PUBLISHER: Global Insight Services | PRODUCT CODE: 1916360
PUBLISHER: Global Insight Services | PRODUCT CODE: 1916360
Ice Cream Market is anticipated to expand from $98.7 billion in 2025 to $149.3 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of approximately 4.1%. In 2024, the ice cream production remained robust with major contributions from the U.S and the European Union (EU). According to the Eurostat, around 3.2 billion litres of ice cream was produced in the EU nations in 2023 - a small decline of 1.4% from 2022, due to the market normalization after the COVID-19 pandemic related demand shifts. In terms of ice cream production, Germany led with 612 million litres, followed by France and Italy with 568 million litres and 527 million litres, respectively. The U.S. produced approximately 4.96 billion litres in 2024, as per the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). The ice cream industry generates $11.6 billion in economic impact, supports 26,704 direct jobs, and delivers $1.9 billion in wages in the U.S.
The importance of international trade is likely to increase with the international ice cream landscape. In 2023, the EU exported 261 million kg of frozen dessert to countries outside the EU (5% Year-on-year) valued at $1.22 billion and imports from countries outside the EU fell by 8% to 56 million kg (with a value of $255 million), highlighting excellent intra EU-competitiveness. An examination by the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) based on United Nations Comtrade data indicates that Europe holds a very strong position in the global exports of the frozen dessert market with Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands in the top four export positions in 2023.
Segment Overview
| Market Segmentation | |
|---|---|
| Type | Traditional, Sugar-Free/Organic, Gelato & Others |
| Product | Dairy-Based, Non-Dairy/Vegan |
| Technology | Continuous Freezers, Batch Freezers, Instant Freezers |
| Form | Hard Serve, Soft Serve |
| Trade | Retail, Foodservice |
| Purchase | Impulse, Take Home |
| Flavor | Vanilla, Chocolate, Fruit, Others |
| Distribution Channel | Offline, Online |
| Packaging | Cones, Cups/Pots, Tubs & Cartons, Bars, Popsicles, Novelties, Sandwiches & Others |
| Region | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa |
Based on form, the ice cream market is segmented into hard serve and soft serve. The hard serve segment dominated the market. The growth of the Hard Serve segment is primarily driven by its traditional appeal and extended shelf life. Hard serve ice cream has long been a favorite choice in homes and ice cream shops because of its rich texture and indulgent flavor, often linked to nostalgic dessert moments. Unlike soft serve, hard serve ice cream can be produced in large quantities, packaged, and stored for longer periods, which makes it more convenient and cost-effective for retailers. For instance, Ben & Jerry's has built a strong global presence by focusing on hard serve ice cream sold in pint-sized containers. This approach offers consumers a wide variety of flavors with the benefit of longer shelf life, helping the brand maintain loyal customers worldwide.
The soft serve is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. This growth is fueled by the increasing consumer demand for convenient, customizable desserts. Quick-service restaurants, dessert parlors, and amusement parks are expanding their offerings to include soft serve options, attracting a diverse customer base. Technological advancements in soft serve machines, such as energy-efficient models and multi-flavor dispensing capabilities, have enhanced operational efficiency and appeal to businesses. For instance, companies like Electro Freeze and Carpigiani Group are leading the way in providing innovative soft serve machines that cater to the evolving needs of the market.
Based on type, the market is categorized into traditional, sugar-free/organic, and gelato & others. The tradition segment generated $57.7 billion in 2024 and led the market. The Traditional ice cream segment has shown steady growth due to strong consumer preference for classic, well-loved flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, which evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Brands like Nestle, with its Movenpick Classic range, and Haagen-Dazs, known for its signature vanilla and chocolate offerings, continue to attract loyal customers who seek familiar and consistent taste experiences. These traditional flavors particularly resonate with older consumers and families who often prefer simplicity over experimental or exotic options. For example, in January 2025, Haagen-Dazs introduced a new range of Belgian Waffle Cones and Ice Cream Bars. The cones feature timeless flavors like Toasted Almond Fudge and Vanilla Salted Caramel, while the bars include Salted Caramel Macadamia and New York Strawberry Cheesecake. These new launches combine premium ingredients with nostalgic flavor profiles, perfectly catering to consumers seeking indulgent yet traditional ice cream treats.
