse ice cream dominates the market with 46.2% share on account of increasing preference for convenient, on-the-go single-serve treats.

Breakup By Product:

Cup
Stick
Cone
Brick
Tub
Others

Cartons lead ice cream packaging with 35.4% share, driven by eco-friendly appeal and association with premium, family-sized products.

Breakup By Distribution Channel:

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores
Ice Cream Parlors
Online Stores
Others

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets represents the leading market segment with 37.7% share due to wide product offerings and accessibility.

Breakup By Region:

North America (United States, Canada)
Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)
Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)
Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)
Middle East and Africa

Europe enjoys the leading position with 39.4% market share owing to entrenched consumption culture, robust dairy industry, and preference for artisanal, high-quality ice cream.

Recent News and Developments in Ice Cream Market

January 2025: Unilever announced plans to spin off its ice cream division, including Ben & Jerry's and Breyers brands, with plans for a New York listing by end of 2025.
January 2025: General Mills launched "Nature's Scoop," a new frozen dessert brand featuring organic, allergen-free ingredients catering to millennials and Gen Z prioritizing transparency and wellness.
November 2024: Nestlé introduced a reduced-sugar ice cream range under Häagen-Dazs label using advanced sweetener technology, cutting sugar by 40% while maintaining rich flavor.
October 2024: Unilever expanded its ice cream snacking portfolio with Magnum Bon Bon range, joining Ben & Jerry's 'Peaces' pouches and Yasso 'Poppables'.
2024: Oatly expanded its product line with oat-based ice cream pints to meet rising demand for vegan-friendly options in the plant-based dairy market.

Note: If you require specific details, data, or insights that are not currently included in the scope of this report, we are happy to accommodate your request. As part of our customization service, we will gather and provide the additional information you need, tailored to your specific requirements. Please let us know your exact needs, and we will ensure the report is updated accordingly to meet your expectations.

About Us:

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world's most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provide a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

Contact Us:

IMARC Group

134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

Tel No:(D) +91 120 433 0800

United States: +1-201971-6302