On the other hand, gelato & others is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. The growth of the Gelato & Others segment is fueled by the expanding presence of specialty dessert outlets, cafes, and gourmet ice cream parlors in urban and high-income areas. For instance, chains like Amorino and Cold Stone Creamery offer gelato and other frozen treats alongside unique options such as sorbets and dairy-free products. These outlets attract a wider audience, including millennials and Gen Z consumers who value novelty, variety, and experiential dining. The rise of social media and food influencers has amplified this trend by popularizing visually appealing, artisanal frozen desserts, boosting demand for gelato and similar products in both retail and foodservice sectors.
Geographical Overview
Asia-Pacific leads the market, while the Middle East & Africa is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. The rising demand for premium and culturally distinctive ice cream flavors is driving the growth of the Asia-Pacific ice cream market, particularly fueled by cross-border consumer behavior and tourism-driven taste preferences. For instance, in July 2024, Japanese ice cream exports reached a record ¥7.9 billion (USD 49.29 million) in 2023, marking a 23.5% annual increase. This surge was primarily fueled by demand from countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, where returning tourists sought out Japanese flavors such as matcha and azuki.
The revival of indigenous ingredients and cultural narratives in artisanal ice cream production is boosting regional pride and consumer demand, fostering a unique market niche across Middle East & Africa that merges tradition with innovation and enhances local engagement with frozen dessert products. For instance, in May 2025, Cape Town's Tapi Tapi ice cream cafe gained attention for promoting African identity and heritage through small-batch ice creams made with indigenous ingredients like sorghum, baobab, and roasted plantains.
The North American ice cream market is mainly driven by high consumer demand and a growing preference for premium and artisanal products. In the U.S., ice cream production was 1.31 billion gallons in 2024, supporting over 26,700 jobs and generating $1.9 billion in wages, according to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). The market experiences peak sales during the warmer months, from March to September, when ice cream shops, cafes, and dessert parlors increase sales, creating higher demand for refrigeration and display equipment.
The growth in Europe is owing to the rising demand for healthier, plant-based options. Food Union launched low-sugar and vegan products, like Premia's 40% reduced-sugar ice cream and Underground's 50 kcal mango stick, targeting calorie-conscious consumers. This reflects a broader trend toward "lighter indulgence," driven by health awareness and growing vegan and flexitarian diets.
The ice cream industry in Latin America is a reflection of cultural preferences. With the region's middle class income groups increase, there is a rising demand for premium ice cream products. Therefore, this trend has attracted major international brands to the region and has fueled among the local artisanal producers. Further, in countries such as Brazil and Mexico, the ice cream market has expanded rapidly, with both multinational corporations and small businesses competing for a share. For example, the ice cream market industry has witnessed an influential growth due to innovation by producers experimenting with new flavors, ingredients, and production techniques catering to the diverse tastes of Latin America consumers.
Key Trends and Drivers
Growing Demand for Health-Conscious and Plant-Based Ice Creams:
The ice cream market is experiencing a significant shift towards healthier ice cream options, including plant-based, low-fat, and lower-sugar ice creams. Consumers are gaining interest in products with natural ingredients free of artificial ingredients. This shift mirrors the rise of health-consciousness and diets, with plant-based dairy alternatives rising at greater than 12% annually. Regulatory agencies have shifted towards more product innovations emphasizing nutrition labeling and healthier formulations.
Increasing Disposable Income and Urbanization :
Increasing disposable incomes and rapid urbanization in emerging economies is evidence of greater demand for premium and indulgent ice cream options. Urban consumers will have greater access to diverse flavors and formats through expanding retail and convenience stores providing more access to that option. Recently published global economic data shows that middle-class populations have risen by more than 25% in Asia and Latin America in the past five years, which directly accounts for increased ice cream consumption.
Research Scope